Over 9,600 construction professionals gather in Nairobi as sector expands

Big 5 Construct Kenya has closed its 8th edition after drawing 9,637 construction professionals to the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi, underscoring continued momentum in Kenya’s fast-growing construction sector.

The three-day event brought together more than 120 exhibiting brands from over 20 countries, positioning the exhibition as a key regional platform for sourcing, networking and professional development within the industry.

Organisers said the strong turnout reflects wider sector growth, with construction contributing more than 6.14 per cent to Kenya’s GDP, driven by investments in transport, housing and public infrastructure under Vision 2030.

Exhibition halls showcased tools, materials, interiors, finishes, concrete, MEP solutions and construction technologies, attracting developers, contractors, consultants, engineers, project managers and government representatives.

Exhibitors included companies from India, Egypt, Germany, Italy, China and the United Arab Emirates, among others.

The Egypt Pavilion emerged as a focal point for cross-border engagement, with the Trade Representative Office in Nairobi facilitating meetings between Kenyan delegations and Egyptian firms.

Several bilateral discussions were held with real estate developers, contractors and building materials importers, highlighting growing trade ties.

Egyptian exports to Kenya reached $333.1 million in 2024, with organisers noting continued opportunities for collaboration in construction and infrastructure projects.

Professional development was a central feature of the event, with CPD-certified Big 5 Talks attracting 1,610 participants across more than 25 sessions.

Topics covered project management, engineering, architecture, design, technology and sustainability, offering practical insights for industry professionals.

Sessions included discussions on construction risk management, safety and regulatory compliance, digital transformation and the use of smart technologies such as drones, IoT and robotics on Kenyan construction sites.

Panels examined return on investment, safety improvements, data-driven monitoring and barriers to technology adoption and scaling.

Industry associations including the Project Management Institute Kenya, Kenya Green Building Society, BIM Africa, Architectural Association of Kenya, Institute of Engineers Kenya and the Kenya Association of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors supported content delivery and townhall discussions during the exhibition.

Commenting on the event, Josine Heijmans, Senior Vice President at dmg events, said: “We’ve seen exceptional turnout across all three days. It’s clear that Big 5 Construct Kenya continues to offer real value for the industry. We look forward to returning next year and building on this momentum with the industry.”

Organisers confirmed that the 9th edition of Big 5 Construct Kenya will return to the Sarit Expo Centre from 21 to 23 October 2026, building on the role of the 2025 event as a key sourcing, learning and networking hub for the region’s construction sector.