Status and Impact of Sustainable Construction Materials and Practices Utilization in the Built Environment in Kenya

The construction industry in Kenya faces a growing imperative to align with global sustainability targets by adopting environmentally responsible materials and practices. This study investigates the current status and perceived impact of sustainable construction materials and practices in Kenya’s built environment. Using a quantitative research approach, data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 439 respondents from a diverse group of professionals, including engineers, architects, quantity surveyors, project managers, contractors, and developers. The study employed descriptive statistics and Likert scale analysis via R software to assess the extent of utilization and the influence of sustainability on economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Findings reveal a selective and uneven adoption of sustainable construction methods. Practices such as regionally appropriate materials, active solar technologies, and passive building designs recorded higher adoption levels, while low-tech or unfamiliar materials such as straw bales and fly ash exhibited significantly low uptake. Impact assessment results demonstrated strong perceived benefits, with high mean scores across dimensions like energy conservation (mean = 4.20), durability (mean = 4.01), comfort (mean = 4.13), and waste reduction (mean = 4.00). The aggregate impact mean score of 3.94 indicates a generally favorable perception of sustainability’s role in transforming the built environment. Despite this optimism, the study also highlights critical challenges, including limited policy enforcement, technical capacity gaps, and inconsistent stakeholder engagement. The paper concludes that, while awareness and selective application of sustainable practices are increasing, a more coherent national strategy is required to ensure systematic uptake. The findings offer valuable implications for policymakers, educators, and industry leaders seeking to mainstream sustainable construction in Kenya.