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

Big 5 Construct Kenya opened its ninth edition at Nairobi’s Sarit Expo Centre on 21 October 2026, bringing together more than 150 exhibitors from over 25 countries. Running until 23 October, the event combines construction product showcases with technical sessions and a new sustainability-focused feature, the Big 5 Impact Trail.

International exhibitors target Kenya’s construction market

The three-day exhibition brings international suppliers and local businesses together to present products and solutions for Kenya’s construction industry. Organised by dmg events, the event supports industry engagement around Kenya Vision 2030.

The opening ceremony was attended by Dr Erick Rutto, President of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Kennedy Onditi, National Director – Nyanza Region, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Alessandra Rainaldi, Director of the Italian Trade Agency; and Kareem Hamdy, Economic and Trade Counsellor at the Embassy of Egypt. They were joined by Josine Heijmans, Senior Vice President, and Hussein Abdel Khalik, Associate Vice President – Commercial, at 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.

Heijmans highlighted the importance of construction to Kenya’s economic development and the opportunities associated with its housing and urban development pipeline.

“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,” she said.

“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.”

Country pavilions and new exhibitors expand product offerings

The exhibition features country pavilions from China, Egypt, Italy and Türkiye. Germany joins the line-up for the first time in 2026.

First-time exhibitors include Kohler East Africa, Elite Tools, Henkel Kenya and Kerovit. Their offerings cover building systems, tools, construction materials and sanitaryware.

Other exhibitors include Jafree Traders, RIB South Africa, Scaffolding Construction Company, Carldora, Neuce Paints, Emirates Aluminium Profile, Royal Industries and IKSUN/Southern Screws.

Together, the participating companies represent multiple segments of the construction supply chain, giving visitors an opportunity to explore products and solutions relevant to building projects and related industries.

Big 5 Impact Trail highlights construction sustainability

The new Big 5 Impact Trail showcases products positioned to support more environmentally conscious construction practices. The feature reflects the sustainability priorities identified in the event announcement.

The release links Kenya’s construction-sector transition to the Kenya National Buildings and Construction Decarbonization Roadmap (2026–2040), attributed to the Global Buildings Performance Network.

Products highlighted along the trail include ProNature® paints and sealers described as free from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde; heating, air-conditioning and sanitary systems from Herz Middle East; and energy-efficient insulated panels from Emirates Industrial Panels.

Additional participating companies include Supreme, Surfaces Furnishing, Wood Products Kenya and National Paints Factories Co-Qatar, as named in the body of the supplied release. The company name requires confirmation before publication.

The trail uses markers across the exhibition floor to help visitors identify the featured solutions. The announcement positions the initiative as a way to connect construction professionals with materials and systems relevant to lower-impact building practices.

Big 5 Talks addresses risk, regulation and business development

Alongside the exhibition, the CPD-certified Big 5 Talks programme opened with a panel discussion on building confidence in Kenya’s changing construction landscape.

Moderated by Ntando Teddy Khuzwayo, Membership and Education Lead for Sub-Saharan Africa at the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the panel featured Dr Cecilia Wandiga, Executive Director of the Centre for Science and Technology Innovations; Arch. Stephen Mwilu, Manager: Compliance at the National Construction Authority; Njeri Maina, Senior Associate at Bowmans; and Jayant Raghwani, Group Director of Laxcon Group of Companies.

The discussion covered proactive risk management, regulatory compliance and clear contractual obligations as ways to prevent costly disputes and protect project investment.

“Managing risk is not just about avoiding failure; it is about building trust, accountability and sustainable development,” noted Dr Wandiga.

The programme also examined the commercial challenges of running a business. Susan Elisha, Founder and Creative Director of FOMM Decor, discussed fair pricing for professional expertise, scalable business models and strategic partnerships.

She also highlighted 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.

National Construction Authority highlights skills and standards

Qs. Susan Rutto, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Construction Authority (NCA), highlighted the importance of quality, safety and sustainability in Kenya’s construction sector.

“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.”

Rutto added: “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.”

More than 25 CPD-certified sessions across three days

The wider Big 5 Talks programme includes more than 25 CPD-certified sessions featuring 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.

According to the announcement, the programme covers a range of construction-sector 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.

The sessions complement the exhibition’s product displays by providing a forum for industry professionals to discuss technical knowledge, project delivery and construction practices.

Event dates, venue and visitor registration

Big 5 Construct Kenya runs from 21 to 23 October 2026 at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi. Opening hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Admission is free for trade and industry professionals aged 21 and above, according to the official event information.

Visitors can find further details and register through the official Big 5 Construct Kenya website.