A4architect

ESTIMATED COST OF CONSTRUCTION IN KENYA-FLATS.

—

by

Francis Gichuhi
in

ESTIMATED COST OF CONSTRUCTION IN KENYA-FLATS.
To get the estimated cost of construction for flats in Kenya, we will first need to identify the target market.
The target market is divided into 3 classes
1. High income earners
2. Middle income earners
3. Low income earners.

High income earners:

Projects in this range are located in areas such as Hurlingham, Kileleshwa e.t.c
The land location must be in a very prime area, near a tarmac road and in close proximity to CBD.
Construction cost is estimated at a minimum of KES 35,000 per square meter.
The house size is mainly 2 ,3 and 4 bedroomed, with a minimum size of 100 m2.
The two bedroomed unit will cost approximately KES 3.5m to construct.

Middle income earners:

Projects targeting this range are located in areas such as Umoja, Kitengela, Ngong, Kikuyu, Ruiru. Generally, the areas are located around 25 to 40 km from CBD and are in close proximity to tarmac roads.
The house size is mainly 1 and 2 bedroomed with a floor plinth area of approximately 35m2 for the 1 bedroomed and 60m2 for the 2 bedroomed.
The average construction cost per square meter for this type is KES 25,000.
The 2 bedroomed unit will cost approximately KES 1.5m to construct.

Low Income earners:

Projects targeting this category of people are located in Kayole, Ruai, and in most towns at a distance of over 1 km from the main tarmac road.
The house type is mainly single and double rooms, self contained or sharing a communal bathroom facility.
The construction cost is approximately KES 20,000 per square meter.
A double room of 25 m2 will cost KES 500,000 to construct.

CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATES BREAKDOWN

The construction cost estimates include labor, materials and professional fees.
The actual cost of construction is derived from the actual agreement that the land owner has with a building contractor. This amount varies from contractor to contractor depending on several factors.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES.

Professional fees are constant and are set by the Kenyan Laws.
Chapter 525 of the laws of Kenya guide Architectural and Quantity Surveying Services.
Chapter 530 of the Laws of Kenya guide Structural, Civil, Mechanical and Electrical services.
Architectural fees are charged at 6% of the total cost of construction.
Quantity Surveying fees are at 3% of the total cost of construction.
Engineering fees vary between 1.5% to 3% depending on the complexity of involvement.

EXAMPLE

6 units on 0.5 acre plot in Kiambaa, Kiambu county.
The best target for this region is the Middle income earning class.
Therefore, the 6 units will cost 6 units x 60m2 x KES 25,000=KES 9,000,000.00.
The Architectural fees for full service from design until construction supervision to completion will be 6% x KES 9,000,000=KES 540,000.

Architect Francis Gichuhi Kamau.
+254721410684
www.a4architect.com
info@a4architect.com

Comments

90 responses to “ESTIMATED COST OF CONSTRUCTION IN KENYA-FLATS.”

  1. kbaab Avatar
    kbaab

    Great insights here. A point of clarification though. I think the minimum cost of construction for a house with basic finishes should be pegged at Kshs. 40,000 per SM. I think of late with the inflation that’s going on, it’s safe to work with that figure rather than the Kshs. 25,000 – Kshs. 35,000 figure.

    Reply
    1. frank Avatar
      frank

      Hi Kbaab. Construction cost is determined by the house owner’s choice of the materials to be used. This is classified in 3 categories-low cost, middle and high cost materials.Each category has an average cost per m2. The figure of 25-35,000 per s.m . is for middle to high cost finishes. This ammount will increase in tandem with the inflation.
      Check out more info here
      https://www.a4architect.com/2011/09/01/difference-between-low-middle-and-high-cost-finishes-in-construction-kenya/

      Reply
    2. Anne Avatar
      Anne

      Its wiser to supervise your own house because there is too much corruption involved in the building materials, Better build the house step by step and buy the materials yourself,, be there whenever there is material buying, Never trust nobody with your money,The building estimates benefits just the builders, the owners just cry, Keep sending money and its never enough , the materials bought never corresponds with the money asked , cheap quality materials used, poor drainage systems done, poor indoor work done , , Phone calls never picked to discuss the projects, , i cant advice anybody to go through this, Better build as you observe, it does not matter how long it take, but be there, It costs less and you get what you love, no fights, no quarrels, and one is happy and can only, Dear sir&madam reading this comment, can you please correct me if am wrong

      Reply
      1. Anne Avatar
        Anne

        I want to be challenged because of my reply a few minutes ago,, . i could be convinced to take a risk,, and work with FRANCIS, in my next project, my plots are in Thogoto area,, Once bitten twice shy

        Reply
        1. Arch. Francis Gichuhi Kamau. Avatar
          Arch. Francis Gichuhi Kamau.

          hi. Best is to use best practice methods that have been used the world over for hundreds of years on how to achieve building quality. There are no shortcuts. You will need to hire a registered architect to manage the project. Also hire a certified contractor through best practice methods of selection. This way you get good quality. Any other way is trying to reinvent the wheel and might not be successful.

          Reply
          1. BERNARD NGESU Avatar
            BERNARD NGESU

            True Bwana architect, but still i tried to buy a house the other day in one of the popular middle income areas and i could clearly see evidence of poor quality materials used in the final finishing(sinks, taps, doors, toilets, etc) some were already rusting/peeling off even though the houses were basically new and still on sale- (Maisonettes mark you). so is it that the developers wanted this level of poor quality materials used may be due to cost issues, or the consultant engineers didnt check on the quality? Am an engineer myself and i could easily see these faults. But still professionals are vital. But as an owner , its good to be there with your consultants all the way.

        2. Lynne Avatar
          Lynne

          Hi Ann, I am with you on that one. If you have the uwezo, be there. I have over time used family and nothing seems to materialise, just fights and heartaches not to mention losing money. They just do their own things and your kiwanja is still there. I would talk to someone who has used profesionals to get their plots built and gather their thoughts. Goodluck

          Reply
          1. moses Avatar
            moses

            lynne very correct on tht my first building used family but 2nd 3rd did it myself by use of professionals in the industry

      2. Robert Wandegwa Avatar
        Robert Wandegwa

        Please always get 1. Architect 2. QS 3. Engineer 4. contractor for construction. Otherwise you will spread more. Note that human resources management very difficult for beginners.e.g. Brokers all they want is to make money from you

        Reply
      3. Ms mary Avatar
        Ms mary

        That really true..

        Reply
  2. Njuguna Avatar
    Njuguna

    What abt costing a masoniatte arnd Sagana area,per square metre?

    Reply
    1. info@a4architect.com Avatar
      info@a4architect.com

      construction cost throughout the country is more or less the same.

      Reply
      1. symaocon Avatar
        symaocon

        These rates should be calculated and not fixed

        Reply
  3. george Avatar
    george

    am george a contractor from geoben limited . i have done construction engineering, my quiz is about estimate , i do have a bill to fill and i should be -10% or +10%, the estimate of the QS, ADVICE ME THE CONSTRUCTION IS IN GITHUNGURI COMMERCIAL HOUSE’ GIVE ME THE BEST OUT OF YOU I WHAT TO BE WITHIN THE RANGE
    KIND RGD
    GEORGE GITHIBNJI
    0713631542

    Reply
  4. JAmes Avatar
    JAmes

    Hi
    Do the above rates fit for residential units only or can also be applied to commercial properties?

    Reply
    1. Estella Avatar
      Estella

      A simple and innelligett point, well made. Thanks!

      Reply
  5. kandagachi Avatar
    kandagachi

    hi am impressed with your lay out or calculation gat a question am planning to build a house in south b or c what would be an approximate price for a 4 bedroom plix

    Reply
  6. victor omondi ooko Avatar
    victor omondi ooko

    curruently interested in buliding a commercia flats in utawala area near kangudo road, what would be the approximate price of buying a piece of land and building a one storey bedsitter flat in this area

    Reply
  7. simon kariuki Avatar
    simon kariuki

    hello,i have liked your knowledge, i have bee reading your work and i have become informed. am a student in Technical university of Kenya, i would like to get some attachment as from august this year and have an opportunity to work with you sir. thank you.

    regards

    Kariuki

    Reply
  8. Amos Avatar
    Amos

    Hi,I have 60 by 35 pc of land at kahawa west and I wish to develop a flat but only ground floor but am not sure how much I should save for the same.

    Reply
  9. Emmy munga Avatar
    Emmy munga

    i have a plot in kamulu and i intend to build 4 stories with 4 units of 1 bedroom ,kitchen toilet and bathroom in each unit the piece of land is unit 30 by 60.
    how much will it cost me to build individual storey and also the whole 4 stories.
    thanks

    Reply
  10. John T Avatar
    John T

    I would like to build a 2 bedroom house in Kisumu 1KM from the airport, ground & 1st floor, just a standard but modern house, for family rental. kindly advice on the approximate cost, size is 50 by 100. thnx

    Reply
  11. Keziah Kariuki Avatar
    Keziah Kariuki

    I have a 40X80 plot in Juja farm and would like to build bed sitters in a three story although I would like to start with on ground floor at the moment. Please let me know the estimate so that I can plan as I want to stat soonest possible.

    Thanks and regards

    Reply
    1. Munene Avatar
      Munene

      Hi,

      Contact me Mister. I will give you a very insightful information about the proposed project. I stay in Ruiru and will design for you the project at a very reasonable rate.

      Reply
  12. lucy Avatar
    lucy

    I have a 40X80 plot in Thika near leather company and would like to build bed sitters in a three story although I would like to start with on ground floor at the moment. Please let me know the estimate so that I can plan as I want to stat soonest possible.

    Thanks and regards

    Reply
  13. Patricia Avatar
    Patricia

    Hello, I was wondering if the information that you have on your website is upto date or if I were to instruct you, the prices would be different.

    Reply
    1. mwatsuma Avatar
      mwatsuma

      updated

      Reply
  14. Maurice Odiko Avatar
    Maurice Odiko

    I’m having a three acre land and I want to construct a hotel and Resort, how much do I need to complete it? And how long will it take a contractor to hand over the project?

    Reply
  15. Maurice Odiko Avatar
    Maurice Odiko

    I’m having a three acre land and I want to construct a hotel and Resort, how much do I need to complete it? And how long will it take a contractor to hand over the project? I’m in Bungoma town, please advise.
    Regards. Maurice Odiko

    Reply
  16. Moses Ofubo Avatar
    Moses Ofubo

    What would be the estimate for constructing a 2 story building measuring 12m by 20m. If ground floor is reserved for a supermaket/shop space. first flow for shops and second flow for residential? I wish to start with only the ground flow, how much do I need?

    Reply
  17. joseph Avatar
    joseph

    Hello. Please tell me some of the high income projects you have done in Nairobi. Am interested in service on half acre off thika road.

    Reply
  18. Musa Avatar
    Musa

    Halo, are the costs mentioned still relevant now (end of 2015)?

    Could u also advise on getting approvals for the building project

    Reply
    1. Arch. Francis Gichuhi Kamau. Avatar
      Arch. Francis Gichuhi Kamau.

      yes i can

      Reply
  19. Liz Avatar
    Liz

    Hi
    Thank you the useful information. I have a piece of land in Kinoo and am looking to build flats. Would you be able to advice of where I might get reasonable priced funding for the project?

    Reply
    1. Arch. Francis Gichuhi Kamau. Avatar
      Arch. Francis Gichuhi Kamau.

      Hi Liz, yes i can. Visit us at our offices we discuss https://www.a4architect.com/contact-us/

      Reply
  20. Andrew Mwai Avatar
    Andrew Mwai

    Hello Architect Francis, your help and answers are greatly appreciated. Now I have a question,
    1. How much would it cost me to put up a six story apartment block 4/5 apts per floor
    2. What are the estimates per unit
    3. Would you charge me for the design if I had my own design (I have something in mind I would like you to put on paper)
    4. Where are your offices located?
    Asante sana Bwana Kamau….

    Reply
    1. Arch. Francis Gichuhi Kamau. Avatar
      Arch. Francis Gichuhi Kamau.

      Hi Mwai, check the map to our offices here https://www.a4architect.com/contact-us/.
      Yes, we can work with you on your project.

      Reply
  21. Gladys Ooko Avatar
    Gladys Ooko

    Hi am looking to put up a three story building to rent out shop space in an uprising gated community just off kitengela town next to an upcoming major road, on an eighth acre piece of land. Please advise me how much it will cost me roughly.
    Thank you.
    Gladys.

    Reply
  22. Jacqueline Amimo Avatar
    Jacqueline Amimo

    Hi
    I want to put up high cost apartments in ongata rongai rimpa area. 4 floors 2apartments per floor.
    *how much can this cost from design to finish.
    *is it viable
    *how do I get people to buy these houses. Thanks. Jacqueline

    Reply
    1. Adam mbatia Avatar
      Adam mbatia

      How many bedrooms? Is there an sq?

      Reply
  23. Alex Cheboi Avatar
    Alex Cheboi

    hello, would like to do single and and double rooms in upcountry how much do i need for a single unit on a 50 by 100 plot

    Reply
  24. Pauline Cole Avatar
    Pauline Cole

    I would like to ask some questions in regards to your figures.

    Reply
  25. samuel Avatar
    samuel

    Kindly i would like to ask the cost of building a single room 30 units with communinal washroom a septic tank as well a perimter fence in mlolongo .its 50*100 plot.

    with thanks

    Reply
  26. eric Avatar
    eric

    have the rates per m2 changed since 2011 fast forward to 2016
    if yes by how much

    Reply
  27. Leila Akinyi Avatar
    Leila Akinyi

    Thank you very much for this!!! I really needed the information.
    I just bought land and I was wondering what to do with it.
    When I get enough money to put up rentals, I’ll definitely consult you.
    God bless you.

    Reply
  28. james Avatar
    james

    Hi
    are the 6 units flat or how will they look like please

    Reply
  29. Nicholas Avatar
    Nicholas

    Want to construct a 3 storey residential in a 50 x 100 in kitui. How much can it cost.

    Reply
    1. Adam mbatia Avatar
      Adam mbatia

      How many bedrooms?

      Reply
  30. Rose M. O Avatar
    Rose M. O

    Very informative. I would like to put up bedsitters in Kangemi. I have an eighth plot ready for development.
    I think I would like to go couple of floors up to the required number without a lift. Kindly advice the cost and likely number of rooms I can get from this plot.

    Reply
  31. Richard Avatar
    Richard

    I find rather different because what I know,the mode of construction,use and finishes details will sum up the cost of the project.Again,the cost of the project is also determined by other factors including foundation details and architectural details. Therefore cant give an exact figure

    Reply
  32. Richard Avatar
    Richard

    architects and contractors are equal to the task in request.

    Reply
  33. richard Avatar
    richard

    your solution to architectural design,cost n estimation of your project and interior design is ARCHITECTS AND CONTRACTORS.

    Reply
  34. Agatha W Avatar
    Agatha W

    I have a 60×100 ft plot in Kahawa Wendani. I would like to construct a block of flats. I am thinking of a mix of good and reasonably sized bedsitters and one bedrooms (equal or varied in no.) to target new employed or young families.

    Please advice on how many units I should be able to put up with four or five levels.

    Thank you.

    Reply
  35. Martin Ndegawa Avatar
    Martin Ndegawa

    Thanks for the good work.

    I have a 50 * 50 plot in Mwiki kasarani area and i wish to put up a 4 storied residential houses for letting how much will it cost me per floor.

    Thanks

    Reply
  36. Steve Avatar
    Steve

    Want to put up 2&3 bedroomed apartments just behind masai mall at ongata Rongai. Drawings already done nd submitted for approvals.
    Can you assist in getting financiers and also identifying a good contractor.

    Steve

    Reply
    1. Eng.Chimoyi Avatar
      Eng.Chimoyi

      Have you done the project yet.

      Reply
  37. Wahome T Avatar
    Wahome T

    Hi, I have a 50 by 70 piece of property in Kitengela and would like to put up 2 bedroom flats. how much would it cost? Thanks

    Reply
  38. Gladys Cheruiyot Avatar
    Gladys Cheruiyot

    Would like to put up a 6 units two bedroomed apartments in the outskirts of Kericho. Please advise on estimated costs.

    Reply
  39. Gladys Cheruiyot Avatar
    Gladys Cheruiyot

    Would like to put up 6 units, 2 bedroom apartments at the outskirts of Kericho. Please advise on estimated costs.

    Reply
  40. James Chege Avatar
    James Chege

    Hi. I have a 40*80 plot in thika,kisii estate. How many 1bedroom units can fit and at what cost.

    Reply
  41. Jane mwangi Avatar
    Jane mwangi

    I have a 100/100 in Kamulu, how much would it cost me to put up a 4 bedroom?

    Reply
  42. KW Avatar
    KW

    Do you know a developer who can develop my plot – developer to supply capital and expertise and I will provide the land. plot is based in lower kabete, Kiambu country.

    Reply
  43. Edward Avatar
    Edward

    Hi,
    I have a 50 by 100 piece of land in Kiambu County.The current market is for single rooms and double rooms.However this will change as the demand goes ups.My idea is to do the building as per the current market and do a ground floor with a floor to allow taking care of the future demand.
    My question are
    1.How many units of single rooms i can do that can fit.The plot is around 41 feet across and the rest of the size is on the length.
    2.What is the approximate cost for doing the ground floor that can accommodate the future continuation.

    Reply
    1. Kwambui Avatar
      Kwambui

      did you get response to this, i am interested …

      Reply
  44. mary Avatar
    mary

    good morning can 700,000shs be enough to construct a 3 bedroom house in juja farm

    Reply
  45. Solomon Avatar
    Solomon

    I Need a three bedroom house from one million to one point five.pls advice

    Reply
  46. Ismail Avatar
    Ismail

    this article is awesome.?

    Reply
  47. mokua Avatar
    mokua

    Hi. I’m Mokua and working at Nakuru. I’m new and I ‘m required to give an estimate per sm of block of 12 rooms size 23×10.8m. Any body with accrue on the construction rate around the place?.

    Thak you.
    Mokua Mosigis Benard

    Reply
  48. Jackson Avatar
    Jackson

    Hi, Francis,

    Am looking for a joint venture financing to develop my plot in Clayworks Nairobi only a few meters from Thika super highway. All feasibility are done including architectural drawings, BQs as well as all legal/statutory requirements have been finalized.What am lucking is capital to develop. If this is something you can offer am willing to go for the joint venture agreement.
    I look forward to hear from you to the earliest.

    Regards

    Reply
  49. ALVIN Avatar
    ALVIN

    HOW MUCH CAN FLAT OF TWO BEDROOMS COST TO BUILD WITH 22 UNITS

    Reply
  50. Ast. QS Dennis Avatar
    Ast. QS Dennis

    Good morning. Well this is such a nice and informative forum and thank you Arch. Francis a space where potential developers can be able to get eye opening information and possibly a way forward on how to proceed with their developments. I am in the quantity surveying profession and from what i have gathered from above comments; cost of development is a major concern for most developers. I wish there was a way we could help all these hardworking Kenyans who wish to provide decent housing and on the other have make a sound investment. From a quantity surveyor’s perspective there are a few tricks to enable a potential developer deliver an affordable construction at its best value. Let’s divide this developer into two categories as follows:

    1. A developer who will would like to build for themselves
    2. A developer who would source out the services of a contractor.

    So, how does developer 1 get to put up a development that is affordable and of quality?
    I. You will require properly and complete designs from a registered architect and engineers.
    II. You will also need what we call a material schedule which details the quantities of materials you require during construction for your cost planning purposes.
    III. Another tool is the Bills of quantities which are vital since you can use them to engage a contractor on labour only contracts since the BQ details what needs to be done.

    Developer No.2 – one who sources the services of a contractor.
    For this type of a developer, the following tools are vital in ensuring that you put up a development that is cost effective, affordable and time cautious.

    I. You need complete designs from the architect and engineers to avert future changes in designs that lead to cost variations.

    II. From the above designs you need complete and detailed bills of quantities from a competent quantity surveyor. The quantity surveyor will provide you with accurate estimates for your project and also guide you through the best practices of sourcing for a competent contractor and at the best rates in the market.

    III. You will need to seek supervision services from the same architect, engineers and the QS to ensure that the contractor does not cut corners and delivers as intended.

    Finally, for all those seeking for a close to accurate idea of how much it would cost to put up a development with up to date market rates, it is much possible if you have the architectural designs ready or have a building resembling yours which could be used in a comparative cost estimate.

    Reply
  51. Abdiaziz Avatar
    Abdiaziz

    Hy…the KSH1.5M that you have indicated for the case of the middle income earners is it the cost of constructing one two bedroomed house only?

    Reply
  52. margaret Avatar
    margaret

    maggie

    Good questions asked but has anyone found a trust worthy constructor/company please update us all
    because we seem share the same problems.

    Reply
  53. Peter Avatar
    Peter

    i have a plot in kahawa west and i intend to build 4 stories with 4 units of 1 bedroom ,kitchen toilet and bathroom in each unit the piece of land is unit 40 by 80
    how much will it cost me to build individual storey and also the whole 4 stories.
    thanks

    Reply
    1. G.K. Avatar
      G.K.

      apprx 25M

      Reply
      1. Stephen Avatar
        Stephen

        Is this the same cost as utawala?

        Reply
  54. Jane Avatar
    Jane

    Hi thanks for the advise.Please give me an estimated cost of a simple but smart 3 bedroomed house for my family in the rural(nyahururu)

    Reply
  55. muindi Avatar
    muindi

    Hi,am in need of constructing a modern
    Level two house with roof deck,balcony and car gaurage,how much can it cost me?I.e two story building.

    Reply
    1. G.K. Avatar
      G.K.

      GIVE THE PLINTH AREA

      Reply
  56. peter Avatar
    peter

    hey..,am planning to build a 5 story flat with 8 bedsitter per story,approximately how much will it cost me?

    Reply
  57. Evelyn Avatar
    Evelyn

    Can you post the latest estimated costs per square meter. The last once you posted were dated 2011.
    Thank you for all the insights.

    Reply
  58. Peter Avatar
    Peter

    I’m looking at building 2 units of 2 bedroom flats in Umoja, the foundation is already laid, how much would these cost please? As I intend to go 3 storeys high how much would the total cost be? The plot measures 76ft by 30. Thank you. Would you be able to help with drawings and approval from the county government?

    Reply
    1. Arch. Francis Gichuhi Kamau. Avatar
      Arch. Francis Gichuhi Kamau.

      Yes, call me 0721410684 or email me info@a4architect.com or visit our office located here https://www.a4architect.com/contact-us/

      Reply
  59. Rose Mutindi Avatar
    Rose Mutindi

    hello everyone,

    I am looking for someone/company to build me a residential house along Kangundo road Koma hill on a quarter hectre land.

    Thank you

    Reply
  60. RED Avatar
    RED

    How does someone get the response of the questions we post here?

    Reply
    1. Arch. Francis Gichuhi Kamau. Avatar
      Arch. Francis Gichuhi Kamau.

      Email to info@a4architect.com or call/whatsapp Architect Francis Gichuhi on 0721410684 or visit our office located here https://www.a4architect.com/contact-us/

      Reply
  61. Ben Avatar
    Ben

    Hi I want to set up 7 story self-contained rooms in Embakassy. Kindly how much do I need plus the cost of the land. Will appreciate your reply. Looking forward to engaging your company

    Reply
  62. Kigen Avatar
    Kigen

    So informative…100% recommend.

    Reply
  63. Maina Avatar
    Maina

    Based on the total cost of construction, what percentage would go to professional fees paid to architect, quantity surveyor, plus structural, mechanical, electrical & civil engineers?

    Reply
    1. Arch. Francis Gichuhi Kamau. Avatar
      Arch. Francis Gichuhi Kamau.

      10 to 15%

      Reply

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