Excavator Rental Services in Kenya: Everything You Need to Know
- BeyondForest
- Aug 19
- 6 min read
Updated: Oct 17
Image of a Develon Excavator at Work by matsu_works_ltd
3.)Different Types of Excavator
4.)Factors to Consider Before Hiring an Excavator
6.)Excavator Hire FAQs in Kenya
Excavator for Hire in Kenya – Overview
Image of an Orange Doosan excavator on gravel road by matsu_works_ltd
An excavator is a heavy construction machine designed primarily for digging, earthmoving, and material handling. It consists of a boom, stick (arm), bucket, and a rotating cab mounted on either wheels or tracks, allowing it to move easily across rough terrains. Powered by a hydraulic system, excavators are highly versatile and can be fitted with various attachments such as breakers, augers, and grapples to perform different tasks.
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Image of a Develon 300LC by Matsu Work Ltd
In Kenya, excavators are widely used across multiple industries. In the construction sector, they are essential for digging foundations, trenching, and site preparation. Road construction projects also rely heavily on excavators for grading, earthworks, and clearing debris. In mining and quarrying, excavators are used for digging and moving large volumes of soil, rocks, or minerals.
Image of a Low Powder offloading an Excavator ready for work by Matsu Works
average daily rates (including operator & fuel):
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Mini excavator: 18,000Ksh – 25,000Ksh
Medium excavator: 25,000Ksh – 45,000Ksh
Large excavator: 50,000Ksh – 80,000Ksh
Image of a Jonyang 20 T Excavator by Matsu Works LTD
Additionally, excavators play a crucial role in demolition work, where their strength and attachments are used to break down old structures. Their ability to handle heavy lifting makes them ideal for loading trucks with soil, sand, or rubble. Overall, excavators are indispensable machines for projects that require efficiency, power, and precision in handling earth and materials.
Dry rate (client fuels): 6,000Ksh per hour
Wet rate (owner fuels): 8,500Ksh per hour
Matsu WORKS LTD | 0746547 915 |
Richier Builders | 0725 660915 |
GeoRex Trading | 0796 808080 |
Excavator rental ranges between 15,000Ksh to 50,000Ksh per day, based on size, model, and location
Image of an Excavator at Works by Matsu Work LTD
Excavator Hire Cost (Kenya)
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22-ton (hourly) | 6,000 per hour |
30-ton (hourly) | 7,500 – 10,000 per hour |
Long-Reach Excavator – Dry rate | 6,000 per hour |
Long-Reach Excavator – Wet rate | 8,500 per hour (+ mobilization) |
20-ton Excavator (hourly) | 4,500 – 5,500 per hour |
20-ton with Breaker (hourly) | 7,500 – 8,500 per hour |
30-ton Excavator (hourly) | 7,000 – 7,500 per hour |
30-ton with Breaker (hourly) | 8,000 – 9,000 per hour |
Daily Rates | 15,000 – 50,000 per day |
Mini Excavator (daily) | 18,000 – 25,000 per day |
Medium Excavator (daily) | 25,000 – 45,000 per day |
Large Excavator (daily) | 50,000 – 80,000+ |
Hourly hire: Ranges between KSh 5,000 and 10,000, depending on size and attachments.
Daily hire: Typically runs from KSh 15,000 to 50,000, varying by excavator size.
Attachment premium: Machines with breakers may command 30–50% higher rates.
Fuel policies matter: “Wet” rates include fuel—so expect a higher price but fewer hidden charges.
Hire duration agreements: Long-term hires (weekly/monthly) lower the average cost significantly.
Always confirm mobilization charges, operator inclusion, and fuel terms upfront.
20‑ton excavator
1 Hour | KSh 4,500–5,500 |
1 Day | KSh 36,000–44,000 |
1 Month | KSh 936,000–1,144,000 |
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Image of an Excavator with orange arm drills by Matsu Works LTD
1 Hour | KSh 7,500–8,500 |
1 Day | KSh 60,000–68,000 |
1 Month | KSh 1.5M–1.7M |
30‑ton excavator
1 Hour | KSh 7,000–7,500 |
1 Day | KSh 56,000–60,000 |
1 Month | KSh 1.4M–1.5M |
Image of a 40 tonne Komatsu PC400-8 with a 5 tonne rock breaker by Matsu Works
Excavators come in different sizes and capacities, each suited for specific tasks depending on the scale of work. The most common categories include mini excavators, 20-ton excavators, 30-ton excavators, and long-reach excavators.
Image of a KOMATSU PW180-8 by Matsu Works
Mini excavators are compact machines, typically weighing between 1 to 6 tons. They are ideal for small-scale projects such as landscaping, digging trenches for plumbing, or working in tight urban spaces where maneuverability is important. Despite their size, they deliver impressive precision and efficiency.
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20-ton excavators are the standard choice for most medium to large construction projects. They are versatile and commonly used for road construction, foundation digging, and site clearing. In Kenya, the 20-ton class is the most frequently hired due to its balance of power and affordability.
30-ton excavators provide more digging force and capacity. They are suitable for large infrastructure projects such as dams, highways, or major commercial developments where heavy-duty performance is required. These machines handle bigger buckets, enabling faster completion of large-scale earthworks.
Image of a KOMATSU -8MO 35 tonne class excavator
Long-reach excavators are specialized machines with extended arms designed for tasks like dredging rivers, demolishing tall structures, or working in areas that are hard to reach. Their extended boom provides greater reach while maintaining stability and safety.
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Factors to Consider Before Hiring an Excavator
Image of a yellow Komatsu excavator digs into reddish-brown earth by Matsu Work LTD
Pricing (hidden charges).
Operator availability (with/without operator).
Transport logistics (delivery to site).
Machine condition & support services.
Image of an Excavator with a hydraulic breaker by Matsu Works LTD
Assess job requirements.
Contact reputable companies.
Request a quote & confirm availability.
Arrange transport & operator.
Sign contract/agree terms.
Excavator for Hire FAQs in Kenya
Image of an Orange excavator arm with "HITACHI by Matsu Works LTD
How much does it cost to hire an excavator in Nairobi?
The cost of hiring an excavator in Nairobi varies depending on the size of the machine, the duration of hire, and whether the rate includes fuel and an operator. On average, most companies charge between KSh5,000 and KSh7,500 per hour for a standard 20–22 ton excavator. Smaller machines such as mini excavators may cost slightly less, while larger 30-ton machines or long-reach excavators can go up to KSh8,500–10,000 per hour, especially if fitted with attachments like a rock breaker.
For daily rates, expect to pay anywhere from KSh20,000 to KSh50,000 per day depending on the project requirements. Many Nairobi-based providers also offer weekly and monthly packages at discounted rates for long-term projects. It’s important to confirm if the quoted price is a “dry rate” (you supply fuel) or a “wet rate” (fuel included by the company), as this greatly affects the total cost.
Image of an orange excavator sits idle on a rocky construction site by Matsu Work LTD
Yes, most excavator hire companies in Kenya provide the option of hiring with a professional operator. In fact, many firms prefer this arrangement to ensure safe handling of the machine and efficient work on-site. Hiring with an operator may increase the rate slightly (usually by KSh500–1,500 per hour), but it saves you the hassle of finding a qualified driver and reduces the risk of costly mistakes.
Image of an orange excavator on a dirt road by Matsu Works LTD
Yes, most equipment hire companies in Kenya deliver excavators directly to your project site. However, delivery (mobilization) charges are usually billed separately and depend on the distance from the rental yard to your location.
In Nairobi, mobilization within the city may cost a few thousand shillings, while delivery to other counties can be significantly higher.
Is there a minimum number of hours?
Yes, most excavator hire companies in Kenya set a minimum hire period of 4 to 8 hours per day. Even if your job takes less time, you’ll usually be billed for the minimum hours agreed upon. This helps cover mobilization, operator, and fuel costs.
Image of Three yellow excavators are parked on a dirt field at night by Matsu Works LTD
Most companies in Kenya keep the paperwork simple. Typically, you’ll need to provide a national ID or company registration
documents, a signed hire agreement or contract, and in some cases a purchase order (LPO) for corporate clients. If you’re hiring without an operator (dry hire), proof of a licensed and trained operator may also be requested. Additionally, you may be asked for a deposit or payment guarantee before mobilization.
Image of a Yellow excavator on a rocky ground by Matsu Work LTD
Hiring a 12-tonne or 15-tonne excavator in Kenya typically costs between Ksh4,500 and Ksh6,000 per hour, depending on the provider, location, and whether fuel and an operator are included. For daily rates, you can expect charges ranging from Ksh30,000 to 45,000 per day. These mid-sized excavators are ideal for medium-scale projects such as road works, drainage, or building foundations.
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