Kenyan job seekers are poised to benefit as Chinese tyre manufacturing giant Linglong Tires prepares to establish a state-of-the-art factory in Kenya. The announcement was made on Friday, January 17, during a meeting between President William Ruto and Linglong Tires’ Chairperson, Wang Feng, at State House, Nairobi.
The planned facility is set to serve the African continent, generating thousands of employment opportunities for Kenyans. Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui, who recently took office, was also present during the discussions, signaling Kenya’s dedication to attracting foreign investment.
Kenya as a Premier Investment Destination
President Ruto expressed his administration’s commitment to fostering a competitive, investor-friendly environment to attract international businesses.
“Kenya continues to position itself as a premier destination for foreign investment, offering a range of attractive incentives designed to encourage investor confidence,” Ruto stated on social media.
While the factory’s exact location and launch timeline remain undisclosed, its establishment reinforces Kenya’s strategic role in advancing manufacturing and export initiatives on the continent.
About Linglong Tires
Founded in the 1970s, Shandong Linglong Tire Co., Ltd has consistently ranked among the world’s top 10 tyre enterprises and China’s top five manufacturers. The company produces tyres for various vehicle types, including passenger cars, trucks, and buses.
Linglong’s products, already available in Kenya, are exported to 173 countries worldwide, covering Europe, the Middle East, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Africa. The company also partners with over 60 global automakers, providing tyres and equipment for 100+ manufacturing bases.
Linglong’s Global Growth and Chelsea FC Partnership
Linglong has made significant strides internationally, with its market capitalization growing from Ksh2.9 trillion ($22.43 billion) in 2016 to Ksh3.38 trillion ($25.76 billion) in 2024, reflecting a steady annual growth rate of 1.63%.
In September 2024, Linglong announced a global partnership with Chelsea FC, becoming the official tyre provider for the English Premier League club’s men’s team bus. This collaboration also includes branding opportunities, exclusive content creation, and fan engagement activities worldwide.
“We are delighted to welcome Linglong Tire as our new official global tyre partner, an ambitious and innovative company committed to excellence,” said Casper Stylsvig, Chelsea FC’s Chief Revenue Officer.
Wang Feng, Linglong’s President, highlighted the partnership as a key milestone in the company’s internationalization strategy.
“We cherish this opportunity to showcase Linglong Tire’s brand charm and product strength to the world, working with Chelsea to deliver passion and excellence to fans and consumers globally.”
A Win for Kenya’s Economy
The announcement marks a significant step in Kenya’s journey to becoming a manufacturing and investment hub. With thousands of jobs expected and a boost to local production capabilities, the upcoming Linglong Tires factory is set to contribute to Kenya’s economic growth and strengthen its position in the global market.
Stay tuned for updates on this exciting development as Kenya continues to attract high-value investments.
