Government Initiatives Drive Sustainable Construction Agenda

Kenya is actively developing clear green building guidelines and regulations to promote sustainable construction practices across the nation. This push is driven by the urgent need to address climate change and its impacts, with a focus on reducing carbon emissions and conserving natural resources within the built environment.

The government's commitment is evident in various legislative and policy frameworks. The National Construction Authority (NCA) launched the National Building Code 2024 on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, which incorporates provisions for sustainable green construction practices, multi-hazard resilient designs, and energy efficiency standards. This new code, published on March 1, 2024, as Legal Notice no. 47, repeals the outdated 1968 building by-laws and is one of only three building codes in Africa to address sustainability and climate change.

Furthermore, the proposed Climate Change Green and Resilient Buildings Regulations 2023 aim to establish a dedicated green resilient building unit under the State Department for Public Works. This unit will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of green building provisions, maintaining a record of green buildings, managing certification and rating systems, and accrediting green building professionals in Kenya.

Historical Context and Policy Evolution

Kenya's journey towards sustainable construction has been evolving. The country's Vision 2030 and the Green Economy Strategy Implementation Plan (2016) articulate a high-level policy commitment to inclusive green economic growth, including in the building and construction sector. The Green Economy Strategy aims for 75% of large public and private new or renovated buildings to be green by 2030.

Key legislation supporting this transition includes the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) of 1999 (revised 2015), which advocates for sustainable resource use and energy efficiency. The Energy Act, 2019, also plays a crucial role by promoting renewable energy sources and setting a framework for energy efficiency and conservation in buildings.

In 2012, the Ministry of Energy introduced the Energy (Solar Water Heating) Regulations, requiring buildings with hot water needs exceeding 100 litres per day to install solar heating systems. More recently, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) introduced the Energy Net Metering Regulations 2024, allowing consumers to feed excess renewable power into the national grid, and the Energy Solar Water Heating Regulations 2025, which enhance safety and quality standards for solar water heating systems.

Stakeholder Engagement and Challenges

While the private sector has largely driven the shift towards decarbonising the construction industry, compliance with existing policies remains a challenge. Stakeholders, including architects, engineers, and contractors, often face limited awareness and understanding of sustainable construction practices. Financial constraints, such as higher initial costs for green buildings, and a traditional reliance on conventional building methods also hinder adoption.

The Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) reports that a significant 80% of building developments in Kenya proceed without adequate input from green housing professionals. However, organisations like the Kenya Green Building Society (KGBS) are actively working to transform the property industry towards environmental sustainability through advocacy, education, and the development of rating tools like the Green Star Kenya and the Safari Green Building tool.

Benefits and Implications of Green Buildings

The adoption of green building practices offers numerous benefits for Kenya. Environmentally, they reduce carbon emissions, lower energy and water consumption, and decrease waste production, helping Kenya meet its climate goals. Economically, green buildings lead to significant cost savings on energy, water, and maintenance over the long term, and can increase property values, making them attractive to investors and tenants.

Furthermore, green buildings promote healthier living and working environments through improved indoor air quality, natural ventilation, and access to sunlight, contributing to the well-being and productivity of occupants.

Evidence and Data

Unanswered Questions and Next Steps

While the policy framework is strengthening, clarity on timelines for full implementation of new regulations, specific cost implications for developers, and robust safeguards to ensure compliance are still being sought by stakeholders. The effectiveness of enforcement mechanisms for existing and upcoming green building policies remains a critical area to watch.

What to Watch

The coming months will be crucial for observing the implementation of the National Building Code 2024 and the proposed Climate Change Green and Resilient Buildings Regulations 2023. Stakeholders will be keen to see how the government provides incentives for green building technologies and addresses the current gaps in awareness and skilled professionals. The success of these initiatives will significantly shape Kenya's urban development and its contribution to global climate action.