Big 5 Construct Kenya: Construction boom attracts 150 global firms to Nairobi
Kenya’s construction industry is attracting increased interest from international suppliers as projects worth an estimated $26 billion move through the development pipeline.
More than 150 companies from over 25 countries are expected in Nairobi later this month for the ninth edition of Big 5 Construct Kenya, as contractors, developers and suppliers seek opportunities in the expanding market.
The construction exhibition will be held at Sarit Expo Centre from October 21 to 23.
Kenya’s construction sector grew by 6.8 percent in 2025 after contracting by 0.7 percent in 2024, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics Economic Survey 2026.
The country accounts for 64.4 percent of the value of identified construction projects in East Africa, according to Construct Africa.
The figures point to Kenya’s dominance of the regional construction market and the growing demand for building materials, equipment, technology and specialist services.
“Kenya’s substantial project pipeline is creating demand for a broad range of products, expertise and specialist services, opening opportunities for companies looking to expand their presence in East Africa,” said Josine Heijmans, senior vice-president at dmg events, the organiser of the exhibition.
She said the event would connect local businesses with international suppliers and manufacturers while giving global companies a better understanding of the Kenyan market.
The exhibition will feature companies operating across construction materials, building systems, equipment, digital technologies and specialist services.
International exhibitors include Liebherr, Silkcoat Paint Company, GRUPO B&M, Krypton Chemical, Ceramica Cleopatra, MC-Bauchemie and RIB Software.
Companies from China, Egypt, Germany, Italy and Türkiye will also participate through country pavilions.
Kenyan firms expected at the event include Kohler East Africa, Henkel Kenya, Wood Products Kenya, Elite Tools, King Tiles, Jafree Trader/BTALI and Neuce Paints.
The products on display will cover areas including cement and concrete, construction equipment, building finishes, digital construction, heating and cooling systems, mechanical and electrical services, intelligent buildings, modular construction, solar and building envelope solutions.
Focus on sustainable construction
The 2026 edition will introduce the Big 5 Impact Trail, which will showcase construction products and technologies designed to reduce environmental impact and improve resource efficiency.
The initiative will feature selected products across the exhibition floor, including lower-impact construction materials and technologies designed for longer-term performance.
Participating companies include ProNature, Herz Middle East, Emirates Industrial Panel, National Paints Factories, The Supreme Industries, Knauf Gypsum Tanzania and Surfaces Furnishing.
The exhibition will also feature the CPD-certified Big 5 Talks, with more than 25 sessions covering architecture and design, project management, technology and innovation, sustainability and contracting.
Speakers will include representatives from the Ministry of Roads and Transport, National Construction Authority, Architectural Association of Kenya, Centre for Science and Technology Innovations, FIDIC, Turner & Townsend and Gentec Consulting.
The organisers said the sessions would focus on practical challenges facing construction projects, including project delivery, technology adoption, sustainability and contracting.
The event comes as the government pushes infrastructure and development projects under Vision 2030 and the Construction Industry Development Policy, creating demand for both local and imported construction inputs.
Big 5 Construct Kenya is open to trade and industry professionals aged 21 and above.
