PS. Arumonyang Inaugurates Africa's First Biophilic Conference And expo- Calls for climate - resilient Infrastructure

Kenya’s commitment to harmonizing the built environment with nature took center stage at the inaugural Africa Biophilic Conference and Expo, where the Principal Secretary for Public Works, Hon. Joel Arumonyang, CBS, emphasized in his speech the need for a future built in communion with nature, not just with concrete.

Speaking to a diverse gathering of architects, urban planners, engineers, policymakers, and other experts in the built environment and biophilic industry, the Principal Secretary expressed that our ancestors coexisted with nature, understanding solar trajectories, seasonal wind flows, the spiritual meaning of trees, and the communal essence of design. He stressed that this approach should serve as the foundation for modern urban development strategies, combining time-honored knowledge with cutting-edge technologies such as, intelligent materials and AI-driven sustainability solutions—to address today’s climate challenges

He highlighted that biophilia is rooted in the human instinct to connect with nature—a connection that is increasingly vital amid Africa’s rapid urbanization. He stressed that this bond is not optional but essential for creating sustainable cities and that nature must be seen not as a backdrop, but as a collaborative partner in urban development.

Realizing this vision, the Principal Secretary emphasized, demands more than isolated efforts or siloed initiatives. “Just as nature thrives through interconnected systems without rigid boundaries, so too must our efforts be collaborative and holistic,” he said. “It requires a unified approach that brings together professionals from architecture, engineering, policy, education, and beyond.”

PS Arumonyang noted that Kenya is not starting from zero. He spotlighted recent achievements by the State Department for Public Works in the past year, including:

• Holding the Vice-Chair position of the Intergovernmental Council for Buildings and Climate (ICBC).
• Developing a National Decarbonization Roadmap for the Building Sector (2026–2040) in partnership with the Global Buildings Performance Network.
• Finalizing Green Building Regulations that integrate nature-based solutions.
• Leading conversations on sustainable infrastructure at the Africa Climate Summit.
• Representing Kenya at the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC) and supporting Kisumu County’s recent election to represent Kenya at the subnational level.
• Participating in the Global Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, which includes 55 countries working on climate adaptation through nature-based solutions.
• Committing to the Buildings Breakthrough Initiative, with a pledge to achieve near-zero emissions and climate-resilient buildings by 2030.

“These initiatives are not symbolic—they are strategic pillars supporting Kenya’s leadership in climate-resilient, human-centered building,” he said.

Ms. Wangui Mwangi, Founder and Vision bearer of Green Biophilic Living - the organisation that hosted the event, reiterated the urgency of reconnecting urban design with nature, she stated that, "Our built environment has become a concrete jungle. We must reintroduce nature into our spaces—intentionally, meaningfully, and in a way that is rooted in our African identity." Ms. Wangui envisioned Green Biophilic Living as a platform for sharing knowledge and fostering green sustainable practices in the built environment.

The 2-day conference was aimed at shaping critical discourse and action around integrating biophilic design across African cities and infrastructure, with Kenya positioning itself as a continental leader in green construction.

PS. Joel Arumonyang CBS, with Ms. Wangui Mwangi Founder, Green Biophilic Living, Mr. Kennedy Matheka, Deputy Director, National Buildings Inspectorate and Mr. Amrish Shah, Director Urban Green Consultants during the Africa Biophilic Conference and Expo.

Delegates at the Africa Biophilic Conference.

Click here to view Wangui and PS Arumonyang interview video  at Africa's Biophilic conference and Expo.