Crane Hire in Kenya: Prices, Companies, and What You Need to Know
- BeyondForest
- Aug 19
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 12
Image of a Self Loader Crane by Sealine Lifting Company
Cranes for hire provide flexible lifting solutions for construction, logistics, and industrial projects without the high cost of purchasing equipment.
Image of a Crane Lifting a Chopper by Famio Services
Businesses and contractors in Kenya commonly hire cranes for short-term or long-term projects such as building high-rise structures, installing heavy machinery, or moving large materials. Hiring offers access to modern, well-maintained equipment with trained operators, ensuring safety and efficiency.
Tower Crane (70m+) | KSh 800,000/month - KSh 700,000) |
Mobile Crane Hire | KSh 8,000 per service |
Hydra Crane – 14-ton mobile | KSh 300,000/month |
Truck with 3-ton crane | KSh 20,000 per service |
Types of Cranes Available for Hire
Mobile Cranes – flexible, suitable for short-term jobs.
Tower Cranes – high-rise projects.
Self-Loader/HIAB Cranes – loading/unloading heavy items.
Hydra Cranes – medium lifting (10–20 tons).
There are several types of cranes available for hire, each designed to handle specific lifting and construction needs.
Mobile cranes are the most versatile, mounted on trucks, making them easy to transport and ideal for quick setup on various sites.
Tower cranes are commonly used in high-rise building projects, offering great height and lifting capacity for heavy materials like steel and concrete.
Crawler cranes, which move on tracks, provide stability and can lift extremely heavy loads.
Where To Hire Cranes In Kenya
Famio Services Ltd | 0718 052 042 |
Sajberg Co Ltd | 0720 438432 |
Sealine Lifting | 0722522194 |
Seco Marine and Offshore Engineering | 0733 203156 |
Seasonal demand can also raise prices, as cranes are often in high demand during peak construction periods.
Image of a mobile crane for hire by Famio Services
The cost of hiring a crane depends on several key factors that influence the overall pricing. Type of crane required is one of the biggest considerations. Larger cranes such as tower cranes or crawler cranes, which handle heavy loads and complex projects, are more expensive than smaller mobile or truck-mounted cranes.
Type & capacity of crane.
Duration of hire (hourly, daily, monthly).
Mobilization/demobilization costs.
Operator & fuel inclusion.
Duration of hire also plays a significant role—short-term rentals are charged differently compared to long-term projects, where daily or weekly rates may be discounted. Another factor is the lifting capacity and reach of the crane. The higher the tonnage and boom length needed, the more specialized and costly the crane will be.
Site location and accessibility also affect pricing. If the project site is in a remote or hard-to-reach area, transportation and setup charges increase. Additionally, the need for a licensed operator and rigging crew adds to the cost since safety and expertise are essential. Extra services such as fuel, permits, and insurance further influence the total.
Image of Construction workers and a police officer oversee a crane lifting by Famio Services
In Nairobi, crane hire costs vary depending on the type and size of the crane. On average, a 25-ton mobile crane costs about 28,000 Ksh per day or 500,000Ksh per month, while tower cranes can go for around Ksh 800,000 per month. Smaller mini cranes start from about 38,000Ksh per day, and project-based rates can exceed 1 million Ksh.
Yes, most crane hire companies in Nairobi provide a trained operator as part of the rental package. This ensures safe handling of the equipment and compliance with safety standards.
Yes, many crane hire companies in Nairobi set a minimum hire period, often 4 to 8 hours per day. This helps cover mobilization costs and operator time. If you need the crane for a shorter duration, you’ll likely still be billed for the minimum hours.
To hire a crane in Nairobi, companies usually require a copy of your national ID or company registration documents, a signed hire agreement, and proof of payment. For corporate projects, you may also need to provide a purchase order (LPO) or contract. These documents ensure accountability and clarify terms of service.
Yes, most crane hire companies in Nairobi deliver the crane directly to your site. The delivery is usually arranged using heavy-duty trucks or driven for mobile cranes. Transport costs may be included in the quote or charged separately, depending on the distance and company policy.
