Affordable Housing Drive Opens New Opportunities for Global Construction Investors at Buildexpo Kenya
Affordable Housing Board Chief Executive Officer Joe Mutugu(Right) visits an exhibition stand during the 27th Buildexpo 2026 in Nairobi on Wednesday July 8, 2026
Kenya’s ambitious affordable housing programme is opening up new opportunities for local and international manufacturers as the government accelerates the construction of about 270,000 housing units across the country.
Speaking during the official opening of the 27th Buildexpo Kenya at the Carnivore Exhibition Grounds in Nairobi on Wednesday, Affordable Housing Board Chief Executive Officer Joe Mutugu said the programme requires a wide range of construction materials, making partnerships with manufacturers and suppliers critical to its success.
“This event is very important for the Affordable Housing Board because we are undertaking one of the most ambitious construction projects in Kenya. We are building about 270,000 homes in all parts of the country, and in the construction of these homes we require cement, steel, glass, granite and numerous other materials,” said Mutugu.
He said the exhibition provides an important platform for suppliers, manufacturers and other industry players to connect, exchange ideas and explore business opportunities that will support Kenya’s growing construction sector.
Mutugu expressed optimism that the expo would attract more international companies to establish operations in Kenya and strengthen local supply chains needed to deliver the government’s affordable housing agenda.
“I hope the event continues and succeeds, and that as a result of it we have many more companies coming from all over the world to set up shop in Kenya to supply our industries. My vision is hundreds of thousands of new homes for Kenyans, with the participation of the companies exhibiting here helping to turn that vision into reality,” he said.
The three-day exhibition has brought together more than 300 exhibitors from over 44 countries showcasing the latest technologies, machinery, building materials and solutions across the construction, mining, water and woodworking sectors.
East Africa Expo Group Regional Director Duncan Njage said the exhibition is designed to connect investors with Kenyan businesses while introducing the public to emerging technologies shaping the future of construction.
“We have more than 44 countries and 300 companies showcasing the latest technology in different sectors. We encourage the public and business community to come and meet these investors because many are looking for joint venture partners and distributors,” said Njage
He said this year’s exhibition has expanded significantly, prompting organisers to move the event from the Kenyatta International Convention Centre to the larger Carnivore Exhibition Grounds to accommodate growing participation.
Njage added that visitors will have an opportunity to explore innovations that can reduce construction costs and shorten building timelines, particularly as demand for affordable housing continues to grow.
Buildexpo Kenya, running until Friday, also features the concurrent AfriWood, WaterTech and MineExpo exhibitions, bringing together stakeholders from across the construction value chain to showcase innovations, forge partnerships and promote investment in Kenya’s infrastructure and housing sectors.
