The government plans to make use of alternative building technologies to accelerate the realization of the affordable housing agenda in the country according to a statement by Public Works Principal Secretary.

The PS said that use of innovative building technologies like expanded polystyrene (EPS) panels which are as good as brick and mortar will ensure that projects are much faster.

"We want to emulate the advanced countries that have solved their accommodation issues through the use of new technology which is more affordable," Kihalangwa told journalists during said during the road sector forum on enforcement of construction regulations.

Kihalangwa also told the forum that alternative building technologies can be more energy efficient with less adverse impacts on the environment. He highlighted the need for players in the building industry to advance with changing technology.

"We would like our local contractors to embrace alternative building technology because that is where the world is going," he said.

Use of EPS panels in the country is not a new development as the technology has been in use for years even by the National Housing Co-operative.

EPS panels are locally manufactured by a number of local companies which means the country already has the capacity to supply local demand for the building material.

The PS said the government is willing to train local contractors on the use of alternative building materials. Kenya has a housing deficit of over 2 million units while the majority of urban residents live in informal settlements.

The government plans to leverage on alternative building technology in order to bridge the housing deficit.