CAT Generator Prices in Kenya (2025): kVA Guide & Fuel Use

By the end of this section you will have learnt

0.)About CAT generators

1.)CAT Diesel Generators

2.)Technical Terms to know about CAT generators

3.)CAT Gas Generators — natural gas, biogas, propane & H₂-ready

4.)CAT Generator Duty ratings decoded

5.)Prices of CAT generators Used and New

6.)How to size your CAT generator (3-step checklist)

7.)Considering rentals or hybrid add-ons

8.)Popular diesel stepping-stones

9.)CAT Generator kVA bands by typical use case

10.)FAQ About CAT Generators

About CAT generators

House/SME basics? Single-phase is perfect.

Large motors or a whole building? You likely need three-phase.

Image of a CAT 250 KVA Diesel Generator by MW Hire Group

CAT’s portfolio spans small single-phase sets for homes and shops to industrial-scale diesel and gas packages for factories and data centers, with clearly defined duty cycles (Standby, Prime, Continuous, Mission-Critical). Understanding kVA/ekW ranges and duty ratings is the key to sizing and shortlisting a model that will actually meet your load profile.

Need a CAT Generator in Kenya?

Get 3 Quotes + Free Sizing Help TodayTell us your load (kW), preferred kVA, duty (Standby/Prime), phase (single/three-phase), budget, and location. We’ll match you with vetted CAT dealers & verified resellers, share fuel-use estimates, noise levels, and a full installation + ATS quote.

• 50 Hz, 240 V (1-phase) or 415 V (3-phase)

• Load test & warranty verification

• Delivery, commissioning, and first-service kit included on request

• No spam. No fees. You choose the supplier.

• Get My Quotes>>>>>

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Image of a CAT Diesel generator sets Cat C13 (50 Hz) Maximum Rating 450 kVAMinimum Rating 350 kVA

• Your normal house sockets = single-phase.

• It comes on two main wires: Live and Neutral (plus an Earth wire for safety).

• In Kenya, that’s usually 240 volts, 50 Hz.

What it’s good for

• Lights, TV, fridge, small pumps, small ACs, computers — home and small shop stuff.

What it’s not great for

• Big, heavy machines (big motors, lifts, large compressors). Those prefer three-phase (think: three people pushing the swing in perfect rhythm → more power, smoother for heavy loads).

image of a Cat 3606 (50 Hz) 3600-series, 6-cylinder heavy-duty diesel engine used in large generator sets.

Buying shortcut (use this when sizing)

1. Estimate real power (kW) of your critical loads.

2. Estimate pf (0.9 for mixed office, 0.8 if many motors).

3. Convert to kVA: kVA = kW ÷ pf.

4. Add headroom (typically +20–30%) for motor starting and future growth, then pick the nearest CAT kVA rating at the duty you need (Standby/Prime/Continuous)

Image of a CAT Portable, 7500-Watt Generator

CAT Diesel Generators

• If it starts with C + number → it’s the engine (number ≈ engine size in liters; “-16/-12” = cylinder count).

• If it looks like D200 GC / DE110 / XQP150 → it’s a genset family/model (D = diesel; number ≈ kW/kVA class; suffix shows series like GC or XQP for rental).

Image of a Cat DE715 GC generator

Caterpillar diesel generators deliver dependable standby, prime, or continuous power with ratings published for both 50 and 60 Hz in single- and three-phase configurations. Single-phase units cover 6.8–90 kVA at 50 Hz and 8–100 ekW at 60 Hz, tested at 1.0 power factor. Three-phase tables are rated at 0.8 power factor and scale from small commercial sets into multi-megawatt platforms.

Not sure which kVA fits?

Send us your load list or a photo of your breaker panel—we’ll size the right CAT genset and send 3 price options within 24 hours. Click Here >>>>

Quick examples

• A 60 kVA genset at pf 0.8 can deliver about 48 ekW (because 60 × 0.8 = 48).

• You’ve measured your site needs 50 kW at pf 0.8 → required kVA = 50 ÷ 0.8 = 62.5 kVA → you’d choose the ~70 kVA class to give headroom.

• If your loads are mostly heaters/LEDs (pf ~1), 30 kW ≈ 30 kVA; with motors (pf 0.8), 30 kW ≈ 37.5 kVA.

Single-phase (1.0 pf)

Single-phase (home power)

Wires: Live + Neutral (plus Earth for safety)

Typical voltage (KE): 240 V

Best for: lights, TV, fridge, small pumps, small ACs, computers, most home & small-shop loads

Pros: simple, cheaper gear, easy to install

Limit: struggles with big motors/machines

50 Hz: ~6.8–90 kVA (C1.1 → C4.4 engine families). Ideal for homes/SMEs that need simple backup.

60 Hz: ~8–100 ekW (C1.1 → C4.4). Common in North America and some export sites

Three-phase (0.8 pf)

• Wires: 3 Lives (+ Neutral sometimes)

• Typical voltage (KE): 415 V (between any two lives)

• Best for: big motors, elevators/lifts, large compressors, big cold rooms, workshops, estates, factories

• Pros: more power, smoother for heavy machines, efficient for long runs

• Note: can still feed ordinary single-phase sockets off one of the phases

Image of a Cat DE450 GC (50 Hz)

50 Hz: starts around 8.5 kVA and scales through C7.1, C9, C13, C15, C18 into 3412C / 3512 / 3516 and up to C175-20, covering hundreds to thousands of kVA for commercial and industrial loads.

In the high end, 50 Hz ratings include up to ~4000 kVA with C175-20 at 1500 rpm and even larger 1000 rpm packages (e.g., 3612/3616) reaching >5000 kVA (application-dependent).

60 Hz three-phase tops out at ~4000 ekW in the C175-20 family, with multiple steps from C7.1 → C18 → 3412C/3512/3516 → C175-16/C175-20 to match data center, hospital, and plant requirements.

A three-phase motor won’t run on a single-phase generator (without special converters). The reverse (single-phase loads on a three-phase supply) is usually fine.

Technical Terms to know about CAT generators

kW / ekW = real (useful) electrical power. It’s what actually does work: runs lights, fridges, pumps, servers.

ekW just means electrical kilowatts (to distinguish from the engine’s mechanical power).

XQ → Cat® mobile generators (mostly 60 Hz, Tier 4 Final in North America). Portable, sound-attenuated sets from about 20–1140 kVA (e.g., XQ20, XQ35, XQ60 … XQ1140). Great for events, construction, backup.

kVA = apparent power. Think of it as the total “size” of the electrical load the generator must supply. It includes both:

• Real power (kW) you use, plus

• Reactive power (kVAr) that magnetizes motors/transformers (doesn’t do “work” but still loads the generator).

Image of a Cat C1.1 generator

CAT’s C1.1 is the small diesel engine used in CAT’s entry-level generator sets. It’s meant for light loads: homes, kiosks/shops, security lighting, POS/Wi-Fi, a small fridge, and small pumps

Because of that magnetizing piece, kVA is always ≥ kW.

XQP → Cat® mobile generators for global/50 Hz markets (also many are dual-frequency 50/60 Hz). Often offered in EU Stage IIIA or fuel-optimized versions; sizes like XQP30, XQP100, XQP150, XQP500, XQP1100. Many models switch between 50/60 Hz at the touch of a button.

XQC → Containerized, high-output rental power modules (roughly 1.1–1.9 MVA per unit). Designed for quick deployment, paralleling and 50/60 Hz switching—used for utility support, plants, data centers, large sites. Examples: XQC1200, XQC1600

• Power factor (pf) measures how “efficiently” your load turns kVA into kW.

• Purely resistive loads (heaters) have pf ≈ 1.0 → kW ≈ kVA.

• Motor/inductive loads (compressors, pumps, fridges, ACs) often have pf ≈ 0.8–0.9 → kW < kVA.

Key relationship:kW (or ekW) = kVA × pf  → equivalently → kVA = kW ÷ pf

Most three-phase generator ratings assume pf = 0.8 (industry standard). Many single-phase ratings assume pf = 1.0.

Image of a Cat C3.3 | DE75AE0

What these CAT names mean

• Cat C4.4

• The engine model: a 4.4-litre, 4-cylinder diesel from CAT’s “C-series.”Typical generator size (50 Hz): roughly 30–100 kVA (home/SME/light commercial).

• Cat C13

• The engine model: about 12.5–13 L, 6-cylinder.Typical generator size (50 Hz): around 350–450 kVA (hotels, malls, hospitals, estates).

• Cat C32

• The engine model: 32-litre V12.Typical generator size (50 Hz): roughly 800–1500+ kVA (large buildings, plants).

• Cat C175-16

• The engine family is C175 (175 mm bore). “-16” = 16 cylinders.Typical generator size (50/60 Hz): multi-megawatt (≈3–4+ MVA) for hospitals, data centers, mining, utilities.

• Cat D200 GCA generator set model name (not an engine).

  • D = Diesel genset

  • 200 = about 200 kW (60 Hz rating)

  • GC = General-Duty/Value series (simplified, cost-optimized standby units).

CAT Gas Generators — natural gas, biogas, propane & H₂-ready

CAT’s gas lineup gives you lower local emissions and strong TCO where fuel supply is stable

Natural Gas (50 Hz): ~374–4500 ekW continuous, from G3412C/CG132B up to CG260-16.

Natural Gas (60 Hz): ~400–4050 ekW, similar model progression.

Biogas (50/60 Hz): multiple ratings from ~400 ekW up to ~3510 ekW depending on speed and model (CG132B → CG170B → G3520C/K → CG260-16).

Propane (50/60 Hz): continuous ratings from ~252 ekW into the >2 MW class for specific models. Propane output is site-sensitive (fuel composition/emissions setting).

Hydrogen blends: selected NG gensets are listed for up to 25 vol-% H₂ in the fuel mix in both 50 Hz (400–4500 ekW) and 60 Hz ranges. Useful for future-proof projects.

Need a CAT Generator in Kenya?

 Get 3 Quotes + Free Sizing Help TodayTell us your load (kW), preferred kVA, duty (Standby/Prime), phase (single/three-phase), budget, and location. We’ll match you with vetted CAT dealers & verified resellers, share fuel-use estimates, noise levels, and a full installation + ATS quote.

• 50 Hz, 240 V (1-phase) or 415 V (3-phase)

• Load test & warranty verification

• Delivery, commissioning, and first-service kit included on request

• No spam. No fees. You choose the supplier.

• Get My Quotes>>>>>

• Chat on WhatsApp (replace with your wa.me link>>>>>> )

CAT Generator Duty ratings decoded

Image of a Brand New 150 kVA CAT Diesel Generator.

so you don’t oversize—or underspec

Standby: for grid-outage backup, ~70% average load, typical ≤500 hrs/year.

Mission-Critical: tighter performance for critical facilities; ~85% average load, ≤500 hrs/year.

Prime (and Prime-DCP for data centers): unlimited hours with ~70% average load; 10% overload allowed 1 hr/12 (≤25 hrs/yr).

Continuous: non-varying/varying load 24/7 operation, 70–100% average load.

If you expect frequent, long-duration outages or you’ll run off-grid many hours,Prime/Continuous; for typical utility backups, Standby is the efficient (and cheaper) choice.

Prices of CAT generators Used and New

Shopping CAT accross the internet Here’s a clear, listings as examples. Prices on classifieds swing with condition, hours, canopies, and controllers. Most three-phase generator prices are quoted in kVA at 0.8 power factor. To estimate usable electrical power ekW ≈ kVA × 0.8.So a 110 kVA new CAT ≈ 88 ekW, which matches mid-size building loads (lifts, pumps, cold room). Cross-check seller-posted “kW” vs “kVA” before paying. (See 110 kVA example above

40 kVA (used, silent canopy) – around KSh 950,000. Good for shops, small hotels, and boreholes with soft-start.

60–65 kVA (used) – roughly KSh 1.08M. Common SME sweet spot; check motor starting (VFD/soft-starter) and ATS.

100–110 kVA (used/new) – expect KSh 1.45M–1.78M; new or very clean units sometimes list around KSh 1.66M. Great for mid-size restaurants, cold rooms, apartment blocks.

200 kVA (often used, 3-phase 415 V) – about KSh 2.45M for silent sets with Power Wizard/Deep Sea controllers.

500 kVA (used, canopied/open) – circa KSh 4.8M. Fits larger hotels, malls, hospitals (often paralleled for N+1).

700 kVA (used) – listings around KSh 7.5M; check hours, rebuild history, alternator brand, and sound attenuation.

1.25–1.5 MVA (refurb/open sets) – ~KSh 16M–20M for industrial power blocks. Suits estates, plants, data centers; usually paired with switchgear.

2.0 MVA (refurb/open set) – around KSh 17M depending on spec and hours. Confirm load test and emissions setting.

CAT Generator kVA bands by typical use case

Homes / small offices / shops	7–50 kVA	1-phase or 3-phase depending on your service
SMEs / clinics / restaurants / boreholes	50–200 kVA	3-phase
Hotels / small factories / apartment blocks	200–750 kVA.
Data centers / hospitals / large factories / estates	≥1000 kVA

Popular diesel stepping-stones

C7.1 / C9 / C13 / C15 / C18 (50–850 kVA @ 50 Hz)	common for SMEs to mid-size buildings.
C32 / 3412C (≈800–1500 kVA @ 50/60 Hz)	strong for larger commercial sites.
3512 / 3516 families (≈1100–3000 kVA+)	hospitals, plants, data hubs with higher starting currents.
C175-16 / C175-20 (≈3000–4000 kVA)	high-density power blocks for mission-critical loads.

Considering rentals or hybrid add-ons

Rental diesel (XQP/XQC/XQ): 50 Hz sets from ~20–1600 kVA and 60 Hz from ~20–2500 kVA—handy for projects, events, or temporary capacity.

Hybrid/Storage: CAT Compact Energy Storage System (ESS) (e.g., 56.8–127.9 kWh units) and a Telecom Hybrid Energy Solution can cut fuel burn and noise by shaving peaks and handling light loads efficiently.

How to size your CAT generator (3-step checklist)

• List your critical loads (kW) and note largest motor/AC pump—that starting surge determines the kVA floor.

• Pick the duty (Standby vs Prime/Continuous) based on hours/year and average load you expect.

• Choose fuel:

  • Diesel for simplicity and high step-load acceptance.

  • Gas/biogas/propane for cleaner local emissions and lower OPEX where fuel is stable; consider H₂-blend-ready models if decarbonizing.

FAQ About CAT Generators

What do CAT duty ratings (Standby, Mission-Critical, Prime, Prime-DCP, Continuous) actually mean?

Standby is for outages (≈70% avg load, typically 200 hrs/yr; max 500). Mission-Critical is a tighter standby tier (≈85% avg). Prime is unlimited hours (≈70% avg) with 10% overload 1 hr in 12 (≤25 hrs/yr). Prime-DCP is Prime for data centers (avg up to 100% of rating). Continuous is non-varying/varying load 24/7 (70–100% avg).

50 Hz or 60 Hz—how do I choose?

Match your local utility frequency. CAT publishes diesel and gas ratings in both 50 Hz and 60 Hz across single- and three-phase, so you can spec to your grid or project standard.

What power factor are CAT ratings based on?

Single-phase ratings use 1.0 pf; three-phase ratings use 0.8 pf. Many rental tables also note 0.8 pf. Always compare apples-to-apples when looking at kVA vs ekW.

What are typical small diesel sizes (homes/SMEs)?

Single-phase diesel ranges include 50 Hz: 6.8–90 kVA and 60 Hz: 8–100 ekW, covering most homes, shops, boreholes, and small offices.

How big do CAT gas generators go?

On 50 Hz, CAT lists natural gas with up to 25% H₂ from 400 to 4500 ekW; on 60 Hz, similar hydrogen-blend ranges run 400 to 4050 ekW (model-dependent).

Can CAT generators run on biogas or propane?

Yes CAT publishes dedicated ratings for biogas and propane across multiple frames. Output depends on fuel quality/composition and emissions setting.

Can CAT gensets run on biogas?

Yes 60 Hz biogas ratings span ~400–3510 ekW across models like G3516/G3520C and CG260-16 (continuous).

Anything special about propane ratings?

Yes propane outputs are highly site-sensitive (fuel composition/emissions setting). Expect site-specific limits and potential maintenance-interval impacts.

What is LTP (Limited Time Power) for gas sets?

It’s a Prime-rated set allowed to run max 500 hours/year at up to 100% average load, with no overload permitted.

Is hydrogen blending supported?

Select natural-gas gensets are listed for up to 25 vol-% hydrogen—useful for staged decarbonization.

I only need temporary power what then?

Consider CAT Rental Power lines (XQP/XQC/XQ) to cover short-term projects or seasonal peaks.