Firewood Prices in Kenya (2026): Price per Kg, Per Tonne & Where to Buy
- BeyondForest
- Jan 16
- 6 min read
Updated: 10 hours ago
Image of Firewood by Robert Washingtone
1.)Firewood Prices in Kenya (2026 Updated Rates)
2.)Types of Firewood Sold in Kenya
4.)Firewood Price per Ton in Kenya
5.)Firewood Prices per Pickup & Lorry Load
7.)Where to Buy Firewood in Kenya
Firewood Prices in Kenya (2026 Updated Rates)
Firewood Dominates Kenya’s Energy Use
Wood fuel supplies ~60–65% of Kenya’s total energy needs
Firewood alone accounts for ~55–60% of all wood demand
Charcoal contributes ~20–25%, mainly in urban areas
Image of Pile of chopped firewood by Ronoh Mercy
Firewood prices in Kenya in 2026 continue to be driven by location, wood type, moisture content, and transport costs. Dry (seasoned) firewood is more expensive than green firewood because it burns hotter, produces less smoke, and lasts longer. Hardwood species such as eucalyptus (blue gum), acacia, and grevillea generally cost more than softwood due to their higher heat output. Prices are usually lower in counties close to supply areas like Kiambu, Machakos, Kajiado, Narok, and parts of the Rift Valley, while urban centers such as Nairobi and Mombasa pay higher rates because of permits, middlemen, and delivery costs.
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Image of a White pickup truck loaded with logs by Charles Kiugu
Firewood & Charcoal Power Key Industries
Over 90% of tea factories in Kenya use firewood
Firewood provides 70–75% of tea processing energy
Schools, hospitals, hotels & restaurants are major bulk buyers
Selling Firewood in Kenya?
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Over 70% of Kenyan households rely on wood fuel
Rural households:
Firewood usage exceeds 85%
Urban households:
40–45% depend on charcoal for cooking
Image of Pile of chopped firewood by Ronoh Mercy
Hardwood firewood is the most preferred because it burns slowly and produces more heat. Common hardwoods include eucalyptus (blue gum), acacia, and grevillea, widely used by households, restaurants, and institutions. Softwood firewood, sourced from lighter tree species, ignites quickly but burns faster and is usually cheaper.
Firewood is also sold as seasoned (dry) or green (freshly cut) wood, with seasoned firewood being more efficient and less smoky.Additionally, some suppliers offer split firewood for easier use, while others sell unsplit logs, especially for bulk buyers.
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Image of Pile of cut branches and logs on the ground by James Kingoo
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Kenya National Firewood Supply vs Demand Gap
Annual wood demand: 45–50 million m³
Sustainable supply: 30–35 million m³
Deficit: 10–15 million m³ every year
Firewood price per kilogram in Kenya typically ranges between 20Ksh and 40Ksh, depending on the type of wood, dryness, and location. Dry hardwood firewood costs more because it burns longer and produces higher heat, while green or softwood firewood is cheaper but less efficient.
Firewood Price per Ton in Kenya
Firewood price per ton in Kenya generally ranges between 10,000Ksh and 20,000Ksh, depending on the wood species, moisture content, and distance from the source. Dry hardwood firewood attracts higher prices due to better heat output and lower smoke levels. Buying firewood by the tonne is common for schools, hotels, and restaurants because it offers better value per kilogram compared to small retail purchases.
Firewood Prices per Pickup & Lorry Load
Firewood prices per pickup and lorry load in Kenya depend on truck size, wood type, and transport distance. A standard pickup load of firewood usually costs between 8,000Ksh and 15,000Ksh, making it popular with small institutions and resellers. Larger lorry loads, ranging from 7 to 14 tons, typically cost 35,000Ksh to 90,000Ksh. Bulk purchases offer lower cost per kilogram but require storage space and proper drying.
Seasoned vs Green Firewood: Price Differences
Image of Pile of cut logs stacked outdoors on grass by Charles Kiugu
Seasoned firewood is more expensive than green firewood in Kenya because it has been dried to reduce moisture content, making it burn hotter, last longer, and produce less smoke. Prices for seasoned firewood can be 20–40% higher than green firewood. Green firewood is cheaper but burns inefficiently, produces more smoke, and requires additional drying time before use, increasing overall cost for users.
Where to Buy Firewood in Kenya
Firewood in Kenya can be purchased from multiple sources, depending on quantity, location, and intended use. Common options include local roadside sellers, firewood yards, and individual farmers or woodlot owners, especially in peri-urban and rural areas. Urban buyers often rely on neighborhood suppliers who deliver small quantities, while institutions such as schools, hotels, and restaurants usually source firewood in bulk directly from production areas.
How much is firewood per kg in Kenya?
Firewood prices in Kenya range between 20Ksh – 40Ksh per kg, depending on the wood type, dryness, and location. Dry hardwood firewood is more expensive than green or softwood firewood.
Charcoal value chain alone supports ~2 million people
How much does 20kg of firewood cost in Kenya?
A 20kg bag of firewood typically costs between 400Ksh – 800Ksh. Prices are higher in urban areas like Nairobi and lower in rural firewood-producing regions.
How much is one ton of firewood in Kenya?
One ton of firewood in Kenya costs approximately 10,000Ksh – 20,000Ksh. Bulk purchases are cheaper per kilogram and are common for hotels, schools, and commercial kitchens.
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How much is a pickup or lorry load of firewood?
A pickup load of firewood costs about 8,000Ksh – 15,000Ksh, while a 7–14 ton lorry load ranges from 35,000Ksh – 90,000Ksh, depending on distance, wood type, and season.
Which type of firewood is best in Kenya?
Hardwood firewood such as eucalyptus (blue gum), acacia, and grevillea is preferred because it burns longer, produces more heat, and creates less smoke compared to softwood.
Over 5 million Kenyans depend on forest-based livelihoods
Is dry (seasoned) firewood more expensive?
Yes. Seasoned firewood is more expensive than green firewood because it burns efficiently, produces less smoke, and provides more heat. Prices can be 20–40% higher than green firewood.
How long does 20kg of firewood last?
A 20kg bag of dry firewood can last 1–3 days for household cooking, depending on stove efficiency and frequency of use. Restaurants may consume the same amount within a few hours.
Where can I buy firewood in Kenya?
Firewood can be bought from local suppliers, roadside sellers, farms, plantations, firewood yards, and online platforms such as Jiji, Facebook Marketplace, and WhatsApp groups.
Firewood is cheaper in Kiambu, Machakosl, Kajiado, Narok, Bomet, Rift Valley, Because Supply is close to source ,lower transport costs, Farm & woodland harvesting. Urban areas (Nairobi, Mombasa) pay more due to Transport, Permits and Middlemen
What is the cheapest way to buy firewood in Kenya?
The cheapest way is to buy in bulk directly from farms or plantations, share transport costs, and purchase during the rainy or low-demand season.
Is selling firewood profitable in Kenya?
Yes. Firewood selling is profitable due to consistent demand from households, restaurants, schools, and hotels. Profitability depends on source cost, transport, licensing, and wood quality.
Is firewood legal in Kenya?
Firewood trading is legal but may require county permits, transport documentation, and proof of sustainable sourcing, especially for bulk or commercial sales.
Firewood is generally cheaper in Kiambu, Machakos, Kajiado, Narok, Bomet, and Rift Valley counties, where supply is high and transport costs are lower.
Firewood takes 3–6 months to season properly, depending on wood type, splitting size, airflow, and weather conditions.
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