Crown Paints has warned Kenya’s property owners and investors that maintenance expenses could rise sharply if developers continue to prioritize short‑term savings over durable materials and quality workmanship.

The caution comes as the construction sector rebounds, with the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics reporting a 6.8 percent expansion in 2025 after a 0.7 percent contraction in 2024.

Cement consumption, a key indicator of building activity, rose 20.3 percent over the same period, undersc the renewed momentum in the industry.

Speaking at the Institute of Quantity Surveyors of Kenya Annual Convention in Mombasa, Tom Oyier, head of Crown Paints’ construction sector, urged developers to consider the operational lifespan of structures rather than focusing solely on acquisition costs.

Oyier warned that opting for cheaper, less durable materials can lead to repeated repairs and higher overall costs, stressing the need for lifecycle costing in project budgets.

He highlighted that sustainable construction depends on thorough planning, accurate material specifications and quality application to reduce waste, extend building life cycles and protect capital investments.

To aid architects and builders, Crown Paints introduced the Crown Colour Visualizer, a digital tool that lets stakeholders preview colour palettes before application, aiming to curb costly redesigns.

The company also launched the Crown Italia Series, a decorative paint line targeting residential, commercial and institutional projects.

Crown Paints, a Platinum Sponsor of the three‑day convention held at Sarova Whitesands, also supported an environmental tree‑planting drive during the event.