Government Urges Women to Join Construction Industry at Upcoming Summit

In a bold move to foster gender equality and professional development in the construction industry, the Kenyan government has reaffirmed its commitment to increasing the participation of women in this traditionally male-dominated field.

Speaking at a press briefing, Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome emphasized the critical need for women to enhance their training and skills to boost their representation in the industry from the current 3 percent to the global standard of 15 percent.

The construction sector in Kenya, like many others worldwide, has long been plagued by gender stereotypes, unequal opportunities, and a lack of supportive systems for women. These challenges have created significant barriers, preventing women from entering and advancing within the industry. Secretary Wahome highlighted these issues as major threats to achieving a more inclusive and adaptive construction environment.

“To truly transform our construction industry, we must dismantle the exclusive work practices that hinder women’s progress,” said Wahome. “Empowering women through professional development is not just beneficial for them but essential for the growth and sustainability of the sector as a whole.”

Despite ongoing efforts, the number of women joining the construction workforce in Kenya remains disappointingly low. Industry leaders are increasingly advocating for the recognition, promotion, and advancement of women in construction roles. This advocacy aims to bridge the existing gaps and pave the way for a more equitable and diverse workforce.

President’s Women Rights Advisor Harriette Chiggai called on women to identify their niche and harness available opportunities to make progress in life. Her remarks came during the opening of a 3-day summit aimed at addressing gender disparities and empowering women in the construction industry.

“The 3-day Summit will provide a platform to address gender disparities and empower women to lead, innovate, and drive sustainable practices within the construction industry. Despite being one of the fastest-growing sectors, women represent only 4.5% of the construction players,” Chiggai said.

Chiggai highlighted the critical need for more female participation in the construction industry, which remains significantly male-dominated. She emphasized the potential for women to lead and innovate, driving sustainable practices that can reshape the sector.

Kenya is set to host the Africa Build Show from July 16th to 18th at the Kenyatta International Convention Center. This event will serve as a pivotal platform for addressing the challenges facing women in construction and driving meaningful change. With a strong focus on empowering women, the summit will bring together key stakeholders to discuss strategies for creating a more inclusive industry.

CS Wahome’s call to action is expected to inspire significant changes in the sector, encouraging more women to pursue careers in construction and contribute to the industry’s development. As the Africa Build Show approaches, there is renewed hope for a future where women play an integral role in shaping Kenya’s construction landscape.