7th Largest construction and civil engineering company set Its base In Nairobi

Kenya’s capital city is set to house one of world’s largest construction and civil engineering companies.

Bechtel Corporation, the largest construction and civil engineering company in the United States has announced plans to set its Africa headquarters in Nairobi.

“Our new office in Nairobi presents an opportunity to focus on building stronger relationships with our customers and their communities,” said Andrew Patterson, Bechtel’s region president for Africa. “We are excited about creating a permanent presence in Africa to support our customers in delivering large infrastructure, oil and gas and mining projects.” Patterson will be based in Nairobi.

The San Francisco headquartered company which is the 9th-largest privately owned American company hopes to use Kenya’s capital to set up its footing in Africa.

Also read: World's largest construction company to erect Africa’s tallest building in Nairobi

The company which was founded in 1898 has undertaken some of the biggest projects in Infrastructure, Mining & Metals Oil, Gas & Chemical Nuclear, Security, & Environmental across the world.

In 1947, for instance the company undertook the construction on what was then the world’s longest oil pipeline, the Trans-Arabian Pipeline, which began in Saudi Arabia, ran across Jordan and Syria, and ended in Lebanon.

Other Mega projects undertaken by the company include; construction of the largest nuclear plant in the US at the time, the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, major airports in Saudi Arabia and the metro rail in Washington among others.

Also read: Nairobi battles with Dubai as investment hot spot for multinationals

Africa is expressing a surge in population growth and it is expected in the near future demand for housing will take off through the roof. Africa is also enjoying stability after a long time of civil unrest which has seen many economies prosper and with it governments have commissioned several large infrastructure projects across the continent.

Kenya's capital has over time cut a niche for itself as one of the most business friendly countries in the continent thanks to friendly policies and open market.

Also read: The best and the worst Kenya's capital city has on offer for Investors

In 2016, Bechtel was ranked ninth on Forbes’ list of America’s Largest Private Companies by revenue, and 7th on Fortune’s list of the 25 Most Important Private Companies.