NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 7 – Kenya’s construction sector is set for increased activity as a Sh3.35 trillion ($26 billion) pipeline of projects drives demand for building materials, equipment and specialized services.
The outlook will be showcased at the ninth edition of Big 5 Construct Kenya, scheduled for October 21-23 at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi, bringing together more than 150 exhibitors from over 25 countries.
The event comes after the construction sector rebounded strongly in 2025, expanding by 6.8 percent after contracting 0.7 percent in 2024, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics Economic Survey 2026.
Kenya accounts for 64.4 percent of the value of identified construction projects in East Africa, according to Construct Africa, highlighting the country’s position as the region’s largest market for planned construction activity.
“Kenya’s substantial project pipeline is creating demand for a broad range of products, expertise and specialist services, opening opportunities for companies looking to expand their presence in East Africa,” said Josine Heijmans, Senior Vice President at dmg events, the organizer of the exhibition.
The exhibition will feature products and services covering 12 construction-related sectors, including building materials, construction equipment, digital construction, concrete and cement, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, intelligent buildings and solar solutions.
International firms including Liebherr, RIB Software, MC-Bauchemie, Ceramica Cleopatra and Silkcoat Paint Company are expected to participate, alongside Kenyan companies such as Kohler East Africa, Henkel Kenya, Wood Products Kenya, Elite Tools and King Tiles.
China, Egypt, Germany, Italy and Türkiye will also have country pavilions, reflecting growing international interest in Kenya’s construction market and wider East African opportunities.
The event will also introduce the Big 5 Impact Trail, a dedicated showcase of eco-friendly construction products and technologies, including lower-impact materials and resource-efficient solutions.
The sustainability focus comes as developers and contractors face increasing pressure to improve resource efficiency and incorporate environmentally sustainable technologies into construction projects.
Alongside the exhibition, the CPD-certified Big 5 Talks programme will feature more than 25 sessions covering architecture and design, project management, technology and innovation, sustainability and contracting.
“Across the three days, professionals will have the opportunity to see solutions first-hand, exchange knowledge with peers and have practical conversations around the projects and requirements driving the market,” Heijmans said.
The construction industry remains a key component of Kenya’s Vision 2030 development agenda, with infrastructure, housing, commercial developments and industrial projects expected to sustain demand across the construction value chain.
