Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian
In Kenya, timber is rarely the first material that comes to mind when discussing sustainable building. While forest restoration remains critical—Kenya’s forest cover stood at 8.8% in 2021—studies reveal that concrete and steel structures have a far greater environmental impact than wooden ones. Historically, wood and earth were Kenya’s primary building materials, with many rural homes still embracing these traditions today.
So, what changed? A group of trailblazing women—three engineers and an architect—are championing timber as a sustainable alternative, proving its viability through innovative projects and advocacy.
Joy Mboya, Executive Director of The GoDown Arts Centre, embarked on an ambitious project to construct a KSh 2 billion arts complex, the New GoDown, in 2019. An architect and former musician, Mboya brings a unique perspective to designing inclusive, sustainable spaces.
“We asked ourselves how people begin to feel a sense of ownership and value around a project,” she explains. Inclusion became a central tenet of the design process. Joy and her team collaborated with 30 local women and girls, encouraging their input on creating safe, welcoming streets and community spaces.
The project also explores sustainable building materials. While rammed earth was initially considered, building codes steered them toward timber. Their Swedish architectural partner, renowned for innovation, highlighted wood as a viable and eco-friendly choice.
Mboya acknowledges concerns about deforestation but emphasizes the difference between general forest cover and commercial forestry. “Commercial forestry involves deliberately planting and harvesting trees for construction and other wood products. It’s sustainable when managed responsibly,” she explains. The New GoDown aims to showcase multi-story timber construction, incorporating timber in its eight-floor tower above a concrete base.
“Sustainability is not just about climate,” Mboya notes. “It’s about creating spaces that foster community, reduce emissions, and inspire future change.”
Zani Gichuki and Lillian Beauttah’s journey began as civil engineering students in Kenya and evolved during their postgraduate studies in Spain. Living in a forest-based research lab, they discovered the transformative potential of timber construction. This experience inspired them to launch Ardhi Na Mbao (Swahili for Earth and Wood) in 2022, focusing on rammed earth and mass timber technologies.
“Rammed earth involves compacted layers of soil, creating strong, durable walls with minimal emissions,” Zani explains. Combined with mass timber, these methods offer low-carbon, reusable construction solutions. Their research highlights that construction contributes 37% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making sustainable alternatives essential for Kenya’s urban growth.
Ardhi Na Mbao’s projects have attracted eco-conscious developers, and the duo plans to establish Kenya’s first mass timber manufacturing plant. “Timber construction can create jobs, industries, and new opportunities while addressing housing demand sustainably,” says Lillian. She also emphasizes the psychological benefits of natural materials, citing their positive impact on mental health.
With over 11 years of experience, Esther Segero, President of the Women in Real Estate Society (WIRE) Kenya, is a passionate advocate for mass-engineered timber (MET). “Timber buildings aren’t just structures; they’re carbon sinks,” she says, highlighting their role in reducing emissions.
Esther’s projects include urban developments and remote initiatives like the Start-Up Lions project in Turkana. Her work combines sustainability with community impact, emphasizing adaptive reuse to minimize waste. “We’ve reduced embodied energy by 74% in one project through sustainable design,” she shares.
Inspired by Sweden’s timber construction success during a 2024 study trip, Esther is determined to replicate those lessons in Kenya. She envisions timber buildings that reduce Nairobi’s carbon footprint while offering affordable, beautiful housing. “Concrete and steel aren’t our only options,” she insists. “Kenya has a rich history of sustainable building methods, and it’s time we embraced them again.”
Despite challenges, these women are reshaping perceptions of timber in construction. By showcasing its potential, they aim to inspire developers, policymakers, and communities to adopt sustainable practices. Their efforts also highlight the importance of representation. As Esther notes, “Women are often the end-users of the spaces we design. Their input is critical.”
From Joy’s community-centered arts complex to Zani and Lillian’s innovative designs and Esther’s pioneering advocacy, these women are proving that timber can revolutionize construction in Africa. “If Wangari Maathai could plant trees and change the world,” Esther concludes, “we can build with timber and leave a lasting legacy.”
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