Charcoal Prices in Kenya (2026): Cost per Sack, Per Kg & Nairobi Market Rates
- BeyondForest
- Jan 16
- 4 min read
Updated: 12 hours ago
1.)Charcoal Prices in Kenya (2026 Overview)
3.)Cost of Charcoal Per Sack in Kenya (By Size)
5.)Why Charcoal Prices Fluctuate in Kenya
6.)Charcoal vs LPG vs Bioethanol Cost Comparison (2026)
Prices are affected by distribution costs, enforcement of forestry regulations, and periodic supply shortages, making urban charcoal more expensive than in production areas.
Charcoal prices in Kenya in 2026 vary depending on location, sack size, and supply conditions. A standard 90kg sack typically ranges between 1,000Ksh and 2,800Ksh, with Nairobi recording higher prices due to transport and urban demand. Smaller sacks such as 50kg and 35kg sell at proportionally lower rates, while retail prices per kilogram range from 35Ksh to 70Ksh.
Charcoal prices in Nairobi today tend to be higher than in rural areas due to transport costs and strong urban demand. A standard 90kg sack in major markets like Gikomba or Eastlands can range from 1,800Ksh to 2,800Ksh, while smaller sacks (50kg and 35kg) sell proportionally lower. Retail per-kilogram prices in estate shops and street vendors typically fall between 35Ksh and 70Ksh.
Cost of Charcoal Per Sack in Kenya (By Size)
Image of Bags of charcoal tied with white string by Sora Dima selling for 1000Ksh
In Kenya, charcoal prices vary by sack size and region. A 90kg sack — the most common bulk size — typically sells between 1,000Ksh and 2,800Ksh depending on supply and distance to market. A 50kg sack usually costs around 800Ksh to 1,800Ksh, while a 35kg sack might range from 600Ksh to 1,200Ksh. These price differences reflect transport costs, retailer markups, and seasonal shifts in supply
In Kenya’s retail markets in 2026, charcoal is commonly sold by weight as well as by sack. Per kilogram prices vary depending on where you buy and the quantity purchased. In large open markets like Gikomba or estate street vendors, charcoal typically trades between 35Ksh and 70Ksh per kg. Smaller quantities are often sold at higher per-kg prices because retailers account for handling and convenience.
Why Charcoal Prices Fluctuate in Kenya
Charcoal prices in Kenya fluctuate due to a combination of supply, regulatory, and market factors. Transport costs from producing counties such as Kitui, Narok, and Kajiado significantly affect urban pricing, especially when fuel prices rise. Government crackdowns on illegal logging or charcoal bans can suddenly reduce supply, pushing prices higher. Seasonal weather patterns, particularly during rainy seasons, also disrupt production and transportation. Additionally, shifts in demand — such as increased reliance on charcoal when alternative fuels become expensive or scarce — can create temporary price spikes in major cities like Nairobi.
Charcoal vs LPG vs Bioethanol Cost Comparison (2026)
Charcoal remains relatively affordable at roughly 35Ksh –70Ksh per kilogram at retail markets, but total monthly costs can add up for heavy users. LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) is more expensive upfront due to cylinder refills — often costing several thousand shillings per refill — but is cleaner and more efficient. Bioethanol, such as what KOKO Networks previously supplied, can be cheaper per cooking session when fuel subsidies or carbon credit revenues are applied, but availability is inconsistent post-collapse.
Is Charcoal Business Profitable in Kenya in 2026?
Yes the charcoal business in Kenya can remain profitable in 2026, especially for sellers who manage sourcing and logistics efficiently. Profitability depends on buying charcoal sacks at lower rural prices (often near production zones like Kitui, Kajiado, and Narok) and selling them in urban markets like Nairobi where demand is strong. Typical profit margins per 90 kg sack can range from 300Ksh– 800Ksh after accounting for transport and handling costs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Charcoal Prices in Kenya
What is the price of charcoal per sack in Kenya in 2026?
The price of a full charcoal sack (approximately 90kg) in Kenya ranges between 1,000Ksh and 2,800Ksh, depending on location, season, and supply source. Prices tend to be higher in Nairobi compared to rural areas due to transport and distribution costs.
How much is charcoal per kilogram in Nairobi?
In Nairobi, charcoal typically sells between 35Ksh and 70Ksh per kilogram in retail settings. Supermarkets and estate vendors may charge higher prices than open-air markets or bulk suppliers.
Why are charcoal prices higher in Nairobi?
Charcoal prices in Nairobi are influenced by transport costs, police crackdowns on illegal logging, seasonal supply shortages, and increased urban demand. Enforcement of forestry regulations can significantly reduce supply, pushing prices upward.
How much does a 50kg or 35kg charcoal sack cost?
A 50kg sack generally costs between 800Ksh and 1,800Ksh, while a 35kg sack ranges from 600Ksh to 1,200Ksh, depending on the supplier and area.
Where can I buy bulk charcoal in Nairobi?
Bulk charcoal can be sourced from open markets such as Gikomba and Eastlands depots, estate wholesalers, rural suppliers in Kitui, Narok, and Kajiado, or through Facebook Marketplace listings. Bulk buyers often negotiate better per-sack rates.
Is the charcoal business profitable in Kenya in 2026?
Yes, the charcoal business can be profitable if sourcing is done directly from rural producers at lower prices and transport costs are well managed. Profit margins per sack can range from 300Ksh to 800Ksh depending on scale and location.
Will charcoal prices rise in 2026?
Charcoal prices may continue to fluctuate due to enforcement of logging bans, transport fuel costs, and changes in urban demand. If alternative fuels like bioethanol or LPG become unstable, demand for charcoal may increase, potentially pushing prices higher.
Key factors include:
Transport and fuel costs
Government regulations and logging bans
Seasonal weather patterns
Urban demand levels
Supply from charcoal-producing counties
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