The construction industry in Kenya is still heavily skewed in favour of men, a report by Women in Real Estate (WIRE) has concluded. In the report, WIRE, an organization whose mission is to link, encourage, equip and empower women real estate professionals in Kenya, noted that only a handful of organizations in the built environment have a gender inclusion strategy committing to ensure equality in the sector.
The report was released on the day WIRE held the 7th Annual Legends and Leaders Awards, an event that honours and celebrates the achievements of women leaders in the built environment of Kenya. The function brought together well-known female executives in Kenya’s construction industry to emphasize the value of gender inclusion in the sector.
This year’s theme was in line with the International Women’s Day THEME – ‘DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality’.
In her keynote address, Chief Guest Farida Karoney, a former Cabinet Secretary for Lands and Physical Planning, recognized the contribution and importance of technology as an enabler to gain equality.
“The digitisation of land records that was unveiled while I was in office will go a long way in eliminating land grabbing. It seeks to promote transparency, equity, non-discrimination and protection of the rights and responsibilities of property owners,” said Ms. Karoney.
In his speech, the Permanent Secretary, the State Department for Housing and Urban Development (SDHUD), Hon. Charles Hinga Mwaura CBS, CA(SA) that was delivered by Lilian Kieni, Deputy Director (SDHUD), noted SDHUD is working in collaboration with WIRE, National Housing Corporation, and National Construction Authority (NCA) to set up a framework to monitor and evaluate women’s participation in the delivery of ongoing affordable housing projects.
“We have charted a path for the women artisans to utilize their skills and earn a living through work in the affordable housing projects. We are not overlooking the importance of also expanding representation of the professional women,” he added.
According to WIRE, in 2019, the number of female members in ACMK was 13.7%, and that gradually increased to 26%. BORAQS registered a decrease in the number of female architects and quantity surveyors, moving from 11.8% to 8% and 17% to 10% respectively. NCA indicated female artisans were 2.87%. However, Buildher – Kenya’s first and only technical
training facility for construction artisans that exclusively trains women and actively promotes gender inclusivity in the sector, held the first Women Fundis in Construction Conference with 266 female artisans in attendance.
