Experts warn that Kenya's overreliance on imported construction materials is significantly increasing costs, making the real estate sector vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions and hindering job creation. Industry professionals are urging the government and private sector to bolster local manufacturing to ensure the sector's competitiveness and sustainability.

• In 2023, Kenya imported over Sh97 billion worth of iron and non-alloy steel, with China accounting for Sh42 billion of that trade.
• Kennedy Otieno, Projects Lead at Mi Vida Homes, stated, “We cannot keep relying on overseas materials and external supply chains if we are to build sustainably and at scale.”
• Experts advocate for scaling up local production of materials like steel and concrete blocks, alongside adopting alternative building technologies such as prefabricated panels.