Big 5 Construct Kenya opens in Nairobi, addressing the needs of Kenya’s burgeoning construction sector

Last Updated 37 mins ago by Kenya Engineer

Big 5 Construct Kenya officially opened its ninth edition today at the Sarit Expo Centre, marking the start of three days dedicated to advancing Kenya’s construction sector ambitions under Kenya Vision 2030. The event was inaugurated by Dr Erick Rutto, President, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry, joined by Kennedy Onditi, National Director – Nyanza Region, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Alessandra Rainaldi, Director, Italian Trade Agency; Kareem Hamdy, Economic and Trade Counsellor, Embassy of Egypt; alongside Josine Heijmans, Senior Vice President and Hussein Abdel Khalik, Associate Vice President – Commercial, from dmg events.

“Big 5 Construct Kenya presents an opportunity to attract investment, strengthen local manufacturing and accelerate affordable housing delivery. With consistent policies and stronger international partnerships, Kenya can become a leading hub for innovative construction materials serving the wider African market,” said Dr. Erick Rutto.

“Kenya is one of East Africa’s most active construction markets. The sector is a key driver of the country’s economic growth and development, supported by a substantial pipeline of housing and urban development projects,” said Heijmans. “As these projects create new opportunities, we’re excited to welcome the industry over the next three days to explore the products, build partnerships and exchange knowledge to support national development and delivery ambitions.”

With more than 150 exhibitors from over 25 countries, Big 5 Construct Kenya brings together international suppliers and local businesses to present solutions for Kenya’s construction market. Country pavilions from China, Egypt, Italy and Türkiye return, joined by Germany, making its debut this year.

First-time exhibitors include Kohler East Africa, Elite Tools, Henkel Kenya and Kerovit, presenting products across building systems and tools, construction materials and sanitaryware. The exhibitor line-up also features Jafree Traders, RIB South Africa, Scaffolding Construction Company, Carldora, Neuce Paints, Emirates Aluminium Profile, Royal Industries and IKSUN/Southern Screws, with solutions spanning the full ecosystem of Kenya’s construction supply chain.

Spotlighting sustainability with the Big 5 Impact Trail

Kenya’s construction sector is transitioning toward sustainability, anchored by the Kenya National Buildings and Construction Decarbonization Roadmap (2026–2040) (Source: Global Buildings Performance Network (GBPN)). Reflecting this shift, Big 5 Impact Trail debuts this year with a curated showcase of solutions that respond to the growing demand for lower-impact materials in line with the country’s sustainability ambitions. Trail markers across the exhibition floor guide visitors to solutions such as ProNature’s VOC- and formaldehyde-free paints and sealers; Herz Middle East’s heating, air conditioning and sanitary systems; and Emirates Industrial Panels’ energy-efficient insulated panels, alongside products from Supreme, Surfaces Furnishing, Wood Products Kenya and National Paints Factories Co-Qatar.

Professional development through Big 5 Talks

Alongside the exhibition, the CPD-certified Big 5 Talks opened with a panel examining how to build confidence in Kenya’s changing construction landscape. Moderated by Ntando Teddy Khuzwayo, Membership and Education Lead, Sub-Saharan Africa, Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the discussion featured Dr Cecilia Wandiga, Executive Director, Centre for Science and Technology Innovations; Arch. Stephen Mwilu, Manager: Compliance, National Construction Authority; Njeri Maina, Senior Associate, Bowmans; and Jayant Raghwani, Group Director, Laxcon Group of Companies.

The discussion highlighted the importance of proactive risk management, regulatory compliance and clear contractual obligations in preventing costly disputes and protecting project investment. “Managing risk is not just about avoiding failure; it is about building trust, accountability and sustainable development,” noted Dr Wandiga.

The programme then turned to the commercial realities of running a business, with Susan Elisha, Founder & Creative Director, FOMM Decor, highlighting the importance of pricing professional expertise fairly, building scalable business models and forming strategic industry partnerships. She also emphasized the value of connecting creative professionals with local industry players to expand collaboration and market opportunities. “Creative talent needs the right business to thrive,” said Elisha.

Reflecting the importance of standards, skills and collaboration across the construction value chain, Qs. Susan Rutto, Acting Chief Executive Officer, National Construction Authority (NCA) said: “Kenya’s construction industry continues to strengthen its focus to deliver quality, safe and sustainable buildings and infrastructure. Achieving these ambitions requires collaboration across the value chain, investment in skills and knowledge, and the adoption of evolving construction practices.”

Qs Rutto continued: “Big 5 Construct Kenya brings industry stakeholders together to exchange expertise, explore emerging solutions and discuss the priorities that will support the sector’s development. As the industry regulator, the National Construction Authority welcomes the opportunity to contribute to these discussions, engaging directly with industry professionals to strengthen higher standards and the future of Kenya’s construction industry.”

Across the three days, more than 25 CPD-certified sessions will gather industry experts from Modular Africa Kenya, the Chartered Institute of Building, the Institution of Engineers of Kenya and the Institution of Construction Project Managers of Kenya to address key construction priorities. Day two features a FIDIC masterclass, while Day three concludes with a leadership panel and training sessions from the Real Building Workers Association of Kenya.

Big 5 Construct Kenya is open from 10am to 5pm daily until 23 October. Entry is free for trade and industry professionals aged 21 and above.