More green design experts needed

Kenya has about 20 environmental design experts. While this is, ironically, one of the highest in Africa, the small number is partly to blame for the few green buildings in the country.

“Most buildings being constructed in Kenya today are not environmentally-friendly or climate responsive. Take the City of Nairobi, for example. Since 2000, many buildings have been put up. Only the LRC at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa and the Coca Cola East and Central Africa Business unit headquarters in Upper Hill meet the criteria for environmentally conscious buildings. The KCB headquarters in Upper Hill, which is under construction, will be a good addition as it employs some of the strategies. The same can be said of other urban centres in Kenya. There is a need for extra effort towards designing and constructing green buildings in Kenya today,” says Musau Kimeu.