Building materials list and Price in Kenya

Q: How many bags of cement do I need for a 2-bedroom house?

A standard 2-bedroom house typically uses 180–250 bags of cement, depending on the foundation size, number of slabs, wall thickness, and interior finishing. Bungalows tend to use fewer bags than raised or heavily reinforced structures.

Q: How much is 50kg of cement today?

In 2025, a 50kg bag of cement costs roughly KSh 600–850 depending on the brand and strength class. Simba, Mombasa, and Rai are usually cheaper, while Bamburi and Blue Triangle are slightly higher due to performance and quality ratings.

Q: How many iron sheets for a 2-bedroom house?

A typical 2-bedroom house requires about 60–100 iron sheets, depending on roof design, pitch, overhangs, and chosen sheet length. Box profile roofing often uses fewer sheets than classic corrugated profiles.

Q: What is the cost of a 12x12 concrete slab?

A 12x12 slab (about 144 sq. ft) generally costs KSh 45,000–70,000 including cement, ballast, sand, formwork, steel reinforcement, and labour. Costs rise for heavier loads, thicker slabs, or double-storey structural requirements.

BeyondForest
Nov 7
6 min read

Updated: Nov 10

Stacks of steel reinforcing bars are arranged on a rocky surface under bright sunlight. The bars are bundled and parallel.

By the end of this section you will have learnt

1.)Building Materials List and Prices in Kenya (2025 Overview)

2.)Cement Prices in Kenya (Per 50kg Bag)

3.)Steel Bars (Deformed) Prices in Kenya

4.)Roofing Sheets Prices in Kenya (Mabati Prices)

5.)Timber and Wood Prices in Kenya

6.)Foundation Stones & Hardcore Prices in Kenya

7.)Sand Prices in Kenya (Riverside & Quarry Sand)

8.)Paints, Doors, Windows & Finishing Materials Prices

9.)Plumbing & Electrical Fittings Prices***

10.)Cheapest Building Materials in Kenya

11.)Cost of Building a 2-Bedroom or 3-Bedroom House in Kenya

12.)Best Building Materials Suppliers in Kenya (Nairobi, Kiambu, Eldoret, and More)

13.)How to Reduce Construction Costs in Kenya

14.)Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Building Materials List and Prices in Kenya (2025 Overview)

Stone foundation construction site with visible rebar and wooden supports. Brown soil surrounds the structure, conveying a work-in-progress scene.

Building materials prices in Kenya continue to change frequently due to demand, transport costs, inflation, and supplier differences. In 2025, most homeowners and contractors are looking for updated price guides to help estimate the total cost of construction before starting any project.

A partially constructed brick house with a dark roof sits in a forested area under a clear blue sky. Red dirt surrounds the building.

A two bedroom house uses 1800 pieces of 6 by 9 Ndargo Machine Cut stones

Stacks of white cement bags labeled "SIMBA CEMENT" inside a truck with a red interior, arranged neatly in four rows.

The most commonly used materials include cement, steel bars, machine-cut stones, sand, ballast, timber, roofing sheets, tiles, gypsum products, and plumbing/electrical fittings. Cement prices currently range between KSh 650–850 per 50kg bag depending on the brand, while steel reinforcement bars (D8–D25) range from KSh 450–4,400. Machine-cut stones are selling at around KSh 20–25 per piece, with the total required depending on the size of the house.

Single-story house with red and white facade, arched entrance, and trees in the background. Clear sky and dirt ground. Peaceful setting.

A 3 bedroom house uses 2700 pieces of Ndarugo Machine cut stones 6 by 9

Two people work on a rock face, surrounded by large stone blocks. They're in a quarry-like setting with earth tones and rugged terrain.

These updated 2025 prices help homeowners, builders, and real estate developers create accurate budgets, compare suppliers, and avoid hidden construction expenses.

Roofing sheets such as mabati cost between KSh 550–1,000 per metre, while tiles range from KSh 550–1,250 per box depending on size and finish. Gypsum boards cost KSh 450 per sheet, with fillers, screws, studs, and channels adding to the interior finishing cost. Foundation materials like ballast, sand, DPC, and polythene paper also play a major role in structural stability.

A gray, unfinished two-story building under construction with many windows. A motorcycle is parked in front. Blue sky in the background.

A 5 Bedroom house uses 5000 pieces of Ndarugo Machine Cut Stones 3000 pieces 9 by 9 ,2000 pieces 6 by 9-Felix Ndarugo

Cement Prices in Kenya (Per 50kg Bag)

Bags of Simba Cement on a conveyor belt in a dusty, industrial setting with blue machinery. Piles of cement bags are seen in the background.

Cement is classified using two numbers + a letter This represents the compressive strength of the cement after 28 days, measured in MPa (Megapascals). 32.5 = normal strength cement while 42.5 = higher strength cement

Simba Cement 32.5R	600Ksh-700Ksh
Simba Cement 42.5N	700Ksh-800Ksh
Blue Triangle Cement	630Ksh-730Ksh
Bamburi Cement	750Ksh-850Ksh
Rhino Cement	650Ksh-750Ksh
Savannah Cement	650Ksh-750Ksh
Rai Cement	600Ksh-700Ksh
Mombasa Cement	600Ksh-700Ksh

The letter (R or N) shows how fast the cement gains early strength.

R = Rapid strength gain (faster setting, faster hardening)

N = Normal strength gain

Steel Bars (Deformed) Prices in Kenya

(Deformed Bars)

D8	450Ksh-700Ksh
D10	750Ksh-950Ksh
D12	1020Ksh-1200Ksh
D16	2050Ksh-2100Ksh
D20	2700Ksh-2900Ksh
D25	4400Ksh-4600Ksh

ROUND BARS

R16	1800Ksh-2000Ksh
R12	950Ksh-1100Ksh
R10	600Ksh-700Ksh
R8	300Ksh-400Ksh
R6	140Ksh-200Ksh

BRC WIRE MESH

Tall rolls of silver metal fencing stacked in a dimly lit warehouse. The repetitive pattern creates a sense of order and uniformity.

A66 (3mm)	10000Ksh-11000Ksh
A65 (4mm)	13000Ksh-14000Ksh
A610 (2.5mm)	9000Ksh-10000Ksh
A98 (5mm)	14500Ksh-15000Ksh
A142 (6mm) (2.4m × 48m)	24500Ksh-26000Ksh

CHAINLINK

4ft × 18m	2000Ksh-3000Ksh
5ft × 18m	2500Ksh-3500Ksh
6ft × 18m	3000Ksh-4000Ksh
7ft × 18m	4500Ksh-5500Ksh

Roofing Sheets Prices in Kenya (Mabati Prices)

(Gauge 30)

Box Profile Mabati	400Ksh-500Ksh per meter
Normal / Corrugated Mabati	350Ksh-450Ksh per meter
Brick Tile Matte Finish	600Ksh-700Ksh per meter
Bow Tile Matte Finish	550Ksh-650Ksh per meter

Timber and Wood Prices in Kenya

Stacks of long, light brown wooden planks are piled outdoors under a cloudy sky, suggesting a lumberyard setting.

Cypress 2×2	25Ksh-35Ksh
Cypress 3 by 2	38Ksh-48Ksh
Cypress 4×2	45Ksh-55Ksh
Cypress 8 by1	70Ksh-80Ksh
Cypress 10 by 1	90Ksh-100Ksh
Bluegum 2×2	18Ksh-28Ksh
Bluegum 3×2	25Ksh-35Ksh
Bluegum 4×2	35Ksh-45Ksh
Bluegum Poles	180Ksh
Pine 2×2	20Ksh-30Ksh
Pine 3×2	30Ksh-40Ksh
Pine 4×2	40Ksh-50Ksh
Grevillea 6 by 1	23Ksh-33Ksh
Grevillea 3 by2	23Ksh-30Ksh

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Tile Prices

Want to learn More About Tile Prices Click Here>>>.

Stacks of white tiles with red edges leaning against a rough wall. A cement bag is visible in the background on the right.

Floor Tiles

40×40 (12pcs)	780Ksh-980Ksh
30×30 (17pcs)	620Ksh-720Ksh
50×50 (7pcs)	1050Ksh-1200Ksh
60×60 (4pcs)	1250Ksh-1450Ksh

Wall Tiles

20×30 (25pcs)	550Ksh-700Ksh
25×40 (15pcs)	550Ksh-700Ksh

Foundation Stones & Hardcore Prices in Kenya

6×9 Stones – 20Ksh-25Ksh each

1 Bedroom – 1,200 pcs	24000Ksh-30,000Ksh
2 Bedrooms – 1,800 pcs	36000Ksh-40000Ksh
3 Bedrooms – 2,500 pcs	50000Ksh-55000Ksh
4 Bedrooms – 3,000 pcs	60000Ksh-65000Ksh

Yellow dump truck unloading gray bricks onto a dirt road beside a brick wall. Trees and a cloudy sky are in the background.

Sand Prices in Kenya (Riversand & Quarry Sand)

Two men are on a truck filled with sand in a grassy area, while another man stands nearby. The truck license plate reads "ZH 087G".

Lavington	36,000Ksh
Kiserian	36,000Ksh
Juja	33,000Ksh
Ruai	35,000Ksh
Roysambu	34,000Ksh
Mwihoko	34,000Ksh
Githurai	34,000Ksh
Donholm	34,000Ksh
Muthaiga	35,000Ksh
Kikuyu	38,000Ksh
Kiambu	37,000Ksh
Ruiru	34,000Ksh
Kiserian	35,000Ksh
Utawala	34,000Ksh
Ngong	36,000Ksh
Kamakis	33,000Ksh
Westlands	36,000Ksh
Karen	36,000Ksh
Mwiki	35,000Ksh
Isinya	29,000Ksh
Kitengela	32,000Ksh
Rongai	35,000Ksh
Kawangware	36,000Ksh
Pipeline	33,000Ksh

Paints, Doors, Windows & Finishing Materials Prices

Hada Gypsum Boards 9mm	450Ksh-600Ksh
Channels & Studs	150Ksh-250Ksh
Cornices	100Ksh-150Ksh
Fiber Cornice	350Ksh-450Ksh
Gyproc Filler	1150Ksh-1400Ksh
Sahara Filler	500Ksh-600Ksh
Skimaxx	850Ksh-950Ksh
Duracoat Skimming Filler	1050Ksh-1200Ksh
Crown Skimming Filler	1200Ksh-1300Ksh
Fibre Tape	250Ksh-300Ksh
Gypsum Screws	550Ksh-600Ksh
Steel Nails	150Ksh-200Ksh

Other Building Materials

DPC Roll (10m × 1m)	2100Ksh-2300Ksh
Wallpass 1 Roll	3200Ksh-3400Ksh
Polythene Paper (20kg)	1400Ksh-1600Ksh
Barbed Wire 16 Gauge 240m	1900Ksh-2100Ksh
Barbed Wire 16 Gauge 480m	3400Ksh-3700Ksh
Barbed Wire 16 Gauge 610m	4200Ksh-4500Ksh

Cheapest Building Materials in Kenya

Construction workers lay concrete blocks on a roof under a cloudy sky. Colorful buildings in the background add contrast.

EcoSlabs, also known as beam-and-block slab systems, are quickly becoming one of the cheapest and most efficient construction materials in Kenya. These precast concrete blocks, made from cement, sand, and ballast, eliminate the need for expensive timber formwork and heavy shuttering. They significantly reduce labour, curing time, and overall slab costs, making them ideal for budget home projects and multi-storey buildings.

Concrete blocks are arranged in a grid pattern on a construction site. Steel reinforcements are visible. Background shows open land.

Cost of Building a 2-Bedroom or 3-Bedroom House in Kenya

The cost of building a 2-bedroom or 3-bedroom house in Kenya largely depends on materials, labour, and location. For a standard 2-bedroom unit, you will typically need about 1,400 machine-cut stones, 700 foundation stones, 1.5 lorries of Darugo stones, 3 lorries of hardcore, 1 lorry of 18-tonnes kokoto, and 3 lorries of river sand. Additional expenses include roofing, plumbing, electrical work, interior finishing, doors, windows, and labour.

A partially constructed house with grey stone walls and a metal roof. A person stands by a window. Facebook text describes building materials.

Image of a two bedroom House by Felix Ndarugo

On average, a 2-bedroom house costs KSh 1.2M–2.2M, while a 3-bedroom ranges between KSh 2.8M–4.5M, depending on design, finishes, and supplier prices.

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Best Building Materials Suppliers in Kenya (Nairobi, Kiambu, Eldoret, and More)

Ramco Hardware	Nairobi	254 722 465812
E Build Ltd (Ebuild Kenya)	Westlands, Nairobi	254 743 665665
Tuff Timber & Steel	Eastern Bypass	254 768 490967
Wareng Ndovu Enterprises	Eldoret	0722 883742
Kutch International Ltd	Nairobi	0788 439544

How to Reduce Construction Costs in Kenya

Buy materials in bulk directly from wholesalers to cut per-unit costs.
Use locally available materials such as local stones, sand, and timber to reduce transport expenses.
Choose a simple house design with fewer corners, beams, and complex roofing.
Work with a qualified fundi to avoid material wastage and redoing work.
Plan ahead and budget clearly to prevent sudden purchases at high prices.
Compare suppliers to get the best rates on cement, mabati, and steel.
Avoid unnecessary luxury finishes until later.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the cheapest building material to buy in Kenya?

The cheapest building materials in Kenya are machine-cut stones ( 20Ksh–25Ksh each), quarry dust, sand, and standard corrugated mabati. These materials are locally available and require minimal processing, making them affordable for most building projects.

How many bags of cement do I need for a 2-bedroom house?

A standard 2-bedroom house in Kenya typically uses 180–250 bags of cement, depending on the foundation size, number of slabs, and interior finishing. Bungalows use fewer bags, while raised or reinforced structures use more.

How much is 50kg of cement today?

In 2025, a 50kg bag of cement costs 600Ksh–850Ksh, depending on the brand. Simba, Mombasa, and Rai are cheaper, while Bamburi and Blue Triangle are slightly more expensive due to strength and quality ratings.

Which building material is low cost?

Low-cost building materials in Kenya include machine-cut stones, corrugated mabati, interlocking blocks, quarry dust, sand, and prefab panels. These materials reduce labour, transport, and construction time.

How many iron sheets for a 2-bedroom house?

A typical 2-bedroom house requires 60–100 iron sheets, depending on roof design, pitch, and sheet length. Box profile uses fewer sheets than classic corrugated mabati.

What is the cost of a 12x12 concrete slab?

A 12x12 slab (roughly 144 sq. feet) costs h 45,000Ksh–70,000Ksh including cement, ballast, sand, formwork, steel reinforcement, and labour. The cost increases if the slab must support heavier loads or double-storey construction.