Big 5 Construct Kenya trade show in Nairobi draws more than 150 exhibitors; Kenya's project pipeline put at US$26 billion

The ninth Big 5 Construct Kenya trade show is running at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi from 21 to 23 October, with more than 150 exhibitors from over 25 countries. The organiser is dmg events.

Country pavilions from China, Egypt, Germany, Italy and Türkiye share the floor with international and Kenyan companies across 12 dedicated sectors.

ConstructAfrica puts Kenya's construction project pipeline at US$26 billion (about KSh 3.4 trillion) and Kenya's share of East Africa's identified construction project value at 64.4 per cent, Citizen Digital reported on 8 October. The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) Economic Survey 2026 shows the construction sector grew 6.8 per cent in 2025 after contracting 0.7 per cent in 2024.

Josine Heijmans, senior vice president at dmg events, said in the organiser's announcement on africa.com: "Kenya's substantial project pipeline is creating demand for a broad range of products, expertise and specialist services."

International exhibitors include Liebherr, Silkcoat Paint Company, GRUPO B&M, Krypton Chemical, Ceramica Cleopatra, MC-Bauchemie and RIB Software. Kenyan exhibitors include Kohler East Africa, Henkel Kenya, Wood Products Kenya, Elite Tools, King Tiles, Jafree Trader/BTALI and Neuce Paints.

This year's show adds the Big 5 Impact Trail, which marks eco-friendly construction solutions across the exhibition floor, and more than 25 CPD-certified sessions under the Big 5 Talks programme. The sessions cover architecture and design, project management, technology and innovation, sustainability, and contracting. Speakers include representatives of the Ministry of Roads and Transport, the National Construction Authority and the Architectural Association of Kenya.

Entry is free for trade and industry professionals aged 21 and over, with registration at www.big5constructkenya.com.

The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) said about 15 foreign companies have expressed interest in setting up manufacturing or distribution operations in Kenya, The Star reported on 22 October. They are looking at ceramics, roofing, plumbing equipment and electrical fittings.

KNCCI president Erick Rutto said the chamber will run feasibility studies covering production costs, raw material availability, power costs and suitable locations. The chamber has more than 60,000 members and wants to link the foreign firms with local distributors and partners.

The Star put Kenya's housing shortage at more than 2 million units. Rutto said Kenya could become "a hub for Africa, especially under the African Continental Free Trade Area" if it offers incentives for local production. "The policy must be long-term, consistent and not changing every time," he said.

The Standard wrote on 12 October: "Proposed projects do not automatically translate into contracts, completed developments or business for local suppliers."