Roselyn Masoni recently attended the Climate Smart Forest Economy Program (CSFEP) Workshop held on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Nairobi Upper Hill. The event convened a wide range of partners and stakeholders working to advance Kenya’s biobased construction sector, bringing together actors from across the value chain.

Participants included tree growers, timber innovators, applied researchers, and built environment professionals, all united by a shared goal of promoting sustainable and regenerative construction practices across East Africa.

Advancing the Biobased Construction Agenda

The workshop provided an important platform for dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders committed to strengthening the role of biobased materials in the construction industry. Discussions during the event focused on several key areas, including:

• Sharing insights on the Biobased Construction East Africa Coalition

• Hearing perspectives from local stakeholders on industry challenges and opportunities

• Identifying opportunities for collaboration in research, innovation, and awareness creation in 2026

The discussions highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts to address systemic barriers affecting the growth of the biobased construction sector. Participants explored strategies that could support the development of sustainable timber value chains, improved building technologies, and policy support for climate-smart construction solutions.

Strengthening Partnerships and Collaboration

The workshop also created opportunities for engagement with academic partners. Colleagues from the University of Pretoria’s Engineering and Architectural departments were present and expressed interest in exploring potential collaborations with stakeholders attending the event. These discussions build on the existing collaborative agreement between CSFEP and the University of Pretoria.

Roselyn Masoni’s participation reflects the department’s ongoing commitment to engaging in regional initiatives that promote sustainable construction, climate-smart materials, and collaborative research. Such forums provide valuable opportunities to connect research, industry practice, and policy discussions aimed at advancing regenerative and low-carbon built environments.

The Climate Smart Forest Economy Program continues to play a critical role in facilitating partnerships and innovation to support the transition towards biobased construction systems in East Africa.