Steel Bar Prices in Kenya (2025) - Current Cost of Construction Rebars Per Ton
- BeyondForest
- May 26
- 7 min read
Updated: Jun 2
Image of a Worker in a safety vest sorts steel rods in a truck by Blessed Shee
Government initiatives like the 'Big Four Agenda' and affordable housing projects increase demand for steel products, particularly deformed bars.
Stacks of coiled steel beams by Alex Katiku
The “D” in D10, D16, etc. stands for “Diameter” of a deformed reinforcement bar, measured in millimeters (mm). It’s a standard way of classifying steel bars used in construction.
Kenya's strategic location allows for export opportunities to neighboring land locked countries such as Uganda and Rwanda thus enhancing market reach.
Label | Actual Diameter | Typical Use |
D8 | 8 mm | Light reinforcement (e.g. slabs) |
D10 | 10 mm | Slabs, small beams |
D12 | 12 mm | Beams, columns |
D16 | 16 mm | Structural elements |
D20 | 20 mm | Columns, heavy beams |
D25 | 25 mm | Foundations, heavy columns |
D32 | 32 mm | Very large structures |
D40 | 40 mm | Bridges, industrial structures |
Thicker bars (higher D-numbers) = more load-bearing capacity.
Thinner bars (lower D-numbers) = used where flexibility or less load is needed.
Kenya's steel industry is experiencing steady growth, driven by infrastructure projects, urbanization, and industrialization. In 2024, the market for raw steel and pig iron in Kenya rose rapidly to $10 million, increasing by 6% against the previous year . The forecasted data for 2024-2028 indicates a consistent growth trajectory with a 5-year CAGR of 1.83% and an overall growth rate of 9.49% by 2028 .
"Y" bars are high-yield deformed bars (high-tensile strength) while "D" bars are mild steel deformed bars (lower tensile strength compared to Y bars).
Stacks of coiled steel beams by Alex Katiku
Despite this growth, Kenya remains a net importer of steel, with imports primarily from countries like Brazil and South Africa. The average import price for raw steel and pig iron stood at $524 per ton in 2024, reflecting a 4.4% increase from the previous year
The size you use is dependent on the height of the house or how heavy the house will be ,The smallest size is D8 and is a must use as it will be used to bind the other bars ,D10 is the most used in construction -Mukami Steel
Developing steel recycling facilities can reduce reliance on imports and promote environmental sustainability.
Average Price List of Steel Bars In Kenya
Available Price is as of the second quarter of 2025
D8 | 450Ksh-520Ksh |
D10 | 600Ksh-770Ksh |
D12 | 900Ksh-1150Ksh |
D16 | 1050kSH-2180Ksh |
D20 | 2500Ksh-3300Ksh |
D25 | 4900Ksh- 5300Ksh |
Other Steels
BRC
BRC come in various sizes from A142 to A610
BRC mesh is a welded wire mesh made of mild steel or high tensile steel wires, arranged in a square or rectangular grid, and welded at the intersections. It’s primarily used for reinforcing slabs, floors, pavements, driveways, foundations, and walls in concrete construction.
The letter "A" and the number indicate the wire cross-sectional area and strength.
BRC helps to Strengthen concrete and controls cracking , Even distribution of load across slabs or foundations , Saves time and labor compared to tying rebar manually and Comes in standard sizes and gauges, making it easy to specify and install
BRC in steel construction stands for British Reinforcement Company mesh, though it's commonly used as a generic term for reinforcement mesh or steel wire mesh used in concrete works.
Binding wire is a soft, pliable steel wire used in construction to tie reinforcing bars (rebars) together, ensuring structural integrity before concrete pouring. It's essential for maintaining rebar positioning, flexibility in tying, and overall reinforcement stability.
Image of locally made binding wire by Mukami Steel
There are two types of binding wire available in the market ,china binding wire and Locally made binding wire ,Chinese binding wire is 18 kilograms while kenyan binding wire is 22 kilograms with minimum difference as the quality is the same .Chinese binding wire cost 2900Ksh(wholesale price while locally made cost 3500Ksh (wholesale)
Image of Chinese made binding wire by salome Koko
Hoop Irons /Wall Pass
Wall pass and loop iron are related but not exactly the same though in practice, they are often used together or confused in masonry and concrete works.
Barbed Wires
Image of SHAMBA barbed retailing at Ksh 7,000 per roll.
To fence 2 acres with 5 strands you will need 4 rolls of barbed wire.
Chain Link
A chain link is a type of woven fence made from interlocking galvanized or PVC-coated steel wires forming a diamond-shaped mesh. It’s commonly used for securing boundaries in residential, industrial, and agricultural areas due to its durability, visibility, affordability, and ability to withstand weather and physical impact.
Image of a Chain Link by Masambaya Bernard
Wire Mesh
Top Key Manufacturers of Deformed Steel in Kenya
Image of a TMT bar by Accurate Steel ltd
Deformed steel bars, commonly used in construction for reinforcement, are produced by several key players in Kenya
Ruiru, Kiambu County | +254756020000 / +254709110000 | |
Industrial Area, Nairobi | 254 735 551 285 / +254 722 360 444 | |
Embakasi, Nairobi | 254 721 470 960 / +254 707 470 960 | |
Mazeras, Kenya | 254 729 516 172 | |
Nairobi | 0759 312 882 / 0733 610 313 |
Difference between deformed bars and TMT bars
TMT Bars (Thermo-Mechanically Treated Bars) is a type of high-strength deformed bar that undergoes a special heat treatment process to improve strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance.
Image of a TMT bar by Tononoko Steel group
Deformed Bars are steel reinforcement bars with surface ribs or deformations to improve bonding with concrete. They can be hot-rolled or cold-worked.
Deformed Bars are produced by hot rolling or cold twisting steel without any special heat treatment. while TMT Bars go through a thermo-mechanical treatment, involving rapid quenching and self-tempering, creating a tough outer layer and a soft inner core.
FAQ About Steel bars In Kenya
Is wiremesh and chainlink the same
No, wire mesh and chain link are not the same, although they are both made from metal wire and used for fencing and reinforcement purposes. Wire Mesh Structure is a grid-like pattern, often square or rectangular, made from welded or woven wire while Chain Link Structure is diamond-pattern mesh created by interlocking wires (like a net).
Is there a difference between BRC and Mesh wire
Yes, there is a difference between BRC and mesh wire, although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably in construction while all BRC is mesh wire, not all mesh wire is BRC. The main differences lie in the purpose, material strength, and standards.
What is steel bars, BRCs and Marine boards
Steel bars, also known as reinforcement bars (rebars), are high-strength steel rods used in concrete to provide tensile strength and structural integrity. Common types include deformed bars like Y10 or D12.
BRCs (British Reinforcement Concrete) are factory-welded steel mesh sheets used in concrete slabs and floors to prevent cracking and improve load distribution.
Marine boards are premium-grade plywood sheets made with waterproof adhesives, designed to withstand moisture, making them ideal for concrete formwork, boats, and outdoor furniture. They are durable, reusable, and resist warping, making them valuable in construction for forming smooth concrete surfaces.
Price of Steel per Kilogram In Kenya
As of April 2025, the price of steel bars in Kenya varies depending on the diameter and type. For instance, a D10 steel bar, which is 10mm in diameter, is priced at approximately KSh 920 per 12-meter length in Nairobi. Considering that a standard 12-meter D10 bar weighs about 7.4 kg, this translates to roughly KSh 124 per kilogram. Similarly, a D12 steel bar (12mm) costs around KSh 1,335 for a 12-meter length, equating to approximately KSh 120 per kilogram.
Doshi Steel price List
As of January 24, 2024, Doshi Hardware (T) Ltd. released an updated price list for various steel products. Below is a summary of select items
Doshi Steel Price Highlights (Effective January 24, 2024)
Black Pipes – Class A
½" (175 pcs/ton) | KSh 22,000 |
¾" (117 pcs/ton) | KSh 26,300 |
1" (82 pcs/ton) | KSh 43,000 |
1¼" (64 pcs/ton) | KSh 54,000 |
1½" (51 pcs/ton) | KSh 64,000 |
Square Hollow Sections
16x16x1.0mm | KSh 10,000 |
20x20x1.2mm | KSh 14,800 |
25x25x1.5mm | KSh 19,800 |
30x30x2.0mm | KSh 33,000 |
Round Bars – 12m Lengths
6mm | KSh 11,900 |
8mm | KSh 18,200 |
10mm | KSh 26,000 |
20mm | KSh 66,000 |
How much is D10 steel bar in Kenya?
As of 2025, the price of a D10 steel bar in Kenya typically ranges between KES 600 and KES 750 per 12-meter length, depending on the supplier, region, and market fluctuations in steel prices.
Prices may vary due to factors like transportation, bulk purchasing, and steel quality (locally produced vs imported).
How long is a D12 steel bar?
A D12 steel bar is typically 12 meters (approximately 39.37 feet) long, which is the standard length for reinforcement bars in Kenya and many other countries.
How much is a Y12 rod in Kenya?
As of 2025, a Y12 steel rod in Kenya typically costs between KES 950 and KES 1,200 for a standard 12-meter length. The term Y12 refers to a 12mm diameter high-yield deformed bar, commonly used in reinforced concrete for structural strength.
What is D12 bar?
A D12 bar is a type of steel reinforcement bar with a 12mm diameter, commonly used in concrete construction. The "D" stands for deformed, meaning the bar has ridges to improve bonding with concrete. D12 bars are ideal for structural applications like columns, beams, and slabs in medium- to heavy-duty projects.
What is the length of D10 steel bar?
Where to Buy Steel bars In Kenya
If you're looking to purchase steel bars in Kenya, Mukami Steel is a reputable supplier based in Juja. They offer a wide range of steel products, including steel bars (D8–D32), BRCs, square tubes, marine boards, and welding materials.
Image of Deformed Steel bars by Mukami Steel
Mukami Steel provides free delivery within Nairobi and Kiambu counties and also offers countrywide delivery for other regions.
Image of Mukami Steel explaining the cost of binding wire
To place an order or inquire about their products, you can contact them via:
Phone/WhatsApp: 0714-925-728
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