Anyone who has ever tried to build a house in Kenya knows the story: budgets swell, timelines stretch, and “hidden costs” magically appear, turning a dream project into a financial nightmare.
A new Kenyan startup, SmartBuild AI – smartbuildsolutions.co.ke – believes it can solve this by replacing uncertainty and misinformation with data and artificial intelligence.
The company officially launched its platform today (November 14, 2025) at the Panari Hotel in Nairobi, promising to be the country’s first AI-powered construction cost estimation and project-planning platform. Anchored on the theme “Building the Future: Smarter, Connected, Affordable,” the platform is designed to tackle the exact “long-standing challenges” that have plagued homeowners for decades.
So, what does it actually do?
At its core, SmartBuild AI is a web-based tool that acts as a digital quantity surveyor (QS) and project manager, equipping homeowners with tools to “take full control of their construction journey.”
According to the company, the platform uses intelligent automation and, crucially, local construction data to help users:
- Generate accurate estimates: Get detailed breakdowns of required materials and project budgets, which the company claims will cut waste and save money.
- Forecast costs by stage: Instead of one giant, scary number, users can see cost forecasts for each phase of the build, from foundation to finishing, allowing for better financial planning.
- Connect with professionals: The platform also functions as a directory to link homeowners with “qualified architects, engineers, QSs, contractors, and suppliers” for project execution.
During the launch, the SmartBuild AI team emphasized that this is more than just a fancy calculator; it’s a “movement toward clarity, accountability, and affordable building.”
The company’s core philosophy was summed up in a simple mantra: “When you build with information, you build with control. And when you build with control, you build affordably.”
The Ecosystem Play: SmartBuild Connect
The platform isn’t stopping at just estimates. The team announced an upcoming and critical feature: SmartBuild Connect.
This sounds like the next logical step: a full-blown collaborative marketplace. The feature will link homeowners (described as “verified clients”) with a roster of verified construction professionals (architects, engineers, contractors, and suppliers). The goal is to create a “trusted space” where everyone in the construction ecosystem can collaborate transparently and efficiently.
“For many Kenyans, building a home is more than a milestone; it’s a lifelong dream,” said Eng. Samuel Wanyoike, the founder of SmartBuild AI, during his launch speech. “Yet the journey can be uncertain… It’s this uncertainty that inspired SmartBuild AI.”
An Open Invitation
The company’s leadership made it clear that they can’t build this new “fully connected ecosystem” alone. They revealed ongoing plans to expand partnerships with builders, designers, suppliers, financial institutions, and other technology innovators.
Wanyoike extended a direct invitation to industry players present at the launch: “This is your invitation to help shape the future of construction in Kenya, connect with verified leads, and strengthen your reputation in the industry.”
For homeowners, the pitch is simple. SmartBuild AI claims to offer “much-needed clarity in a sector often characterized by uncertainty.” By providing improved visibility, simplified budgeting, and a bridge to trusted experts, the platform aims to make the dream of building a home more predictable, achievable, and, ultimately, affordable.
For those interested in following the company’s progress and platform updates, SmartBuild AI is now live on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok.
