Nairobi: The Kenya Green Building Society (KGBS), in partnership with KCB Bank, has hosted the Annual KGBS Conference and Green Expo 2025 with the aim of bringing green and eco-friendly technologies into the Kenyan real estate sector. Under the theme 'Kenya's Climate Resilient Innovation: A Gateway for Investment in Real Estate, Infrastructure, Heritage, Nature, and Tourism,' the two-day conference aims to spotlight Kenya's progress in green construction and climate-resilient investment.
According to Kenya News Agency, the conference builds on the success of the recently concluded Africa Climate Summit and positions Kenya as a regional hub for sustainable real estate, infrastructure, and tourism with nature-based and heritage solutions. "We are bringing together public and private sector players to highlight innovations, especially those from counties, youth, and women. The goal is to foster collaboration and create investment opportunities," said KGBS CEO Nasra Nanda during the opening session.
The conference has attracted over 200 stakeholders, including government officials, policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and sustainability experts. Participants represent a wide range of organizations such as the National and County Governments, Kenya Development Corporation, Business Finland, HFC, ALN Kenya, Mapei EA, Daikin, and Gatsby Africa, among others.
KCB Managing Director, Annastacia Mutai, noted that Kenya is experiencing a financing gap of approximately Sh180 billion (US$1.4 billion) in meeting 2030 decarbonization objectives for the building sector. She emphasized that coordination among the government, private sector, and community will be crucial in driving investment towards climate-resilient development.
Senior Presidential Advisor Ibrahim Rashid Ahmed reiterated the government's support, citing ongoing initiatives such as the Climate Change Act, devolved climate finance, and green bonds. Some of the expo features include six theme pavilions showcasing green building proposals, sustainable construction materials, youth and community innovation, climate finance, and nature-based tourism. "Kenya has shown the way that Global South leadership is achievable," Nanda said. "Now the challenge is to make that leadership happen in the form of stable societies, green cities, and a sustainable future."