In an era where the global construction industry is rapidly embracing sustainability and low-carbon innovations, strategic partnerships between research institutions and industry pioneers are indispensable for developing resilient, resource-efficient infrastructure.

Dr. Joseph Mwiti Marangu, Director, Institute of Cement & Concrete (ICC), Meru University of Science & Technology, recently paid a courtesy visit to Dr. Kelvin Khisa, Acting Director General of the Kenya Industrial Research & Development Institute (KIRDI), in Nairobi, Kenya. The meeting provided an important platform for dialogue on the possibilities for initiating and strengthening collaboration in research, training and industry engagement between the two institutions, with a shared focus on advancing sustainable solutions for the construction sector.

 

Central to the discussions was the integration of circular economy principles, to leverage locally sourced industrial and agricultural wastes to revolutionize cement and concrete technologies. Both leaders emphasized the importance of turning waste materials into valuable resources. This approach helps reduce environmental impact, support local innovation in the construction industry, improve the competitiveness of regional industries, and contribute to global efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

The engagement also reinforced support for the upcoming 80th RILEM Week 2026 & 3rd ACCTA International Conference on Emerging Trends in Climate-Friendly Construction Technology in Africa. The conference is scheduled for 5th –11th September, 2026 at Emara Ole-Sereni Hotel, Nairobi-Kenya.

Under the theme “Advancing Sustainable and Climate-Friendly Construction Technologies,” the event will serve as a leading global platform for knowledge exchange, networking and collaboration among academics, researchers, industry leaders and policymakers.

Key objectives of the conference will entail:

• Promoting climate-resilient construction technologies.
• Cultivating international scientific partnerships.
• Progressing research on materials and structural integrity.
• Facilitating academia-industry knowledge transfer.
• Confronting pressing challenges like climate change, urbanization and resource optimization.

Under the stewardship of the ICC and Dr. Marangu’s leadership—as a leading expert in cement and concrete materials and a low-carbon cement policy specialist—the event features distinguished local and international collaborators, including the University of Nairobi (UoN) and the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM, Germany).

This highly anticipated international gathering aims to showcase the latest advances in scientific and industrial research on construction materials and structures. It will contribute significantly to shaping resilient, low-carbon, and resource-efficient infrastructure solutions capable of addressing the pressing challenges of the 21st century and beyond.

Researchers, industry professionals, policymakers and innovators are warmly invited to participate in this landmark global event. Join the international construction science community in Nairobi and contribute to shaping the future of sustainable construction in Africa.

Register today and be part of the conversation: https://rilemnairobi26.sciencesconf.org/