Updated River Sand-Building Sand Price List 2025
- BeyondForest
- Nov 4, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Nov 6
Image of a Truck carrying Sand by Felix Ndarugo Mawe
River sand is preferred for foundation work, masonry, plastering, and concrete mixing because of its natural composition and good bonding qualities.
River sand also known as alluvial sand are derived from materials transported by water and deposited in the floodplain associated with the watercourse. River Sand is increasingly recognized as essential for the construction industry and the development of infrastructure .
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River sand is a key material in Kenya’s construction sector. Sand, gravel, and crushed stones make up the primary materials used in concrete production, which is essential for constructing homes, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure
The price of a tipper (or truckload) of sand in Kenya is 36,000 and depends on factors such as location, sand quality, demand, and transportation costs.
(Prices are subsequent to change )
Image of River Sand
Riversand is harvested mainly from Ukambani and Kajiado
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 |
Rongai | 35,000Ksh |
Pipeline | 33,000Ksh |
Kawangware | 36,000Ksh |
Witithie | 33,000Ksh |
Kitengela | 32,000Ksh |
Isinya | 29,000Ksh |
Mwiki | 35,000Ksh |
Karen | 36,000Ksh |
Westlands | 36,000Ksh |
Quary Sand / Dust
Red soil
The natural properties of river sand make it an ideal choice for construction. Its rounded particles allow for better workability in concrete and plaster mixtures, reducing the need for additional materials and additives. This makes river sand both economically viable and effective, particularly for large-scale construction projects.
Image of a TATA truck tipper tipping Rock Sand
Rock Sand is completely crushed ballast that forms artificial Sand, it's passed through a pool of water which aids in removing excessively crushed Rock Sand ,in other words we can say that Rock Sand is artificial River Sand -Japheth
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(Prices are subsequent to change )
Thindigua | 33,000Ksh |
Kiambu Road | 33,000Ksh |
Kangemi | 34,000Ksh |
Westlands | 33,000Ksh |
Ruaka | 34,000Ksh |
Limuru | 36,000Ksh |
Kikuyu | 36,000Ksh |
Ngong | 35,000Ksh |
Karen | 34,000Ksh |
Kiserian | 33,000Ksh |
Rongai | 33,000Ksh |
Mwiki | 30,000Ksh |
Roysambu | 30,000Ksh |
Witithie | 36,000Ksh |
Juja Farm | 35,000Ksh |
Juja | 33,000Ksh |
Kenyatta Road | 33,000Ksh |
Kimbo | 32,000Ksh |
Kiamaiko | 34,000Ksh |
Ruai | 31,000Ksh |
Kamakis | 30,000Ksh |
Mwihoko | 30,000Ksh |
Utawala | 29,000Ksh |
Sand extraction in Kenya occurs in several ways, ranging from small-scale, informal methods to large-scale commercial operations. Here are some of the primary methods used:
Manual Extraction
In many rural areas, locals manually dig up river sand, typically using basic tools like shovels and wheelbarrows. This type of extraction is often done by individuals or small groups, mainly for personal use or local sale. Although this method has a minimal impact on the river ecosystem compared to mechanized methods, it can still contribute to cumulative environmental degradation if it becomes widespread and unregulated.
Image of River Sand
Commercial Extraction
Large-scale sand mining operations involve the use of heavy machinery, including excavators, trucks, and loaders, to remove large volumes of sand from riverbeds. Commercial operations, often backed by private companies or wealthy individuals, have a significant impact on the environment due to the volume and scale of extraction. River sand is often transported to urban centers, where demand is high due to rapid construction activities.
Image of a River Sand
With the high demand for river sand, illegal and unregulated mining has become prevalent. Illegal sand mining occurs without permits or environmental oversight, which leads to indiscriminate extraction and severe environmental degradation. It also deprives the government of revenue that could be collected through taxes and fees on legal mining activities. Illegal mining is often carried out at night to avoid detection by authorities, and those involved are sometimes linked to organized crime networks.
Image of Isuzu trucks filled with River Sand by Felix Ndarugo Mawe
The Mining Act of 2016 and the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) are key pieces of legislation that govern sand mining activities. These laws are intended to minimize environmental degradation and ensure sustainable extraction practices. In Kenya, river sand extraction is regulated under various environmental and mining laws.
Image of Rock Sand extracted
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) plays a crucial role in overseeing environmental protection and sustainable resource use. NEMA requires that all sand mining activities comply with environmental standards, and companies or individuals involved in sand extraction must obtain licenses and submit Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for approval.
Image of TATA truck tipping Rock Sand
Image of Shovels on River Sand
While river sand is a crucial resource, its extraction comes with significant environmental consequences. The indiscriminate removal of sand from riverbeds disrupts ecosystems and poses a threat to both biodiversity and the livelihoods of communities that rely on these rivers.
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Riverbed Degradation
Excessive sand extraction lowers riverbeds, which can lead to bank erosion and even the collapse of riverbanks. This process can damage habitats for fish and other aquatic species and reduce water quality by increasing turbidity. The resulting sedimentation downstream affects plant growth and can disrupt food chains in these ecosystems.
Rivers are home to diverse ecosystems, providing habitats for fish, birds, amphibians, and other wildlife. Removing sand can destroy these habitats, leading to a decline in species that depend on them. Additionally, the destruction of vegetation along riverbanks impacts terrestrial species that rely on these areas for food and shelter.
Water Scarcity
Sand acts as a natural filter that helps maintain water quality and retain groundwater levels. Over-extraction of sand reduces the river’s ability to hold water, potentially contributing to water shortages. This is particularly concerning in Kenya, where water resources are already strained. Lower water levels also impact agriculture and local communities who rely on rivers for drinking water and irrigation.
FAQ About Sand In Kenya
Sandy soil suitable for construction is widely found in riverbeds, coastal areas, and arid regions of Kenya. Key sources include Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado, and parts of Nairobi's outskirts, where sand is harvested from dry riverbeds like the Athi, Thwake, and Tsavo. Along the coastline, counties such as Kilifi, Kwale, and Mombasa provide abundant marine sand used in building. Sandy soil from riverbeds is preferred for construction due to its grain texture and drainage properties.
Image of a Truck delivering River Sand by Felix Ndarugo Mawe on Facebook
As of 2025, the cost of one lorry (approximately 18 tons) of sand in Kenya varies based on the type of sand, location, and supplier. River sand is commonly priced between 32,000Ksh and 38,000Ksh, depending on the delivery area. For instance, in Nairobi neighborhoods like Lavington, Kiserian, and Kikuyu, prices range from 33,000Ksh to 38,000Ksh . Rock sand, an alternative to river sand, is slightly less expensive, with prices around 34,600Ksh for 18 tons . Quarry dust (vumbi) is the most affordable option, priced at approximately 24,700Ksh for the same quantity .
3 lorries for the foundation and slab, 2–3 lorries for wall construction and plastering, and the rest for finishes
The number of lorries of sand needed to build a standard 2-bedroom house in Kenya depends on the house size, design, and materials used. On average, you’ll need 7 to 10 lorries of sand (each approximately 18 tons). Sand is used for foundation, masonry, plastering, and flooring. The exact quantity may vary based on whether machine-cut blocks or bricks are used, and if a flat or pitched roof is planned.
In Kenya, one lorry of sand (approximately 18 tons) costs between 32,000Ksh and 38,000Ksh depending on location and sand type. River sand is more expensive than quarry dust or rock sand, and prices vary due to transport distance
What is the Cheapest sand in Kenya
The cheapest sand in Kenya is quarry dust, also known as vumbi, priced between 24,000Ksh and 27,000Ksh per lorry (18 tonnes). It is a byproduct of stone crushing and is commonly used for plastering, backfilling, and non-structural construction
What is the price of River Sand In Kenya
As of 2025, the cost of one lorry (approximately 18 tons) of river sand ranges from 32,000Ksh to 38,000Ksh, depending on location, supplier, and transportation distance. Urban areas like Nairobi, Kiambu, and Machakos tend to have higher prices due to demand and delivery logistics.
