By Mwangi Ndirangu
Kenya has formally launched the Kenya National Buildings & Construction Decarbonization Roadmap (2026–2040), setting out a long-term plan to reduce carbon emissions from the buildings and construction sector as part of its climate commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Speaking during the launch in Nairobi, Works Secretary at the State Department of Public Works Nicholas Mutua said the roadmap signals a policy shift in how Kenya designs, constructs and manages its built environment.
“The buildings sector is a major driver of economic growth, but it must also become a driver of climate solutions,” Mutuas said. “This roadmap gives us a structured pathway to lower emissions from construction materials, improve energy efficiency and align urban development with our national climate targets.”
The 2026–2040 plan outlines measures to cut both operational emissions generated from energy use in building and embodied carbon from materials such as cement and steel.
It proposes phased revisions to building codes beginning in 2026, mandatory minimum energy performance standards for new public buildings by 2030, and incentives to promote low-carbon materials.
Mutua said the government will work with counties and industry stakeholders to implement the reforms.
“Counties approve building plans and oversee local compliance, so their role is central,” Said Principal Secretary Joel Arumonyang in a statement read on his behalf by Mutua. “We are strengthening technical capacity at county level to ensure enforcement of green building standards and proper monitoring of emissions reductions.”
Kenya’s construction sector has expanded rapidly over the past decade, driven by urbanisation and infrastructure development.
Officials at the launch noted that without intervention, emissions from cement production, steel use and rising electricity demand in buildings could significantly increase.
The roadmap calls for the adoption of low-clinker cement blends, greater recycling of construction and demolition waste, integration of passive cooling designs suited to local climates, and expanded installation of rooftop solar systems.
Representatives from the private sector welcomed the policy direction but called for financial support to facilitate the transition.
Arumonyang said the government is exploring green mortgages, tax incentives, and blended finance mechanisms to attract investment into energy-efficient housing and commercial developments.
“Green construction is not just about emissions,” he said. “It is about reducing energy bills for households, improving indoor comfort, and ensuring our cities remain competitive and resilient.”
The roadmap also introduces a monitoring and reporting framework, including lifecycle carbon assessments for large-scale projects and periodic five-year reviews to align with Kenya’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Implementation is scheduled to begin in 2026, with progressive tightening of standards through 2040. Further technical guidelines are expected to be released ahead of the rollout.
Officials said the plan is intended to prevent long-term carbon lock-in as Kenya addresses its housing deficit and continues expanding urban infrastructure.
“As we build for the future, we must build responsibly,” Arumonyang said. “This roadmap ensures that the growth of our cities does not come at the expense of our climate obligations.”
