Honda Motors Limited has announced plans to enter Kenya’s construction sector through its new startup, PathAhead Company.
PathAhead has developed Rising Sand, the world’s first artificial aggregate made from desert sand, designed to meet the growing demand for high-quality road construction materials.
In an announcement on March 31, Honda stated that the production is set to begin at a dedicated plant in Kenya in 2028, with the aim of providing a stable supply of sand for construction companies across the region.
“After these steps, the company aims to begin mass production of Rising Sand at its own production plant, scheduled to be built in the Republic of Kenya in 2028, and establish a system and capability to ensure a stable supply to construction companies in Africa,” read part of the statement.
The company plans to establish sand mass-production technology and conduct demonstration testing to validate its durability and workability for asphalt roads.
According to Honda, only about 20% of roads in Africa are paved, while many existing roads are deteriorating, increasing logistics costs and affecting economic activity.
Hence, it stated that the rising sand will offer a potential solution by providing a consistent, high-quality aggregate alternative to traditional natural resources, which often vary in strength and availability depending on their geological source.
How Rising Sand Will Be Produced
Honda noted that the Rising Sand is produced using PathAhead’s proprietary technology, which transforms fine, non-uniform desert sand grains into uniform, high-hardness aggregates suitable for road paving, concrete, and base-course applications.
The product promises cost efficiency, durability, and consistent quality, making it an attractive option for construction companies and government infrastructure projects.
Following successful trials, the company plans to roll out mass production in Kenya in 2028, with subsequent plants in Tanzania and South Africa.
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PathAhead intends to establish a reliable supply network through local sourcing and production, creating opportunities for construction firms and supporting Africa’s infrastructure development.
For investors and construction companies, Honda stated that the PathAhead initiative represents an opportunity to engage with innovative material technology that addresses both cost and quality challenges in road construction across the continent.
As a first step, PathAhead will conduct demonstration testing in Kenya starting in 2027, followed by Tanzania and South Africa.
The tests will evaluate performance under local traffic and climate conditions, aiming to develop specifications for mass production.
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Honda Motors Targets Kenyan Construction Sector
According to the company, roads using Rising Sand could last more than 20 years, compared with around 10 years for conventional aggregates, reducing maintenance needs.
This longer durability is estimated to lower the overall lifecycle costs by about 60% compared to conventional roads made with natural aggregates.
In addition, by using locally available materials, such as desert sand combined with specific additives, PathAhead aims to offer Rising Sand at a price comparable to standard natural aggregates.
Beyond road paving, Rising Sand can serve as a sustainable material for concrete and the base or sub-base layers of roads.
