Container Houses in Kenya: Prices, Designs & Full Guide
- BeyondForest
- 7 days ago
- 5 min read
1.)Why Container Houses Are Growing in Kenya
2.)Container House Prices in Kenya (2025 Update)
3.)1–3 Bedroom Container Houses in Kenya
5.)Low-Cost Container Houses in Kenya
90% of the world’s goods move by containers Almost everything around you phones, clothes, furniture, even food has likely traveled in a container at some point.
Image of a small 20 feet container House with a glass door and window by Frontier Container Fabricators
Container houses are becoming increasingly popular in Kenya as more people search for affordable, modern, and flexible housing solutions. With the rising cost of traditional construction materials such as cement, steel, and timber, many homeowners are embracing container homes as a faster and more economical alternative.
The standard 20ft and 40ft container sizes have not changed since 1960 . The world agreed on these sizes to make global shipping faster and cheaper—revolutionizing world trade.
Image of a Truck with crane lifting green container by Frontier Container Fabricators
A single shipping container can be transformed into a stylish studio, office, or even a full 1–3 bedroom house at a fraction of the cost of brick-and-mortar structures. This makes container housing especially attractive to young families, investors, and individuals seeking quick, budget-friendly projects.
Kenya alone handles over 1 million containers per year at Mombasa Port
Image of a Wooden kitchen with tiled backsplash on a 40 feet container
Container houses offer the advantage of being highly customizable—designers can add insulation, gypsum walls, solar systems, rooftop decks, or large sliding windows to create modern living spaces tailored to customer tastes.
Containers are designed to last 25+ years at sea. They battle storms, saltwater corrosion, and extreme weather, which is why they make such durable houses.
The availability of used shipping containers at local depots and the growth of local fabricators have made the process seamless. With a strong push toward green building and sustainable living, container houses are now viewed as eco-friendly, stylish, and financially practical homes for Kenya’s evolving lifestyle.
Container House Prices in Kenya (2025 Update)
Container Type | Description | Estimated Price (KSh) |
20ft Shipping Container (Raw) | Standard empty container, no modifications | 200,000Ksh – 230,000Ksh |
40ft Shipping Container High | Larger size, ideal for 1–3 bedroom builds | 330,000Ksh – 350,000Ksh |
40ft Shipping Container Low | Larger size, ideal for 1–3 bedroom builds | 350,000Ksh – 370,000Ksh |
20ft Fabricated Container House | Fully insulated single room with electricity & windows | 400,000Ksh – 650,000Ksh |
40ft Fabricated Container House | Large custom unit suitable for bedsitters or 1-bedroom | 700,000Ksh – 950,000Ksh |
1-Bedroom Container House | Using 1 or 2 containers, complete with finishing | 950,000Ksh – 1,450,000Ksh |
2-Bedroom Container House | Spacious design using 1×40ft or 2×20ft | 1,400,000Ksh – 1,950,000Ksh |
3-Bedroom Container House | Multiple 40ft containers joined together | 1,900,000Ksh – 3,000,000Ksh |
Luxury Container House | Premium finishes, gypsum walls, solar, decking | 3,000,000Ksh – 5,000,000Ksh |
Used Container Houses | Pre-owned modified units | 300,000Ksh – 900,000Ksh |
Office/Shop Container (20ft) | Fabricated workspace unit | 350,000Ksh – 450,000Ksh |
Refrigerated Containers | For cold storage | 1,200,000Ksh-1,400,000Ksh |
1–3 Bedroom Container Houses in Kenya
Over 17 million shipping containers exist worldwide. But only 6 million are in active rotation millions are retired every year and turned into homes, offices, and shops.
A 1-bedroom container house typically uses one 40ft container or two 20ft containers, offering enough space for a living area, kitchen, bathroom, and a private bedroom. These units are ideal for singles, young couples, or holiday homes on small plots.
Image of an Empty Container House room with pale yellow walls by Frontier Container Fabricators
A 2-bedroom container house provides a more spacious layout using either two 40ft containers or a combination of 20ft and 40ft units. They are suited for small families and offer room for an open-plan kitchen, lounge, shared bathroom, and two comfortable bedrooms.
One container can hold up to 25,000 kg of cargo
Image of a Wooden-clad shipping container with door and window by Frontier Container Fabricators
The shipping container was invented in 1956 by a truck driver. Malcolm McLean simplified loading, cut port times from 3 weeks to 3 days, and transformed global trade.
For larger families, 3-bedroom container houses are created by joining multiple 40ft containers to form a wide, functional layout. These homes can accommodate a master ensuite, extra bedrooms, a large living room, and modern interiors such as gypsum walls and tiled floors—making them comparable to traditional houses but at a lower cost and with faster delivery.
Container Houses in Kenya
Many Kenyans prefer container houses because they are durable, environmentally friendly, and can be set up in a matter of weeks instead of months.
Image of a Long, empty 40 feet container House by Frontier Container Fabricators
With customized designs, low maintenance, and the ability to expand by adding more containers, container homes offer a practical and cost-effective alternative to traditional brick houses.
Low-Cost Container Houses in Kenya
Image of a 40 feet container with Compact kitchen with wooden cabinets by Frontier Container Fabricators
These budget-friendly units are typically built using used 20ft or 40ft shipping containers, making them significantly cheaper than traditional construction. Basic models include essential features like insulation, wiring, windows, and simple finishes, keeping costs manageable for first-time homeowners or small families. Many fabricators also offer customizable low-cost designs for bedsitters, one-bedroom units, and small offices. Their durability, mobility, and reduced construction timeline make low-cost container houses an attractive solution for Kenyans seeking modern housing on a tight budget.
Image of a 40 feet container with fine Store interior with stocked shelves of assorted products. by Frontier Container Fabricators
Fabricator | Location | Contact |
Frontier Container Fabricators | Eastern Bypass | 0726668272 |
Containers Kenya | Industrial Area | +254 722 386 738 |
Premium Containers Kenya | Nairobi | +254 720 347 339 |
Container homes cost far less than traditional brick houses, making them ideal for budget-conscious homeowners.
Fabrication and setup take weeks, not months, allowing quick occupancy.
Made from strong steel, containers withstand harsh weather, pests, and long-term use.
Repurposing used shipping containers reduces waste and promotes sustainable building.
Easily modified into modern studios, 1–3 bedroom homes, offices, or shops.
Perfect for small plots, urban areas, and off-grid living setups.
Can be relocated if needed without reconstructing the entire house.
A basic 20ft container house costs 350,000Ksh–600,000Ksh, while 1–3 bedroom units range between 900,000Ksh and 3,000,000Ksh, depending on design and finishes.
Yes. Shipping containers are made from heavy-duty steel designed to withstand harsh sea conditions, making them highly durable in Kenya’s hot, rainy, or coastal climates.
Do container homes get too hot?
Without insulation, yes. Most fabricators use glass wool, rock wool, or foam insulation to keep the interior cool and comfortable even in hot regions like Mombasa or Turkana.
How long does it take to build a container house?
A basic unit can be completed in 2–4 weeks, while larger 2–3 bedroom homes take 6–10 weeks depending on complexity and finishes.
Yes. Container houses are portable and can be relocated using cranes or trailers without dismantling the entire structure.
Are container houses cheaper than traditional homes?
In most cases, yes. They require fewer materials, less labor, and shorter construction time, making them more affordable than brick or stone houses.
A container home can last 40–60 years with proper maintenance
Absolutely. They can be designed with gypsum walls, tiles, solar systems, kitchens, bathrooms, sliding windows, decks, and even rooftop terraces.
Do container houses require a foundation?
Most fabricators recommend a simple concrete slab or pillar foundation to support the container and prevent rusting or sinking.
Yes. When properly insulated and reinforced, they meet safety standards and can withstand wind, rain, pests, and long-term use.
Major suppliers include Frontier Container Fabricators, Containers Kenya, Premium Containers Kenya, and several fabricators in Nairobi, Mombasa, Thika, and Kitengela.
