3D Concrete Printing in Africa: A Kenyan Perspective

Abstract Innovative construction methods in the housing sector have the potential to overcome the challenges posed by rising construction costs and stagnant productivity. By addressing these bottlenecks, such advancements can significantly enhance housing delivery and urbanisation, ultimately benefiting all stakeholders involved. In recent years, the construction industry has experienced significant innovation breakthroughs, largely driven by the advent of Industry 4.0 technologies, with 3D concrete printing (3DCP) standing out as a transformative advancement. Gathering expert opinions from the Kenyan construction sector, where the largest 3DCP affordable housing project in Africa is underway, this paper aims to capture the attitudes and perceptions of construction stakeholders on the use of 3DCP in Kenya. Online interviews were conducted with stakeholders both in industry and academia. The interviews revealed that economic and socio-cultural factors are the primary barriers to the adoption of 3DCP for affordable housing in Kenya. The main economic barrier cited was the high cost, while resistance to change was the dominant socio-cultural challenge. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged, multi-stakeholder approach. To lower costs, a combination of research and development efforts, along with 3DCP-specific policies such as tax incentives, could be implemented. To overcome resistance to the technology, social networks emerged as the key strategy for raising awareness among construction stakeholders.