Cost of Renovating a Kitchen in Kenya (2026 Price Guide)
The cost of renovating a kitchen in Kenya can vary significantly depending on the size of the space, the materials you choose, and the extent of the renovation. Whether you are giving an older kitchen a simple facelift or completely transforming the space, these factors can have a major impact on your overall budget.
The kitchen is one of the most frequently renovated spaces in Kenyan homes because it plays such an important role in everyday life. A well-planned kitchen renovation can significantly improve both the appearance and functionality of your home.
However, kitchen renovation quotations in Kenya can vary widely. You may receive one quote of KES 200,000 and another of KES 1 million for what appears to be the same kitchen. At first, this may seem confusing, but there is usually a straightforward explanation: the two contractors may be pricing completely different specifications, materials, finishes, and scopes of work. In this guide, SUIMAS Interiors will help break down the cost of renovating a kitchen in Kenya in 2026.
Quick Answer: What Is the Cost of Renovating a Kitchen in Kenya?
For a standard family kitchen of approximately 12–18 m², the cost of renovating a kitchen generally falls into three broad categories:
| Kitchen Renovation Type | What’s Included | Estimated Cost in Kenya |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic Kitchen Refresh | Repainting/refacing cabinets, new handles, countertop upgrade, lighting and minor improvements | KES 80,000 – 250,000 |
| Mid-Range Kitchen Renovation | New fitted cabinets, MDF/marine plywood, granite or quartz countertop, splashback tiling, sink and tap | KES 500,000 – 900,000 |
| Full Custom Kitchen Renovation | Premium cabinetry, stone island, integrated appliances, full retiling, plumbing and layout improvements | KES 1,000,000 – 3,000,000+ |
These are indicative 2026 planning ranges rather than fixed quotations.
A smaller kitchen with a simple layout can cost considerably less, while a large kitchen using premium cabinetry, quartz, imported appliances and custom features can exceed KES 3 million.
Check Out Also: Modern and Classic Kitchen Designs in Kenya
Major structural changes, such as removing walls, extending the kitchen or creating a new open-plan layout, will also increase the budget.
Kitchen Renovation Cost by Component
Rather than pricing “a kitchen” as one figure, most contractors in Kenya quote per component — which is also the best way for you to compare quotes fairly.
Kitchen cabinets (per running foot) This is the single biggest line item in most kitchen budgets, and material choice drives the price more than anything else.
- Blockboard carcass, laminate fronts: KES 12,000 – 16,000/running foot (budget standard, fine for dry zones)
- Marine plywood carcass, MDF fronts: KES 16,000 – 22,000/running foot (handles moisture better, good under the sink)
- Solid wood or high-gloss acrylic fronts: KES 22,000 – 28,000+/running foot (premium look and longest lifespan)
If you are considering custom cabinetry, professional kitchen interior design can help you determine how to use your available space efficiently before fabrication begins.
Countertops
- Laminate: KES 1,000 – 2,000 per m² (most affordable, shortest lifespan)
- Granite: KES 2,500 – 3,500 per m² (durable, classic look)
- Quartz and premium natural stone: KES 5,000+ per m² (most durable, widest colour range)
Granite remains a popular choice in Kenyan homes because it combines durability with a wide range of colours and patterns. Quartz is also increasingly popular among homeowners looking for a modern and consistent finish.
Splashback and floor tiling
- Standard ceramic tiles: KES 1,000 – 2,000 per m²
- Porcelain or imported tiles: KES 2,500 – 4,500 per m²
Remember that the cost of tiles is not necessarily the complete installation cost. Adhesive, grout, labour, removal of old tiles and preparation of uneven surfaces can add to the final quotation
Sink and tap fittings
- Standard stainless steel sink and tap: KES 15,000 – 35,000
- Premium granite composite sink with designer tap: KES 40,000 – 90,000
What Determines the Cost of Renovating a Kitchen?
The cost of renovating a kitchen in Kenya is affected by several factors beyond the physical size of the room.
1. Cabinet Material and Finish
Cabinet materials are among the biggest cost drivers.
A basic laminate finish will generally cost less than high-gloss acrylic, natural timber or other premium finishes.
When comparing quotations, ask the contractor to specify both the cabinet carcass material and door material.
Two quotations can have similar prices while offering very different levels of quality.
2. Kitchen Layout
Changing the layout of a kitchen can significantly increase renovation costs.
Moving a sink, cooker, gas point, drainage or electrical outlet may require additional plumbing and electrical work.
For this reason, retaining an existing layout where practical can be one of the easiest ways to control renovation costs.
However, if the existing layout is inefficient, investing in a better design can make the kitchen much more functional in the long term.
3. Size and Shape of the Kitchen
Kitchen renovation costs are influenced by both floor area and the amount of cabinetry required.
A 10 m² kitchen with one straight run of cabinets can cost significantly less than a 15 m² U-shaped kitchen with cabinets on three sides.
The number of running feet of cabinetry is therefore an important consideration when budgeting.
4. Countertop Selection
Your choice of countertop can substantially affect the overall budget.
Laminate offers an economical solution, while granite and quartz provide a more premium appearance and greater durability.
If you cook frequently, it can make sense to allocate more of your budget to a durable countertop because it is one of the most heavily used surfaces in the kitchen.
5. Appliance Integration
Built-in appliances require more planning than freestanding appliances.
The cabinets need to be designed around ovens, hobs, extractor hoods, microwaves, refrigerators and dishwashers.
This increases both appliance and carpentry costs.
6. Plumbing and Electrical Work
Older kitchens can have outdated plumbing, insufficient electrical outlets or poorly positioned connections.
Once old cabinets and finishes are removed, hidden problems may become visible.
For this reason, it is advisable to include a contingency of approximately 10% in your renovation budget.
How to Reduce the Cost of Renovating a Kitchen
You do not necessarily have to spend millions to achieve a modern-looking kitchen.
Keep the Existing Kitchen Layout
Retaining your existing sink, cooker and plumbing locations can significantly reduce additional construction costs.
Moving these services can require plumbing, electrical and drainage modifications.
Upgrade Rather Than Replace
If your cabinet carcasses are still structurally sound, replacing cabinet doors, handles and countertops may give you a completely different appearance without rebuilding every cabinet.
Spend More on High-Use Areas
Prioritise components that you interact with every day.
These may include:
- Countertops
- Cabinet hardware
- Drawer mechanisms
- Sink
- Tap
- Storage accessories
You can then select more economical materials for less frequently used decorative elements.
Choose Materials Carefully
A stylish kitchen does not necessarily require the most expensive materials.
A well-designed combination of good-quality cabinetry, carefully selected tiles and a durable countertop can create an attractive result without using premium materials everywhere.
Get an Itemised Quotation
Always request an itemised quotation instead of accepting a single lump-sum figure.
Your quotation should ideally separate:
- Cabinetry
- Countertops
- Tiling
- Plumbing
- Electrical work
- Appliances
- Hardware
- Painting
- Labour
- Installation
This makes it easier to compare different contractors and understand exactly where your money is going.
Why Choose SUIMAS Interiors for Kitchen Renovation in Kenya?
Choosing a kitchen renovation company involves more than finding someone who can install cabinets.
A successful renovation requires coordination between design, measurements, cabinetry, countertops, lighting, plumbing, finishes and installation.
SUIMAS Interiors provides professional interior design and kitchen solutions for homeowners, property developers and businesses across Kenya.
Our approach can include:
- Site assessment
- Kitchen measurements
- Space planning
- Kitchen layout design
- 3D visualisation
- Cabinet design
- Material selection
- Countertop selection
- Lighting coordination
- Plumbing coordination
- Cabinet fabrication
- Professional installation
- Final finishing
If you are renovating more than just your kitchen, our interior design services can help create a consistent design throughout your home.
We work with homeowners and property developers across Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kisumu, Mombasa and other parts of Kenya.
Ready to Renovate Your Kitchen?
Contact SUIMAS Interiors today for a consultation and personalised kitchen renovation quotation.
Call / WhatsApp: 0717 044 443 / 0739 255 050 / 0725 021 709
Email: info@suimas.co.ke
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to renovate a kitchen in Kenya? A cosmetic refresh typically costs KES 80,000–250,000, a mid-range renovation with new fitted cabinets and countertops costs KES 500,000–900,000, and a full custom renovation with premium finishes costs KES 1,000,000–3,000,000 or more.
What is the cheapest way to renovate a kitchen in Kenya? Repainting or refacing existing cabinets, replacing hardware, and upgrading the countertop while keeping the existing layout is the most affordable way to transform a kitchen without a full rebuild.
How much do kitchen cabinets cost in Kenya? Cabinets are priced per running foot, ranging from KES 12,000–16,000 for a blockboard-and-laminate budget build up to KES 22,000–28,000+ for solid wood or high-gloss acrylic premium finishes.
How long does a kitchen renovation take? A cosmetic refresh can take 1–2 weeks, a mid-range renovation with new cabinetry typically takes 3–5 weeks, and a full custom renovation with layout changes can take 6–10 weeks depending on scope.
Is it worth renovating the kitchen before selling or renting a house? Yes — the kitchen is one of the highest-return renovations in Kenya’s property market, since it’s usually the first space buyers and tenants judge a home on.
