NAIROBI, Kenya- The future of sustainable construction in Africa is being charted in Nairobi as global players in the construction industry gather for the Kenya Green Building Society (KGBS) Annual Conference.
Themed “Creating a Sustainable and Inclusive Tomorrow: Innovating the Greenprint for Our Urban Future,” the event draws over 200 stakeholders from across the built environment sector, including policymakers, entrepreneurs, and researchers from Kenya, Belgium, and beyond.
As cities across Africa face rapid urbanization, the KGBS conference seeks to promote sustainable and resilient building practices in Kenya and across the continent.
According to Nasra Nanda, CEO of the Kenya Green Building Society, the two-day event will feature dynamic discussions, presentations, and workshops focusing on pressing issues like urban development, energy efficiency, and the policy and financial hurdles to implementing green infrastructure.
“This conference is more than just a gathering; it’s a movement towards a sustainable and inclusive future for our rapidly urbanizing country,” Nanda emphasized.
Representatives from organizations such as IFC, Habitat for Humanity, and Expo City Dubai are also attending, reflecting the international interest in scaling sustainable practices across Africa’s growing urban centers.
With the increasing adoption of eco-friendly technologies—like solar energy, water management systems, and renewable building materials—the region is poised for a transformation toward greener cities.
The Kenyan construction industry, a key driver of economic growth, is increasingly embracing green technologies to mitigate its environmental impact.
Maurice Aketch, Executive Director of the National Construction Authority, highlighted the importance of the conference in accelerating Kenya’s sustainability goals.
Speaking on behalf of Lands and Housing Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome, Aketch described the event as a critical step toward integrating sustainable practices into urban development.
Kenya’s construction industry has already made strides by incorporating energy-efficient designs, locally sourced materials, and green technologies into projects across the country.
In addition to panel discussions on smart cities and sustainable housing, the KGBS conference will feature an awards ceremony recognizing industry leaders driving change in Kenya’s built environment.
Attendees will also tour flagship projects, including the sustainable design at Aga Khan University and Roam Electric’s E-mobility plant, offering a glimpse into the future of sustainable urban development.
The insights from the conference will be compiled into a report aimed at shaping Kenya’s broader approach to sustainability in construction.
This document will also serve as a blueprint for scaling these practices across Africa, aligning with the vision of resilient, green cities that can weather the challenges of tomorrow.
