Purpose This study aims to focus on the four user characteristics of innovation diffusion (availability, observability and trialability [AOT], simplicity, relative advantage [RA] and interoperability) to observe their influence on building information modelling (BIM) usage. This study focuses on the Kenyan construction industry, specifically the building contractors. Design/methodology/approach This study uses purposive sampling and specifically focusses on active construction sites that met requirements needed for BIM usage to thrive. Data was collected manually using questionnaires (N = 62). Findings This paper contributes to the analysis of the current state of BIM usage by the Kenyan construction industry specifically among building contractors and confirms that Kenya is at the early majority adopters’ stage of diffusion characterised by low BIM usage. In terms of correlation, this study found out that AOT had a strong positive correlation with usage, RA had a moderate positive correlation with usage, simplicity had a weak positive correlation with usage and interoperability had no correlation with usage. Practical implications This study gives a clear trend on BIM usage among building contractors to assist potential BIM users make informed decision. The recommendations in this study can be adopted by any late adopter jurisdiction whose structure of the construction industry is similar to Kenya’s. Originality/value This paper highlights variables that enable or subdue BIM usage. It goes further to localise and contextualise the barriers for deeper understanding of what makes these barriers be major hindrances towards BIM usage and giving practical solutions to these barriers.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) has been touted as a new outstanding technology and governments who have noticed this is getting involved. This study investigated the current level of the Kenyan Government’s involvement and how this has influenced adoption amongst building contractors. This study also compares global trends in the context to Kenya. This study identified roles like initiation and regulation that governments could undertake to encourage adoption. A random sampling of registered contractors with active construction sites within Nairobi County was used to identify respondents. Using a one-sample t-test with a universal mean of 2 representing weak government involvement, with t (61) = 2.39, α > 0.05, M = 2.05 and S = 1.53, the Kenyan government’s involvement in BIM and its performance on the roles was weak. There was no relationship between the government roles and BIM except for BIM Initiation which had a weak positive relationship. This study makes recommendations like the creation of a legal BIM mandate and the establishment of a BIM implementation body This is the first in-depth study in Kenya that critically looks at the government’s role on issues relating to BIM amongst Building contractors and gives precedence for subsequent comparative studies locally or regionally.