Assessing the Prevalence of International Technology Transfer by Chinese Firms into the Kenyan Construction Sector

Technological advancement and growth in skilled expertise are some of the factors contributing to economic development. As a developing country, Kenya’s quest to achieve economic growth is underpinned by the need to have technology embedded within the various economic sectors. Furthermore, a skilled and technologically adept workforce will be afforded an opportunity to improve their lives economically. Multi-National Corporations (MNCs) engaged in commercial activities within various developing countries have often contributed significantly to technology and skills- set transfers into the local economies. As Kenya intensifies its relationship with China, Chinese MNCs continue to be embedded into the Kenyan economic space. Even as activities of MNCs increase the question of whether Kenya is benefitting in terms of technology transfer from these MNCs begs to be asked. The aim of this study is therefore to assess whether Kenya is gaining new technology from Chinese MNCs operating in Kenya. This study therefore attempted to answer the question, “What is the prevalence of international technology transfer by Chinese firms into the Kenya government construction sector?” Data for this study was based on both primary data, obtained via interviews, as well as secondary data, obtained from reports, government publications, journals, books, newspaper articles amongst other documentary sources. The research conducted would be beneficial to both academic enthusiasts as well as policy makers in assessing various effects technology transfer by MNCs operating within the local economic sphere.