Nairobi has reinforced its position as the main hub of building activity in Kenya, with the latest statistics showing that construction in the capital continues to outstrip all other counties combined.
According to new data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the value of building projects in Nairobi reached Sh384.9 billion last year, making up 40.6 percent of the country’s total construction work.
Nationwide, the total worth of building projects climbed to Sh947.6 billion in 2024, up from Sh925 billion in 2023, reflecting steady growth over the past five years. This growth highlights the increasing focus on urban development and the role of Nairobi as the center of the country’s construction boom.
Outside the capital, the remaining 44 counties recorded building works valued at Sh361.7 billion, accounting for 38.2 percent of the total. Kiambu led among them with projects worth Sh120 billion, followed by Mombasa at Sh80.9 billion. Other counties with notable activity included Nakuru at Sh35.4 billion, Machakos at Sh34.9 billion, and Kisumu at Sh23.9 billion.
The statistics come as the government continues to push its affordable housing programme, which is driving construction in multiple regions. During his recent state of the nation address, President William Ruto highlighted the programme’s reach and impact.
“The programme has created over 428,000 jobs, including architects, engineers, fundis, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, masons, transporters, and thousands of MSMEs in fittings and interior works. At peak next year, it will employ up to 1 million Kenyans,” President Ruto said.
At least 13 counties saw building works valued above Sh10 billion in 2024, including Machakos, Kisumu, Kajiado, Embu, Marsabit, and Murang’a.
On the other hand, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, West Pokot, Tana River, and Lamu recorded the lowest construction values, each below Sh1 billion.
KNBS data also shows that 84,743 people were employed in the construction of buildings last year, slightly fewer than the 85,685 in 2023. Despite the minor drop in employment, the wage bill rose to Sh236.2 billion, compared with Sh235.1 billion the previous year.
Output for the building construction sub-sector reached Sh849 billion, a 33.7 percent increase since 2020.
Earlier reports showed private developers completed residential and commercial buildings worth Sh149 billion in Nairobi in 2024. The new data provides a wider perspective, including ongoing projects and government-built structures.
“The total value of completed buildings in Nairobi City County declined by 2.3 percent to Sh149.9 billion in 2024. The number of reported completed private buildings declined from 22,093 in 2023 to 21,807 in 2024,” KNBS noted.
Looking ahead, Nairobi County approved building plans valued at Sh129.4 billion over the nine months to September 2025, underlining continued demand for new developments in the capital.
