Cost of Doing a Kitchen in Kenya
🍳 Cost of Doing a Kitchen in Kenya — The Complete Guide
The cost of doing a kitchen in Kenya is one of the most financially significant and most emotionally charged home investment decisions any Kenyan homeowner can make.Moreover, a mid-range fitted kitchen in Nairobi costs between KES 500,000 and KES 1.5 million — but that headline range tells you almost nothing useful about what your specific kitchen will actually cost.
Furthermore, a small galley kitchen in a Kilimani studio apartment can be done beautifully for KES 450,000, while a large open-plan island kitchen in a Karen bungalow with imported sintered stone countertops and integrated German appliances can reach KES 6,000,000+.
As a result, understanding what specifically drives your kitchen cost — cabinet board quality, countertop material, number of linear metres, layout complexity, appliance specification, and site conditions — is the most financially valuable knowledge any Kenyan homeowner can have before speaking to a single contractor or designer.
Consequently, this Suimas guide is Kenya’s most complete, most specific, and most actionable kitchen cost guide — combining verified 2026 per-linear-metre pricing data, countertop material comparisons, layout-specific cost builds, a full appliance guide, real Suimas project examples, and the free BOQ process that gives every client total cost certainty before any work begins.
The Most Important Thing to Know Before Reading Kitchen Prices in Kenya
Before any price comparison makes sense, you need to understand one critical measurement — your kitchen’s linear metres. Moreover, linear metres (lm) is how professional kitchen designers in Kenya price cabinetry — and it is the single most reliable number for estimating your kitchen cost. Furthermore, to calculate your kitchen’s linear metres, measure the total run of cabinets around your kitchen perimeter — lower units plus upper units — in metres.
Quick linear metre guide:
- Small apartment kitchen (one-wall): 4–6 lm
- Standard L-shaped kitchen (3-bed house): 6–9 lm
- U-shaped kitchen (4-bed house): 9–14 lm
- Large open-plan island kitchen: 12–18 lm + island
Moreover, a contractor who cannot quote you a price per linear metre is either guessing or hiding something. Furthermore, always request per-linear-metre pricing separately for lower cabinets and upper cabinets — these are different products at different price points. As a result, a kitchen quotation that gives you a lump sum without specifying linear metres makes it impossible to compare quotes from different contractors or to understand why one quote is KES 400,000 cheaper than another.
Cost of Doing a Kitchen in Kenya — Complete Price Guide
1. Kitchen Cabinetry Cost per Linear Metre — Kenya
Cabinetry represents 40–55% of the total cost of doing a kitchen in Kenya. Moreover, the single most impactful specification decision in any Kenyan kitchen is the cabinet board quality — not the countertop, not the appliances, not the door finish. Furthermore, a 10-linear-metre kitchen can cost KES 350,000 in basic MDF cabinets or KES 1,200,000 in premium custom joinery — from exactly the same kitchen footprint.
Kitchen Cabinet Cost per Linear Metre — Kenya:
| Cabinet Type | Material | Cost per lm (KES) | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic lower cabinets | MDF / particle board | 35,000 – 50,000 | Carcass, laminate doors, basic hinges, no countertop |
| Mid-range lower + granite | Plywood / marine board | 40,000 – 65,000 | Cabinet + granite top, soft-close hinges |
| Mid-range lower + quartz | Plywood / marine board | 55,000 – 80,000 | Cabinet + quartz top, BLUM hardware |
| Premium lower + sintered stone | PG Bison / premium board | 55,000 – 90,000 | Cabinet + sintered stone top, full-extension drawers |
| Custom luxury lower | Imported board / solid wood | 90,000 – 150,000+ | Bespoke design, premium finishes, all hardware |
| Upper wall cabinets | Any board (excl. countertop) | 15,000 – 28,000 | Doors, adjustable shelves, soft-close hinges |
| Kitchen island | Any material | 45,000 – 120,000 per m² | Size, material, and sink or hob integration dependent |
Cabinet Board Material Comparison — Which to Choose:
| Material | Cost | Moisture Resistance | Durability | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) | Low–Mid | ❌ Poor | Moderate — swells with moisture | Budget only |
| Particle Board / Chipboard | Low | ❌ Very Poor | Low — degrades quickly in Kenya | Not recommended |
| Standard Plywood (Timsales) | Mid | ✓ Good | High — strong screw-hold | Good value |
| Marine Board | Mid–High | ✓✓ Excellent | Very High — ideal for Kenya kitchens | Recommended |
| PG Bison / Egger Board | High | ✓✓ Excellent | Very High — consistent, stable | Premium choice |
| Solid Hardwood | Very High | ✓ Good (treated) | Very High — bespoke appearance | Luxury projects |
The most important advice in this guide: Invest in marine board or PG Bison carcasses before spending on a premium countertop. Moreover, a marine board kitchen with granite countertops will outlast an MDF kitchen with quartz by 10–15 years in Kenya’s humid conditions. Furthermore, many Nairobi homeowners make the mistake of choosing a beautiful expensive countertop and saving money on the cabinet board — and then watching their MDF cabinets swell and delaminate within 3–5 years in Nairobi’s humidity.
👉 View Kitchen Interior Design Services →
📞 Call 0717 044 443 for a Free Kitchen Consultation →
2. Kitchen Countertop Cost in Kenya
The countertop is the most visible design decision in any kitchen — and the second largest cost driver. Moreover, countertop material selection in Kenya requires more local market knowledge than almost any other kitchen decision — because materials that perform well in European showrooms can fail quickly under Kenya’s UV, heat, and humidity conditions. Furthermore, the price difference between a ceramic tile countertop and an imported Calacatta marble worktop can be KES 200,000+ on a full kitchen — making countertop selection one of the highest-leverage cost decisions in any Kenyan kitchen project.
Countertop Cost Installed — Kenya :
| Material | Cost per m² (KES) | Maintenance | Performance in Kenya | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramic / porcelain tile | 3,000 – 8,000 | Low (seal grout) | Good — durable, wide availability | Budget/rental |
| Granite (local Kenyan) | 8,000 – 18,000 | Medium (seal annually) | Excellent — Kenya climate proven | Best value |
| Granite (imported) | 18,000 – 30,000 | Medium (seal annually) | Excellent | Premium homes |
| Quartz (engineered stone) | 18,000 – 35,000 | Very low (no sealing) | Excellent — UV and stain resistant | Best mid-range |
| Sintered stone (Dekton/Neolith) | 28,000 – 55,000 | Very low | Best — heat/UV/scratch resistant | Best luxury |
| Marble (local) | 20,000 – 40,000 | High (stains, scratches) | Poor for working surfaces | Feature only |
| Marble (imported Carrara/Calacatta) | 45,000 – 90,000+ | Very high | Poor for working surfaces | Ultra-luxury |
The Suimas Countertop Recommendation by Project Type:
- Budget and rental kitchens: Local Kenyan granite (KES 8,000–18,000/m²) — durable, affordable, widely available
- Family home kitchens: Quartz (KES 18,000–35,000/m²) — no sealing required, stain and scratch resistant, consistent colour
- Luxury and villa kitchens: Sintered stone (KES 28,000–55,000/m²) — heat resistant, UV resistant, zero maintenance
- Feature island or baking surface: Marble — beautiful but use quartz for the main worktop
Why quartz is Kenya’s most specified countertop in 2026: Quartz requires no sealing, has consistent colouring across its full length, resists stains from cooking oil, coffee, and ugali, and performs excellently under Kenya’s UV and temperature variation. Moreover, while it costs slightly more than local granite upfront, it saves money over time in maintenance and eliminates the anxiety of staining. Furthermore, Suimas specifies quartz as standard on all mid-range and above kitchen projects in Kenya.
3. Kitchen Flooring Cost in Kenya
Kitchen flooring in Kenya must withstand water, food spills, heavy foot traffic, and daily cleaning for 15–20 years. Moreover, the wrong flooring choice means replacement within 5–8 years — costing more in the long run than choosing the right material at the start. Furthermore, the Kenya climate — particularly at the coast — adds humidity resistance as a non-negotiable flooring requirement.
Kitchen Floor Cost Installed — Kenya:
| Material | Cost per m² (KES) | Durability | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard ceramic tile | 1,500 – 3,500 | Good | Best value — rental and budget kitchens |
| Large-format porcelain (600×600mm) | 3,500 – 7,000 | Excellent | Best choice — mid to premium kitchens |
| Rectified porcelain (imported) | 7,000 – 14,000 | Excellent | Luxury kitchens and open-plan spaces |
| Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) | 2,500 – 5,000 | Good | Budget / rental — comfortable underfoot |
| Polished concrete | 4,000 – 8,000 | Excellent | Modern aesthetic, very durable |
| Epoxy resin | 3,500 – 7,000 | Excellent | Seamless, easy to clean, modern look |
| Natural stone (limestone/travertine) | 10,000 – 25,000 | Good (needs sealing) | Luxury open-plan kitchen-living |
| Hardwood / engineered wood | 8,000 – 18,000 | Poor in kitchens | Not recommended — water damage risk |
Suimas Flooring Recommendation: For most Kenyan kitchens, large-format rectified porcelain tile (600×600mm or 600×1200mm) delivers the best combination of durability, ease of cleaning, and visual quality. Moreover, the larger format reduces grout lines — meaning less maintenance and a cleaner look. Furthermore, using the same large-format porcelain from kitchen through to adjacent living area in open-plan homes creates a seamless visual flow that makes the entire space feel dramatically larger.
👉 View Floor Installation Services →
4. Kitchen Appliance Cost in Kenya
Appliances are almost always excluded from kitchen designer quotations — yet they represent one of the largest budget lines in any kitchen project. Moreover, a basic cooker, fridge, and extractor fan can cost KES 80,000–150,000. A premium integrated German appliance package runs KES 500,000–1,500,000+. Furthermore, appliance selection should be planned at the design stage — not purchased as an afterthought — because integrated appliances require cabinet dimensions to be built around the appliance’s specific measurements.
Kitchen Appliance Cost Guide — Kenya 2026:
| Appliance | Budget (KES) | Mid-Range (KES) | Premium (KES) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding gas cooker | 25,000 – 50,000 | 50,000 – 120,000 | 120,000 – 350,000 |
| Built-in oven | 40,000 – 80,000 | 80,000 – 200,000 | 200,000 – 600,000 |
| Gas hob (built-in) | 15,000 – 35,000 | 35,000 – 90,000 | 90,000 – 300,000 |
| Refrigerator (200–350L) | 35,000 – 70,000 | 70,000 – 180,000 | 180,000 – 600,000+ |
| Extractor fan / hood | 8,000 – 20,000 | 20,000 – 80,000 | 80,000 – 250,000 |
| Dishwasher | 40,000 – 80,000 | 80,000 – 200,000 | 200,000 – 500,000 |
| Microwave (built-in) | 12,000 – 30,000 | 30,000 – 80,000 | 80,000 – 250,000 |
| Under-counter fridge/wine cooler | 20,000 – 45,000 | 45,000 – 120,000 | 120,000 – 350,000 |
| Full appliance package total | 175,000 – 410,000 | 410,000 – 1,000,000 | 1,000,000 – 3,200,000 |
Suimas Appliance Recommendation: Plan appliances before cabinet dimensions are finalized. Moreover, integrated appliances — built-in ovens, integrated dishwashers, under-counter fridges — require cabinet openings built to exact appliance dimensions during fabrication, not after. Furthermore, Suimas coordinates appliance selection as part of the initial kitchen design process — ensuring every appliance integrates seamlessly into the cabinet layout before a single board is cut.
5. Kitchen Gypsum Ceiling and Lighting Cost — Kenya
The kitchen ceiling and lighting design is the element that most transforms the atmosphere of a Kenyan kitchen — yet it is consistently the last element considered and the first to be value-engineered out of the budget. Moreover, a layered kitchen ceiling with integrated LED cove lighting, pendant lights over the island, and under-cabinet task lighting delivers the kind of visual drama and functional performance that makes a kitchen genuinely pleasurable to cook in. Furthermore, gypsum ceiling installation in a kitchen (typically 10–20 m²) costs KES 25,000–120,000 depending on design complexity — a relatively modest investment for a disproportionate visual impact.
Kitchen Ceiling and Lighting Cost — Kenya 2026:
| Element | Cost (KES) |
|---|---|
| Simple flat gypsum ceiling (per m²) | 1,200 – 2,000 |
| Gypsum tray ceiling with LED cove (per m²) | 2,500 – 4,000 |
| Multi-level gypsum ceiling + LED (per m²) | 3,500 – 5,500 |
| Under-cabinet LED strip lighting (per lm) | 1,500 – 3,500 |
| Pendant lights over island (per unit) | 5,000 – 45,000 |
| Recessed downlights (per unit fitted) | 1,800 – 4,500 |
| Total kitchen ceiling + lighting (typical 15m²) | 45,000 – 180,000 |
👉 View Gypsum Installation Services →
6. Kitchen Backsplash and Wall Tiling Cost — Kenya
The kitchen backsplash is one of the most photographed and most personally expressive elements of any Kenyan kitchen. Moreover, backsplash options range from simple painted drywall (cheapest) through standard ceramic tiles, handmade terracotta, glass mosaic, and full-height porcelain slab tiles (most expensive). Furthermore, the correct backsplash choice depends on the overall kitchen design language, the countertop material, and the cabinet door finish — all of which should be coordinated at the design stage.
Kitchen Backsplash Cost Installed — Kenya 2026:
| Backsplash Type | Cost per m² (KES) | Typical Area | Total Cost (KES) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Painted SkimCoat / Drywall | 500 – 1,200 | 4–6 m² | 2,000 – 7,200 |
| Standard ceramic tile | 1,500 – 3,000 | 4–6 m² | 6,000 – 18,000 |
| Decorative ceramic / porcelain | 3,000 – 6,000 | 4–6 m² | 12,000 – 36,000 |
| Subway / metro tile | 2,500 – 5,000 | 4–6 m² | 10,000 – 30,000 |
| Glass mosaic tile | 5,000 – 12,000 | 4–6 m² | 20,000 – 72,000 |
| Full-height porcelain slab (imported) | 8,000 – 18,000 | 4–6 m² | 32,000 – 108,000 |
Cost of Doing a Kitchen by Layout Type — Kenya
These complete cost builds represent mid-range specification — marine board cabinetry, quartz countertop, large-format porcelain tile floor, LED lighting, backsplash tiles, plumbing connections, and electrical points. Appliances, design fees, and structural works are excluded.
Layout 1 — Galley/One-Wall Kitchen
Size: 4–6 lm | Typical in: Studio apartments, Kilimani/Westlands apartment kitchens
| Component | Cost (KES) |
|---|---|
| 4–6 lm lower cabinets + quartz | 220,000 – 480,000 |
| 2–3 lm upper cabinets | 45,000 – 84,000 |
| Flooring (8–12 m²) | 28,000 – 84,000 |
| Backsplash tiling | 10,000 – 36,000 |
| LED strip + downlights | 20,000 – 50,000 |
| Plumbing (sink + taps) | 30,000 – 60,000 |
| Electrical (sockets + extractor) | 25,000 – 55,000 |
| Labour (installation) | 80,000 – 150,000 |
| Total (mid-range, excl. appliances) | KES 458,000 – 999,000 |
Layout 2 — L-Shaped Kitchen (Most Common)
Size: 6–9 lm | Typical in: Standard 3-bedroom Nairobi homes, Karen and Lavington bungalows
| Component | Cost (KES) |
|---|---|
| 6–9 lm lower cabinets + quartz | 330,000 – 720,000 |
| 4–6 lm upper cabinets | 60,000 – 168,000 |
| Flooring (12–18 m²) | 42,000 – 126,000 |
| Backsplash tiling | 15,000 – 50,000 |
| LED strip + pendant + downlights | 35,000 – 100,000 |
| Plumbing (sink + taps) | 35,000 – 70,000 |
| Electrical (sockets + extractor) | 30,000 – 65,000 |
| Labour (installation) | 100,000 – 200,000 |
| Total (mid-range, excl. appliances) | KES 647,000 – 1,499,000 |
Layout 3 — U-Shaped Kitchen
Size: 9–14 lm | Typical in: 4–5 bedroom homes, Runda/Muthaiga maisonettes and villas
| Component | Cost (KES) |
|---|---|
| 9–14 lm lower cabinets + quartz | 495,000 – 1,120,000 |
| 6–8 lm upper cabinets | 90,000 – 224,000 |
| Flooring (16–25 m²) | 56,000 – 175,000 |
| Backsplash tiling | 20,000 – 70,000 |
| Full lighting design | 50,000 – 150,000 |
| Plumbing (sink + taps + dishwasher) | 45,000 – 90,000 |
| Electrical (multiple circuits) | 40,000 – 80,000 |
| Labour (installation) | 150,000 – 280,000 |
| Total (mid-range, excl. appliances) | KES 946,000 – 2,189,000 |
Layout 4 — Open-Plan Island Kitchen
Size: 12–16 lm + island | Typical in: Luxury homes, Karen villas, Nyali Mombasa coastal homes, diaspora clients
| Component | Cost (KES) |
|---|---|
| 12–16 lm lower cabinets + quartz/sintered stone | 660,000 – 1,440,000 |
| 6–8 lm upper cabinets | 90,000 – 224,000 |
| Kitchen island with countertop | 150,000 – 600,000 |
| Flooring (20–35 m²) | 70,000 – 245,000 |
| Full-height backsplash + feature walls | 40,000 – 120,000 |
| Architectural lighting design | 80,000 – 250,000 |
| Gypsum ceiling (tray + LED) | 60,000 – 180,000 |
| Plumbing (island sink + main sink + dishwasher) | 60,000 – 120,000 |
| Electrical (island circuits + appliances) | 55,000 – 110,000 |
| Labour (installation) | 200,000 – 400,000 |
| Total (mid-range, excl. appliances) | KES 1,465,000 – 3,689,000 |
| Total (luxury, excl. appliances) | KES 3,000,000 – 6,000,000+ |
Complete Kitchen Cost Summary by Size — Kenya
| Kitchen Size | Layout | Basic Finish (KES) | Mid-Range (KES) | Luxury (KES) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small (4–6 lm) | Galley/one-wall | 350,000 – 650,000 | 458,000 – 999,000 | 900,000 – 1,800,000 |
| Standard (6–9 lm) | L-shaped | 600,000 – 1,000,000 | 647,000 – 1,499,000 | 1,500,000 – 3,000,000 |
| Large (9–14 lm) | U-shaped | 900,000 – 1,500,000 | 946,000 – 2,189,000 | 2,200,000 – 4,500,000 |
| Open-plan island | Island kitchen | 1,200,000 – 1,800,000 | 1,465,000 – 3,689,000 | 3,000,000 – 6,000,000+ |
All prices exclude appliances, VAT (16%), and structural works.
Cost of Doing a Kitchen by Location — Kenya
Kenya’s different cities and regions have meaningfully different kitchen costs — driven by material transport costs, labour rates, and contractor availability. This is one of the most practically useful sections of this guide.
| Location | Premium/Discount vs Nairobi | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nairobi | Baseline | Widest material and contractor availability |
| Mombasa | +5–10% | Humidity requires marine board only — no MDF. Coastal supply chain |
| Kisumu | -5–10% | Lower labour rates, longer material delivery lead times |
| Nakuru | -5% | Improving supply chain, lower contractor rates |
| Eldoret | -5% | Limited specialist contractors — allow more lead time |
| Rural / Upcountry | +10–25% | Material transport adds significant cost. Suimas travels to all 47 counties |
Mombasa-specific note: The coastal humidity environment makes MDF cabinetry a near-certain failure within 2–3 years. Moreover, Suimas specifies marine board as the absolute minimum board standard on all coastal Kenya kitchen projects — and often specifies PG Bison or equivalent for maximum moisture resistance. Furthermore, countertop sealants and kitchen waterproofing are critical maintenance items in coastal kitchens that are not optional in Mombasa, Kilifi, Diani, and Malindi.
The 8 Hidden Costs of Doing a Kitchen in Kenya
The gap between an initial kitchen quote and the final invoice is almost always explained by one or more of these costs — items that exist on every Kenyan kitchen project but are routinely excluded from initial quotations. Moreover, every Suimas kitchen BOQ explicitly states whether each of these is included or excluded — because transparency is how Suimas protects clients from the budget surprises that make kitchen renovations so stressful.
Hidden Cost 1 — Electrical Upgrade (KES 25,000–80,000)
Most Nairobi homes built before 2010 have kitchen circuits that cannot safely power modern appliances simultaneously. Moreover, a dedicated circuit for a dishwasher, a new extractor fan, a double oven, and 6+ kitchen sockets often requires new cabling from the distribution board. Furthermore, this electrical upgrade is almost never included in cabinet installation quotes.
Hidden Cost 2 — Plumbing Relocation (KES 20,000–60,000)
Moving your sink from one position to another — or adding an island sink — requires rerouting waste pipes and water supply, potentially through the floor slab. Moreover, this work is expensive and time-consuming. Furthermore, the most effective cost-saving decision in any kitchen renovation is to keep the sink in its existing location.
Hidden Cost 3 — Extractor Fan Ducting (KES 15,000–45,000)
A recirculating extractor fan (no duct) is cheap to install but ineffective for proper kitchen ventilation. Moreover, ducting to an external wall — which involves cutting through masonry and fitting proper ductwork — is the correct solution. Furthermore, proper ventilation directly affects the longevity of your kitchen cabinets — steam and cooking grease damage cabinetry over time without adequate extraction.
Hidden Cost 4 — Waterproofing (KES 10,000–25,000)
The wall behind the sink and hob backsplash, and the floor perimeter junction, must be properly waterproofed before tiling. Moreover, many Nairobi contractors skip this step to save time and cost. Furthermore, the result is water penetration within 2–5 years — causing wall damp, tile debonding, and cabinet base swelling.
Hidden Cost 5 — Strip-Out and Disposal (KES 15,000–45,000)
Removing an existing kitchen — old tiles, cabinets, countertops, flooring — and disposing of the waste properly is a cost that renovation quotes routinely exclude or understate. Moreover, in Nairobi, legal waste disposal adds to the project cost. Furthermore, some old kitchens contain lead paint, asbestos-containing materials, or embedded electrical work that complicates removal.
Hidden Cost 6 — Cabinet Handles and Hardware (KES 10,000–60,000)
Handle-less kitchen designs use push-to-open mechanisms that add KES 3,000–6,000 per unit. Moreover, premium BLUM soft-close hinge and drawer systems add KES 1,200–2,500 per cabinet vs budget hinge alternatives. Furthermore, handles and hardware costs are frequently excluded from per-lm cabinet quotations — request a specific line item for hardware specification and cost.
Hidden Cost 7 — VAT at 16%
At 16%, VAT adds KES 160,000 to every KES 1,000,000 of kitchen work. Moreover, always confirm whether any kitchen quotation is VAT-inclusive or exclusive before comparing with another contractor’s quote. Furthermore, professional contractors registered for VAT must charge it — unregistered contractors may appear cheaper because they are not charging VAT, but this creates tax risk for the client.
Hidden Cost 8 — Contingency (10–15%)
Any kitchen renovation in Kenya should carry a 10–15% contingency budget above the agreed BOQ. Moreover, concealed structural problems, materials out of stock requiring substitution, programme delays, and minor scope changes are normal in any project. Furthermore, clients who budget a contingency from the start avoid the project-stopping stress of discovering mid-renovation that they have no financial headroom for the unexpected.
✅ Verified Suimas Kitchen Projects — Real Costs and Outcomes
Project 1 — Luxury Kitchen Renovation | Karen, Nairobi
Scope: Complete 3-bed bungalow kitchen remodel — complete strip-out of existing kitchen, custom PG Bison cabinet carcasses, handle-less flat-panel lacquered doors in matte white, Calacatta quartz island countertop with waterfall edge, hob in island with downdraft extractor, integrated Bosch dishwasher, main sink in perimeter run with quartz countertop, LED task lighting under cabinets, LED pendant lights over island, full-height backsplash in large-format porcelain slab, gypsum tray ceiling with LED cove lighting, large-format 600×1200mm rectified porcelain floor tiles
Kitchen lm: 11 lm lower + 6 lm upper + island
Duration: 6 weeks
“Our kitchen was always the room we avoided showing guests. Now it’s the first room we take everyone to see. Suimas delivered exactly what the 3D visualization showed us — every detail matched.”
— M. Njoroge, Karen Nairobi
Result: Property value increased by KES 3.8 million. The kitchen specifically cited by estate agent as the primary reason for the uplift.
Project 2 — Mid-Range Kitchen Fit-Out | Kilimani Apartment, Nairobi
Scope: Complete 2-bed apartment kitchen redesign — marine board cabinet carcasses, handle-less flat-panel laminate doors, local granite countertop with undermount stainless steel sink, ceramic backsplash tiles, LED strip lighting under upper cabinets, standard porcelain tile floor, new extractor fan and ducting
Kitchen lm: 5 lm lower + 3 lm upper
Duration: 3 weeks
“Suimas completed our kitchen in 3 weeks with zero hidden costs. The itemized BOQ they provided before starting meant we knew exactly what we were paying for.”
— James & Wanjiru M., Kilimani Nairobi
Result: Monthly rental income increased from KES 65,000 to KES 90,000 within three weeks of kitchen completion. Full kitchen renovation cost recovered in under 14 months from increased rental yield alone.
Kitchen Cost Budget Framework — How to Set a Realistic Budget
The Right Sequence for Planning Your Kitchen Budget
Many Kenyan homeowners approach kitchen budgeting in the wrong order — choosing a design they love online, then trying to fit it into their budget. Moreover, the right approach is to define your budget first, then design the best kitchen that budget can deliver. Furthermore, Suimas’s free kitchen consultation starts with a budget conversation — not a design presentation.
Step 1 — Establish your total kitchen budget (including hidden costs)
Take your comfortable kitchen investment figure and add: 16% VAT, 10–15% contingency, appliances if not already owned, and designer fees if commissioning design-only services. Moreover, your available budget for cabinetry, countertops, flooring, and installation is what remains after these additions.
Step 2 — Calculate your linear metres
Measure your kitchen perimeter of lower and upper cabinets. Moreover, this single measurement, combined with your countertop material choice, gives Suimas everything needed to produce an accurate initial cost estimate within 24 hours.
Step 3 — Allocate your budget by component
| Component | % of Kitchen Budget |
|---|---|
| Lower cabinets + countertop | 40 – 55% |
| Upper wall cabinets | 10 – 15% |
| Flooring | 8 – 12% |
| Backsplash / wall tiling | 5 – 8% |
| Lighting (ceiling, under-cabinet, pendant) | 5 – 8% |
| Plumbing (sink, taps, connections) | 4 – 7% |
| Electrical (sockets, extractor, circuits) | 4 – 6% |
| Labour and installation | 12 – 20% |
Step 4 — Choose your priority spend
You cannot afford to spend maximally on every component. Moreover, the best Kenyan kitchens spend most on the structure (marine board cabinetry) and the worksurface (quartz or sintered stone) — and use good mid-range finishes on doors, tiles, and lighting. Furthermore, this allocation consistently delivers the best visual impact and longevity per shilling spent on a Kenyan kitchen budget.
10 Tips to Reduce the Cost of Doing a Kitchen in Kenya Without Compromising Quality
- Keep plumbing in place — Moving the sink adds KES 20,000–60,000 before any cabinet is installed. Good design works with existing plumbing.
- Choose marine board over MDF — Marine board adds KES 5,000–15,000 per linear metre over MDF but lasts 3× longer. This is the most cost-effective upgrade in any Kenyan kitchen.
- Choose quartz over marble — Quartz performs better in Kenyan conditions, requires no maintenance, and costs significantly less than imported marble for the same visual quality.
- Use local granite strategically — Local Kenyan granite at KES 8,000–18,000/m² is genuinely excellent. Use it for the main countertop run and save on sintered stone for the island feature only.
- Use larger floor tiles — 600×600mm porcelain tiles cost marginally more per tile than 300×300mm but require less labour, have fewer grout lines, and look significantly better. The total cost difference on a 15m² kitchen floor is KES 15,000–30,000.
- Invest in BLUM hardware — BLUM soft-close hinges and drawer systems cost KES 800–2,000 more per unit than budget alternatives. Over a 15-unit kitchen, this adds KES 12,000–30,000 to hardware cost — and delivers a daily-use quality improvement that clients notice for the lifetime of the kitchen.
- Avoid mid-project design changes — Every design change after cabinet fabrication begins costs 3–5× what it would have cost at the design stage. Invest time in getting the design right before work begins.
- Bundle kitchen with ceiling and flooring — Suimas offers combined fit-out packages covering kitchen cabinetry, gypsum ceiling, and flooring as one project — consistently delivering better total pricing than three separate contractors.
- Commission 3D visualization before approving the design — A KES 15,000–30,000 3D visualization fee that prevents a KES 150,000 cabinet change is the best money spent on any Kenyan kitchen project.
- Get a fully itemized BOQ before committing — A lump-sum kitchen quote from any contractor is not a reliable budget document. Moreover, Suimas provides a fully itemized BOQ — line by line, lm by lm — completely free with every kitchen consultation.
Why Choose Suimas for Your Kitchen in Kenya
Suimas combines everything that kitchen.co.ke’s general advice recommends and everything that Aalis Studios’ technical depth demonstrates — and adds what neither can offer: complete in-house design-and-build execution, factory-direct material sourcing at trade prices, free 3D visualization before any work begins, transparent BOQ pricing, a 1-year workmanship warranty, and 18+ years of verified kitchen design and installation experience across Kenya.
The Suimas kitchen advantage:
- Marine board as standard — no MDF or particle board on any Suimas kitchen
- Factory-direct pricing — quartz, granite, sintered stone, porcelain tiles, and aluminium profiles at trade prices
- Free 3D kitchen visualization — see your finished kitchen before committing
- Fully itemized BOQ — every lm, every m², every fitting, every door specified before signing
- 1-year workmanship warranty — on every kitchen installation as standard
- Fully in-house team — cabinet makers, tilers, plumbers, electricians, and gypsum specialists all working under one accountable team
- All 47 counties — professional kitchen design and installation nationwide
- Combined fit-out packages — kitchen + gypsum ceiling + flooring + painting under one team at better total pricing
Contact Our Kitchen Design Team Today
Call us today at 0717 044 443 or 0739 255 050 or 0725 021 709.
Email: info@suimas.co.ke / info@interiordesigners.co.ke
Therefore, if you are ready to do your kitchen in Kenya, contact us here for a free kitchen site visit, 3D visualization, and fully itemized BOQ today.
We are based at Solar House, Fourth Floor, Nairobi. Additionally, explore more kitchen design inspiration on suimas.co.ke.
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Nairobi Areas We Serve
We design and install kitchens across Westlands, Karen, Kilimani, Kileleshwa, Lavington, Runda, Gigiri, Muthaiga, Parklands, Riverside, Upperhill, Hurlingham, Eastleigh, South C, South B, Langata, Embakasi, Donholm, Umoja, Kasarani, Roysambu, Zimmerman, Kahawa West, Ruaka, Rosslyn, Kiambu Town, Kikuyu, Kinoo, Ruiru, Juja, Syokimau, Mlolongo, Kitengela, Athi River, Ngong, and the entire Nairobi CBD.
Kitchen Design Services Across All 47 Counties
Moreover, Suimas designs and installs kitchens throughout all 47 counties in Kenya: Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu, Taita-Taveta, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit, Isiolo, Meru, Tharaka-Nithi, Embu, Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Turkana, West Pokot, Samburu, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Nandi, Baringo, Laikipia, Nakuru, Narok, Kajiado, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Nairobi.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to do a kitchen in Kenya?
The cost of doing a kitchen in Kenya ranges from KES 350,000 for a basic small apartment galley kitchen to KES 6,000,000+ for a fully custom luxury island kitchen with imported materials. Moreover, a mid-range L-shaped kitchen in a 3-bedroom Nairobi home costs KES 650,000–1,500,000 excluding appliances. Suimas always provides a free site visit and fully itemized BOQ before any commitment.
What is the most expensive part of doing a kitchen in Kenya?
Cabinetry is the most expensive element — representing 40–55% of total kitchen cost. Moreover, the choice of cabinet board (MDF vs marine board vs PG Bison) is the single biggest cost driver within cabinetry. Furthermore, countertops are the second largest cost — ranging from KES 8,000/m² for local granite to KES 90,000+/m² for imported Calacatta marble.
What is the best countertop for a kitchen in Kenya?
Quartz is the best choice for most Kenyan family kitchens — requiring no sealing, highly stain and scratch resistant, consistent in colour, and excellent under Kenya’s UV and heat conditions. Moreover, quartz costs KES 18,000–35,000/m² installed. Furthermore, for luxury kitchens and island worktops, sintered stone (Dekton/Neolith at KES 28,000–55,000/m²) delivers the ultimate performance — heat resistant, UV resistant, and completely maintenance-free.
How long does it take to do a kitchen in Kenya?
A complete kitchen renovation in Kenya takes 4–8 weeks — 1–2 weeks for design and material approval, 2–3 weeks for cabinet fabrication, and 2–3 weeks for installation, tiling, plumbing, electrical, and finishing. Moreover, imported materials add 4–8 weeks of lead time. Furthermore, Suimas always provides a detailed signed project programme before any work begins.
Why choose Suimas to do my kitchen in Kenya?
Suimas combines 18+ years of kitchen design and installation experience, marine board as standard cabinet specification, factory-direct material pricing, free 3D kitchen visualization, fully itemized BOQ, a 1-year workmanship warranty, and complete in-house execution. Moreover, we cover all 47 counties in Kenya and offer combined kitchen + ceiling + flooring fit-out packages at better total pricing than separate contractors. As a result, Suimas is Kenya’s most trusted partner for the complete cost of doing a kitchen.
