Construction Professionals To Be Empowered With Digital Skills

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct, 10- The Africa Digital Media Institute (ADMI) and Women in Real Estate Society (WIRE) have announced a partnership with the aim of catalyzing digital literacy within the construction industry and revolutionizing the real estate sector through innovation.

The five-year partnership will see professionals in the built industry – developers, architects, quantity surveyors  and engineers – acquire skills in digital and content marketing, web development, data analysis and visualization, Artificial Intelligence (AI), augmented reality, product development, and professional polish.

Both WIRE and ADMI will collaborate to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and insights pertaining to digital technology and future skills vital for the construction sector’s development.

“We are excited about the possibilities this partnership brings and are committed to leveraging our networks to promote best practices regionally and internationally,” said ADMI CEO Dr. Laila Macharia.

“Our shared commitment encompasses mentorship, skills development, and advocacy, with a focus on empowering future generations and advancing our industries. Through network synergy, awareness campaigns, and knowledge-sharing publications, we are shaping a brighter, more inclusive future together,” said Ms. Sue Ellen Mumbi, WIRE Research and Advocacy Lead.

Studies have predicted that technological advancements will transform the way construction is done in Kenya. The use of 3D printing technology and other innovative construction techniques, for instance, could reduce costs and increase efficiency in the industry. The use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology, which is being used to design and manage construction projects, is also gaining traction.

The use of AI is poised to increase efficiency and reduce waste at construction sites by eliminating inaccurate design plans and overestimations of materials needed. It can accurately forecast exactly what is needed, when, and at what rate, significantly reducing material waste and optimizing material costs, thereby positively impacting the entire workflow of the construction site.

According to the Economic Survey 2023, the construction sector registered a growth of 4.1 per cent in 2022, compared to a growth of 6.7 per cent in 2021.

The Kenyan construction market size was Sh2.5 trillion in 2022 and is projected to achieve an average annual growth rate of more than 5 per cent between 2024 and 2027. The industry’s growth will be supported by technology and the government’s focus on implementing public-private partnerships (PPPs) in affordable housing projects.