BIM Awareness: The Kenyan and UK Scenarios

Abstract

In the global context, Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a catalytic agent for innovation, productivity and efficiency in the construction industry. BIM adoption in Kenya is rare whereas the volume of construction is poised to increase and the gains that can be achieved via its use could be enormous. In the UK, all projects are to use a minimum of level two BIM to enhance collaboration and coordination with visual aids and a common data environment that enhances communication with the project proponents and all the other stakeholders. The main aim of this study was to determine the BIM gaps in terms of awareness and use in order to form a basis for the development of future adoption strategies in infrastructure projects in Kenya. The research was carried out in Nairobi and London. The study was designed as a survey that started with a desk study followed by semi structured interviews. Analysis of the data was done using content analysis. The findings identify significant differences in BIM awareness and use, the influence of which could provide insight for the developed and developing countries. The state of research, training and practice pertaining to BIM in Kenya remains largely undocumented whereas in the UK, there are national level initiatives driving its adoption. This paper concludes that BIM success is dependent on close collaboration between the client, consultants, contractors and suppliers along with the establishment of a well developed BIM protocol and the lessons learnt from the UK can easily be used by Kenya as it embarks on its BIM journey for an efficient and harmonious working environment in this era of globalization. Keywords—BIM, Collaboration, Infrastructure Projects, Project Stakeholders, Sustainable Development.