This archive report was first published on 22 August 2019.
Kenya's construction sector is heavily reliant on imported materials, with the port of Mombasa recording a significant increase in the number of imported construction materials in August 2016, according to a report by the Kenya Ports Authority.
Materials take up to 70 per cent of construction costs, and built environment professionals converged in Mombasa to discuss ways to address this issue. The Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) Annual Convention, held alongside the general assembly of the Commonwealth Association of Architects, focused on the theme 'Building Blocks and the Built Environment.'
AAK President Mugure Njendu emphasized the need to influence decisions made prior to and during the construction process to impact the end product in terms of design and cost. 'We want to begin influencing the decisions that can be made prior to and during the processes to impact the end product in terms of design and cost,' she said.
Manufacturing and its growth were key focuses of the convention, with experts highlighting the opportunity to manufacture materials locally. Konza Technopolis Development Authority CEO John Tanui cited Space and Style, which initially imported Decra tiles but has since constructed a factory in Thika to produce the materials locally.
Cabinet Secretary for Trade and Industrialisation Peter Munya announced that the Government is putting in place interventions to address bottlenecks in manufacturing and giving incentives for prioritised sectors, including oil and gas, building and construction, and agro-processing.
Experts also emphasized the need to systemise methods of design, production, planning, and control, as well as mechanise and automate manufacturing to reduce costs and increase quality. Shelter Afrique Managing Director Andrew Chimphondah urged experts to consider sustainable human settlements that incorporate a wide variety of housing types and green building technologies.
