Chinese tyre manufacturer Shandong Linglong Tire Co. Ltd. will invest USD 800 million to establish a state-of-the-art tyre manufacturing facility in Mariakani, Kilifi County, within the Mombasa Special Economic Zone (SEZ). The project is anticipated to create over 1,500 direct jobs, strengthen local value chains, and enhance Kenya’s status as a global manufacturing hub.
The announcement was made during the Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms – Kenya Investment Forum 2025 at Vipingo Ridge, Kilifi County, where President William Ruto witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry and the Linglong Group.
“I was honoured to sign the agreement alongside Mr. Feng Wang, Vice Chair of Linglong Group and President & Chair of Linglong Tyres,” said President Ruto, noting that the investment represents a significant step in Kenya’s journey towards industrial transformation.
The Head of State reaffirmed his government’s commitment to positioning Kenya not only as Africa’s premier investment destination but also as a global hub.
“As Kenya, and as Africa, we must cast aside the smallness of vision. We must raise our ambition to rival the very best in the world within our lifetime,” he stated.
The Kilifi plant marks the culmination of earlier discussions between President Ruto and Linglong Chairman Wang Feng at State House Nairobi in January 2025. During this meeting, President Ruto pledged continued government support through attractive incentives designed to encourage investor confidence.
Linglong Tire, one of the world’s top ten tyre producers and among the top five in China, operates seven production bases, seven research institutions, and employs over 19,000 people globally. Its products are sold in 173 countries, with a market presence across Europe, the Middle East, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Africa.
President Ruto noted that beyond job creation, the project will accelerate Kenya’s industrialization agenda through Special Economic Zones, which he described as engines for economic growth and investment across Africa.
“This landmark project will create jobs, attract new skills, and establish Kenya as a trusted destination for world-class investments,” the President remarked.
