Strengthening Kenya's Building Sector for Sustainable Growth and Climate Change Adaptation

Strategic Insights -

Kenya's building code requires strict adherence to regulations on the greening of buildings and maintaining minimal environmental performance. However, the country's ambitions to mitigate environmental disruption are hindered by the presence of numerous tall, environmentally-disruptive buildings. To address this, the building sector needs strengthening in terms of greening technologies and environmental protection, particularly at the county and constituency levels. This requires a collaborative effort between government agencies, professional bodies, and the private sector to promote environmentally-friendly building practices.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Kenyan building code incorporates the concept of green buildings in designs, construction, operation, and maintenance to ensure healthy environments by efficiently using resources like land, water, energy, and materials.
  • Many buildings constructed using County Assembly funds and Constituency Development Funds (CDFs) have significantly poor quality and standards, often due to inadequate supervision and approvals.
  • The call for the building and construction sector to fully embrace the greening route is rising, driven by the country's energy needs and the government's efforts towards environmental protection.
  • Article 43 (1) (c) requires Kenyans to have access to adequate housing with reasonable standards of sanitation, but many buildings, including those constructed in counties, fall short of these demands.
  • Since the onset of COVID-19, the building and construction sectors have recorded one of the highest growth rates in recent years, contributing critically to environmental protection and reducing energy poverty.
  • The country's power generation capacity is approximately 1664MW, comprising hydro (770MW), geothermal (241MW), thermal (622MW), cogeneration (26MW), and wind (5.1MW), while the power demand stands at about 1360MW.
  • One of the challenges in implementing green building principles is individual tastes against reality, as many building owners prefer foreign designs that are not environmentally favorable.
  • Government, UN-Habitat, professional bodies, and educators must work together to promote green building practices, including educating people on the benefits of green buildings and providing incentives for developers.

Statistics:

  • The country's effective power generation capacity is approximately 1664MW, comprising:

+ Hydro: 770MW

+ Geothermal: 241MW

+ Thermal: 622MW

+ Cogeneration: 26MW

+ Wind: 5.1MW

  • The power demand in the country is approximately 1360MW.
  • Renewable sources account for a significant portion of the country's energy mix, including wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass.

Sources:

  • Government records on energy sector diversification and green growth and blue economy strategies.
  • Article 43 (1) (c) of the Kenyan Constitution.
  • UN-Habitat and professional bodies' efforts to promote green building practices.