AAK Joins Kenya Buildings Decarbonization Finance Workshop

The Architectural Association of Kenya participated in the second Kenya Buildings Decarbonization Finance Accelerator Coalition Workshop on 7 August 2026.

The event was hosted by the Global Buildings Performance Network. It brought together partners of the UHAI Coalition and included feedback from earlier workshops convened by the Kenya Green Building Society, the Kenya Property Developers Association and Women in Real Estate.

Discussions highlighted growing awareness of sustainable buildings and construction. Participants noted that investment remains limited because of systemic barriers that restrict the flow of finance to viable decarbonization projects.

The workshop presented findings from a national finance landscape assessment. The assessment identified key financing barriers and opportunities for scaling green building finance in Kenya.

Attention focused on the development of a National Green Buildings Funding Strategy. The proposed strategy aims to mobilise capital, de-risk investments, support bankable green projects and create mechanisms for reinvesting capital into future sustainable developments.

Market actors shared experiences with green finance instruments. These discussions helped identify instruments that could be considered within the national funding strategy.

An afternoon masterclass was delivered by Florah Muthaura, Head of Risk, Compliance and Sustainability at the Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company. The session covered green finance instruments, lending considerations, risk assessment and financing opportunities for the built environment.

Particular attention was given to the KMRC Sustainability Loan. Participants examined how such products could support climate-resilient development in the construction sector.

The deliberations provided a basis for shaping eligible green finance instruments that could be incorporated into the National Funding Strategy. The goal is to mobilise capital for sustainable and climate-resilient buildings across Kenya.

Awareness of green building standards has increased among developers, architects and financiers. Conversion of that awareness into funded projects has been slower. High upfront costs, limited local data on performance and perceived risk continue to constrain lending.

The UHAI Coalition and its partners are working to address these gaps. The series of workshops aims to align policy, finance and industry practice so that more projects can reach construction stage with lower-carbon specifications.

Kenya’s building sector accounts for a significant share of energy use and emissions. Improving the performance of new and existing buildings is therefore central to national climate commitments.

The presence of the Architectural Association of Kenya, property developers, green building advocates and mortgage financiers in the same room signalled an effort to coordinate across the value chain. Progress will depend on turning the identified instruments and strategy into operational products that developers can access.

The workshop forms part of a longer process. Further rounds of consultation and technical work are expected before a final national funding strategy is finalised and put into practice.