Eco-conscious Purple Tower along Mombasa Road in NairobiThe government is in the final stages of developing a sweeping new policy that aims to revolutionise construction sector by placing green energy and sustainability at the core of all future building projects.
Speaking during the official opening of eco-conscious Purple Tower along Mombasa Road in Nairobi, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Lee Kinyanjui, announced that a comprehensive building standard is nearing completion.
This new framework will promote eco-friendly construction practices and encourage sustainable architectural design across the country.
“We are nearing completion of a national standard that will allow buildings meeting green energy and sustainability thresholds to be certified and incentivised,” Kinyanjui said.
“For instance, if two spaces are up for rent—one built sustainably and the other not—there should be a clear difference in value.”
He highlighted the need for developers to embrace these changes in order to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving property landscape.
Kenya’s new direction aligns with global sustainability goals, according to Kinyanjui, who said the country is positioning itself as a regional leader in green construction.
“This is the direction we are heading—where environmental and energy efficiency becomes mainstreamed in the construction industry. Green technology is no longer optional but the future of real estate development.”
Kenya is aiming to become the number one green building leader in Africa, and a prominent figure globally in sustainable development practices, he added.
The opening of Purple Tower, which has received the internationally recognised EDGE Certification for green buildings, served as a prime example of this vision in action.
Bharat Kerai, Project Lead at Purple Dot International, the developer behind the tower, explained how the building was designed with sustainability in mind from the very beginning.
“You will be amazed that, at the design stage, we considered factors such as the rising and setting of the sun to ensure the building takes full advantage of natural light,” he said.
Kerai added that by reducing reliance on artificial lighting and air conditioning, the building will significantly cut down on energy consumption.
“Occupying space in a certified green building like Purple Tower sends a powerful message to clients, staff and stakeholders that a company is committed to the future.”
Amrish Shah, of Urban Green Consultants, who advised on the project, said the tower is expected to achieve a 27 per cent reduction in energy usage, a 41 per cent decrease in water consumption, and a 33 per cent reduction in embodied energy of construction materials.
“These achievements are no accident,” said Shah. “They are the result of deliberate choices—high-performance thermal glass, smart building management systems, and the careful selection of locally sourced materials. Every detail was designed with environmental responsibility in mind.”
