The cost of building a kitchen in Kenya can range from about KES 450,000 for a compact, basic kitchen to KES 3 million or more for a large, premium kitchen, depending on the size, layout, cabinetry, worktop, flooring, lighting, plumbing, electrical work, appliances and level of customisation.

However, there is an important distinction between building a kitchen structure and fitting out a kitchen inside an existing house.

If the room already exists, you may only need cabinets, countertops, plumbing, electrical work, flooring, lighting and finishing. If you are creating a completely new kitchen space, the project may also involve walls, roofing, windows, doors, drainage, water connections, electrical installation and other construction works.

This guide focuses mainly on the cost of building and completing a kitchen as a functional interior space, while also explaining the additional costs that apply when you are constructing a new kitchen room.

Current Kenyan pricing guides show significant differences because some suppliers quote for cabinetry and worktops only, while others include flooring, lighting, plumbing, electrical work, installation and design. For example, Hauzisha’s 2026 fitted cabinet guide places many kitchen cabinetry packages around KES 12,000–28,000+ per running foot, while broader complete-kitchen budgets can reach several million shillings for premium specifications.

At SUIMAS Interior Designers, we help homeowners and property developers plan kitchens according to their available space, lifestyle and budget, from initial measurements and 3D design to cabinetry, worktops, installation and finishing.

What We Offer

Our kitchen building and fit-out services can include:

Kitchen Interior Design
Kitchen measurements and space planning
Kitchen layout planning
3D kitchen design and visualisation
Custom kitchen cabinets
L-shaped kitchens
U-shaped kitchens
One-wall kitchens
Galley kitchens
Island kitchens
Kitchen worktops
Granite countertops
Quartz countertops
Sintered stone countertops
Kitchen sinks and taps
Kitchen storage solutions
Pantry units
Kitchen lighting
Plumbing coordination
Electrical installation
Kitchen flooring
Backsplash installation
Cabinet fabrication
Cabinet installation
Kitchen renovation
Complete kitchen fit-out

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Kitchen in Kenya?

For a practical budgeting guide, a complete kitchen can fall into these broad categories:

Kitchen type	Indicative budget
Small/basic kitchen	KES 450,000–700,000
Standard family kitchen	KES 700,000–1.5 million
Mid-range large kitchen	KES 1.2–2.5 million
Premium kitchen	KES 2–4 million+
Luxury bespoke kitchen	KES 4–7 million+

These are planning ranges rather than fixed quotations.

A simple kitchen with existing plumbing, basic cabinets and a laminate worktop will cost considerably less than a large open-plan kitchen with a central island, quartz or sintered-stone worktops, premium cabinetry, new lighting, flooring, plumbing modifications and integrated appliances.

This difference in scope explains why published kitchen prices can appear dramatically different.

For example, Hauzisha’s cabinet-focused guide gives approximately KES 120,000–250,000 for a small fitted kitchen, KES 250,000–450,000 for a mid-size family kitchen, and KES 450,000–800,000+ for larger kitchens, while broader complete-project guides include additional construction and finishing components.

Cost of Building a Kitchen: Where Does the Money Go?

A kitchen budget normally consists of several major components.

1. Kitchen Cabinets

Cabinetry usually represents one of the largest portions of the budget.

Current 2026 planning ranges include approximately:

Basic blockboard/laminate: KES 12,000–16,000 per running foot
MDF/laminate: KES 14,000–20,000 per running foot
Marine plywood/MDF: KES 16,000–22,000 per running foot
Premium acrylic/high-gloss: KES 22,000–30,000+ per running foot
Premium custom cabinetry: KES 30,000–40,000+ per running foot

The exact price depends on whether the quotation includes the worktop, upper cabinets, hardware, delivery and installation.

Hauzisha currently uses approximately KES 12,000–28,000+ per running foot as its fitted-cabinet benchmark, while SUIMAS’s cabinet guide also places premium custom specifications above this range.

2. Kitchen Worktops

The countertop can significantly change the final cost.

Indicative fitted ranges include:

Laminate: KES 2,500–5,000 per running foot
Granite: KES 6,500–12,000+ per running foot
Quartz: KES 9,000–18,000+ per running foot
Sintered/solid premium surfaces: KES 18,000+ per running foot

Hauzisha’s current guide gives similar ranges and notes that the worktop is often one of the areas where quotations can diverge substantially.

For example, a 14-foot worktop can have a significantly different cost depending on whether you select laminate, granite or quartz.

3. Upper Cabinets

Upper cabinets provide additional storage and can make better use of vertical space.

They may include:

Standard wall cabinets
Glass-front cabinets
Open display sections
Full-height cabinets
Pantry units
Lift-up cabinets

Upper cabinets should be priced separately or clearly identified in the quotation because they are not always included in a lower-cabinet running-foot price.

4. Kitchen Hardware

Hardware includes:

Hinges
Drawer runners
Handles
Soft-close systems
Corner mechanisms
Pull-out baskets
Bottle racks
Cutlery trays
Pantry systems

A basic kitchen can use standard hardware, while a premium kitchen may use high-quality soft-close and specialised storage mechanisms.

5. Flooring

If you are building or completely renovating the kitchen, you may need new flooring.

The cost depends on:

Tile type
Tile size
Floor area
Adhesive
Screed
Labour
Pattern
Existing floor condition

Large-format porcelain tiles and premium finishes generally cost more than basic ceramic tiles.

6. Backsplash

The backsplash protects the wall behind the worktop and cooking area.

Options include:

Ceramic tiles
Porcelain tiles
Glass
Quartz
Sintered stone
Natural stone
Decorative panels

A simple tiled backsplash can be relatively affordable, while a full-height quartz or stone backsplash can significantly increase the project budget.

7. Plumbing

Plumbing becomes especially important if you are changing the location of the sink.

Potential plumbing works include:

Water supply
Waste drainage
Sink installation
Tap installation
Dishwasher connection
Washing-machine connection
Water heater connection

Keeping the sink near the existing plumbing points can help control costs.

8. Electrical Work

A modern kitchen normally requires several electrical points.

These may include connections for:

Refrigerator
Oven
Cooker
Extractor hood
Microwave
Dishwasher
Washing machine
Small appliances
Under-cabinet lighting
Ceiling lighting

If the existing electrical system was not designed for the new kitchen, additional wiring and circuit work may be necessary.

9. Kitchen Lighting

Good lighting makes the kitchen easier to use and improves its appearance.

Common options include:

Ceiling downlights
Pendant lights
Under-cabinet LED strips
Task lighting
Feature lighting

Lighting should ideally be considered during the design stage rather than added after the cabinets are installed.

10. Appliances

Appliances can account for a substantial part of a kitchen budget.

Depending on your requirements, you may need:

Cooker
Hob
Oven
Extractor hood
Refrigerator
Microwave
Dishwasher
Washing machine
Water purifier

Appliances are often not included in cabinet quotations.

Always check before comparing prices.

Cost of Building a Kitchen by Layout

The kitchen layout affects both the amount of cabinetry and the complexity of installation.

One-Wall Kitchen

A one-wall kitchen places cabinets and appliances along a single wall.

It works well for:

Apartments
Studios
Small homes
Compact spaces

A complete basic one-wall kitchen can start around KES 450,000, although a cabinet-only package can cost considerably less.

The smaller cabinet run can make this one of the more economical kitchen layouts.

L-Shaped Kitchen

The L-shaped layout is one of the most popular options for Kenyan homes.

It uses two adjoining walls and normally provides:

More countertop space
Better storage
A practical work triangle
Space for appliances
Room for movement

A complete L-shaped kitchen can broadly cost KES 700,000–1.8 million+, depending on the size and specification.

U-Shaped Kitchen

A U-shaped kitchen uses three sides of the room.

It provides more cabinet and worktop space than a simple L-shaped kitchen.

A standard U-shaped kitchen can cost approximately KES 900,000–2.5 million+.

Large premium U-shaped kitchens can cost considerably more.

Island Kitchen

An island adds another cabinet and countertop section to the kitchen.

The island can contain:

Drawers
Cabinets
Sink
Hob
Seating
Electrical points
Additional preparation space

A complete island kitchen can start at around KES 1.2 million and reach KES 3 million or more depending on the size and specification.

Hauzisha estimates an island itself can add roughly KES 60,000–150,000, depending on its size and worktop. Premium specifications can go beyond this.

10×10 Kitchen Building Cost in Kenya

The 10×10 kitchen is frequently used as a budgeting reference.

A simple 10×10 layout can provide approximately 20 running feet of cabinetry when two 10-foot walls are used.

Using current cabinet pricing:

Budget cabinetry

20 running feet × KES 12,000–16,000

KES 240,000–320,000

Mid-range cabinetry

20 running feet × KES 16,000–22,000

KES 320,000–440,000

Premium cabinetry

20 running feet × KES 22,000–28,000+

KES 440,000–560,000+

These figures represent cabinetry/fitted kitchen components and should not automatically be interpreted as the cost of constructing the entire kitchen room.

Hauzisha similarly places a 10×10 fitted kitchen around KES 240,000–560,000, depending on specification.

Once you add flooring, backsplash, plumbing, electrical work, lighting, installation and appliances, the complete project budget becomes higher.

12×12 Kitchen Building Cost in Kenya

A 12×12 kitchen provides approximately 24 running feet if two full 12-foot walls are used.

A basic calculation gives:

Budget

24 × KES 12,000–16,000

KES 288,000–384,000

Mid-range

24 × KES 16,000–22,000

KES 384,000–528,000

Premium

24 × KES 22,000–28,000+

KES 528,000–672,000+

SUIMAS’s current cabinet guide gives broader complete cabinetry examples for 12×12 kitchens, reaching above KES 1 million for premium cabinetry once upper cabinets and higher-end hardware are included.

Therefore, a 12×12 room should not be given one universal price.

Sample Budget for a Mid-Range Kitchen

Consider a standard family kitchen with:

Marine-board cabinetry
Quality cabinet fronts
Quartz or granite worktop
Upper cabinets
Standard storage
Floor tiles
Backsplash
Plumbing
Electrical work
Lighting
Installation

A realistic planning budget could be approximately:

Component	Indicative budget
Lower cabinets + worktop	KES 350,000–550,000
Upper cabinets	KES 80,000–150,000
Hardware/storage	KES 40,000–100,000
Flooring	KES 40,000–100,000
Backsplash	KES 15,000–40,000
Plumbing	KES 30,000–70,000
Electrical	KES 30,000–70,000
Lighting	KES 20,000–60,000
Installation	KES 80,000–180,000
Indicative total	KES 685,000–1.32 million

This is an example for budgeting, not a fixed quotation.

The final amount depends on the actual measurements and specification.

SUIMAS’s broader kitchen-cost guide similarly breaks complete kitchens into cabinetry, worktops, flooring, backsplash, lighting, plumbing, electrical work and installation rather than treating the kitchen as a single cabinet price.

Cost of Constructing a New Kitchen Room

If you are building a completely new kitchen room, rather than fitting an existing kitchen, additional construction costs apply.

You may need:

Foundation and Floor

If the kitchen is an extension, the project may require:

Excavation
Foundation
Hardcore
Concrete
Floor slab
Damp-proofing
Screed

Walls

You may need:

Masonry
Reinforced columns
Lintels
Plastering
Internal finishing
External finishing

Roofing

A new kitchen extension may require:

Roofing structure
Roofing sheets or tiles
Gutters
Ceiling
Insulation where required

Doors and Windows

The project may also include:

Kitchen door
Windows
Security grills
Aluminium or steel frames
Glazing

Plumbing and Drainage

A new kitchen needs appropriate:

Water supply
Waste pipes
Drainage
Sink connections
External drainage

Electrical Installation

You may require:

New circuits
Lighting
Sockets
Cooker connection
Appliance points
Distribution-board modifications

Because these construction elements vary dramatically according to the size and structural design, they should be priced separately from the kitchen cabinetry.

For a new kitchen extension, the safest approach is to obtain a site-specific BOQ and construction quotation rather than applying a cabinet price per running foot.

Kitchen Cabinets vs Complete Kitchen

This is where many online kitchen-price articles become confusing.

A quotation of KES 300,000 may refer to cabinets and worktop.

Another contractor may quote KES 900,000 for a complete kitchen.

Neither figure is automatically wrong.

The first quotation might include:

Cabinets
Doors
Worktop

The second might include:

Design
Cabinets
Worktop
Flooring
Backsplash
Plumbing
Electrical
Lighting
Installation
Finishing

Hauzisha explicitly separates cabinet/worktop pricing from appliances, plumbing relocation and other works.

Therefore, always compare scope before price.

Supply Only, Installation and Complete Fit-Out

Supply Only

You receive the cabinets or other kitchen components.

Installation is separate.

Supply and Installation

The contractor supplies and installs the kitchen cabinets and agreed components.

Complete Kitchen Fit-Out

This can include:

Design
3D visualisation
Cabinets
Worktops
Hardware
Flooring
Backsplash
Lighting
Plumbing
Electrical work
Installation
Finishing

Full Construction and Kitchen Fit-Out

If you are constructing the kitchen room itself, the project may also include:

Foundation
Walls
Roofing
Windows
Doors
Plumbing
Electrical installation
Plastering
Flooring
Ceiling
Painting
Cabinets
Worktops
Appliances

This is a completely different scope from purchasing kitchen cabinets.

Factors That Increase the Cost of Building a Kitchen

Several factors can increase your budget.

Kitchen Size

More floor and wall space normally means more cabinets and finishing materials.

Layout

U-shaped and island kitchens generally require more cabinetry than simple one-wall layouts.

Cabinet Material

Marine plywood, acrylic, premium boards and solid wood generally cost more than basic laminate constructions.

Worktop

Quartz, sintered stone and premium granite can significantly increase the budget.

Hardware

Soft-close systems and specialised storage accessories add to the cost.

Plumbing Relocation

Moving the sink can require additional water and drainage work.

Electrical Relocation

Moving appliances may require new circuits and sockets.

Flooring

Replacing the entire floor costs more than retaining an existing good-quality floor.

Appliances

Premium appliances can add hundreds of thousands of shillings to the project.

Structural Changes

Removing walls, creating openings or extending the building requires additional construction work.

How to Reduce the Cost of Building a Kitchen

A limited budget does not mean you need to build an unattractive kitchen.

You can control costs by:

Keeping the existing plumbing layout where possible.
Choosing a practical L-shaped or one-wall layout.
Using standard cabinet dimensions.
Selecting durable mid-range materials.
Prioritising storage accessories.
Comparing worktop materials.
Keeping appliances within a realistic budget.
Retaining usable flooring where possible.
Designing the kitchen before fabrication.
Requesting an itemised quotation.

The objective should be value rather than simply the lowest initial price.

Why 3D Kitchen Design Is Important

Before committing to fabrication, a 3D kitchen design can show you how the completed kitchen should look.

You can review:

Cabinet colours
Door profiles
Worktop
Island
Appliances
Lighting
Flooring
Backsplash
Storage
Cabinet arrangement

This can prevent expensive changes after fabrication.

You can explore our 3D Design and Layout Planning service when planning a kitchen or other interior space.

What Should a Kitchen Building Quotation Include?

Before approving a quotation, check that it clearly identifies:

Kitchen measurements
Layout
Cabinet material
Door finish
Cabinet thickness
Number of running feet/metres
Upper cabinets
Lower cabinets
Tall units
Hardware
Drawers
Worktop
Backsplash
Flooring
Plumbing
Electrical work
Lighting
Installation
Delivery
Project management
Appliances
Taxes where applicable
Exclusions

This makes it much easier to compare quotations from different contractors.

How Long Does It Take to Build a Kitchen?

The timeline depends on whether you are fitting an existing kitchen or constructing a completely new room.

Existing Kitchen Fit-Out

A typical project can involve:

Design and measurement → quotation → approval → fabrication → installation → finishing

Cabinet fabrication alone can take several weeks depending on the material, complexity and workshop schedule.

New Kitchen Construction

A new kitchen extension takes longer because construction must be completed before interior fit-out.

The sequence may include:

Design → approvals → foundation → walls → roofing → windows/doors → plumbing/electrical → plastering → flooring/ceiling → cabinets → worktop → finishing

A detailed programme should be prepared according to the actual project.

Areas We Serve Across Kenya

SUIMAS Interior Designers provides kitchen design, construction coordination, cabinetry and interior fit-out services across Baringo, Bomet, Bungoma, Busia, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Embu, Garissa, Homa Bay, Isiolo, Kajiado, Kakamega, Kericho, Kiambu, Kilifi, Kirinyaga, Kisii, Kisumu, Kitui, Kwale, Laikipia, Lamu, Machakos, Makueni, Mandera, Marsabit, Meru, Migori, Mombasa, Murang’a, Nairobi, Nakuru, Nandi, Narok, Nyamira, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Samburu, Siaya, Taita-Taveta, Tana River, Tharaka-Nithi, Trans Nzoia, Turkana, Uasin Gishu, Vihiga, Wajir and West Pokot.

In Nairobi, we serve areas including Nairobi CBD, Westlands, Parklands, Spring Valley, Riverside, Kileleshwa, Lavington, Kilimani, Hurlingham, Upper Hill, Kitisuru, Gigiri, Runda, Muthaiga, Rosslyn, Karen, Lang’ata, South C, South B, Nyayo Estate, Imara Daima, Embakasi, Fedha, Donholm, Umoja, Buruburu, Komarock, Kayole, Tassia, Pipeline, Kasarani, Roysambu, Ruaraka, Mwiki, Zimmerman, Thome, Garden Estate, Ridgeways, Mirema, Kahawa, Kahawa Sukari, Kahawa West, Ruai, Utawala, Njiru, Dandora, Kariobangi, Eastleigh, Pangani, Ngara, Huruma and Mathare.

We also serve the wider Nairobi metropolitan area, including Ruaka, Ruiru, Kikuyu, Limuru, Thika, Kitengela, Athi River and Syokimau.

In Mombasa and the wider Coast region, services can cover Mombasa CBD, Mvita, Kizingo, Tudor, Nyali, Mkomani, Frere Town, Kongowea, Bamburi, Shanzu, Kisauni, Bombolulu, Mishomoroni, Likoni, Changamwe, Jomvu, Mikindani, Miritini, Port Reitz, Magongo and Mtambo, as well as Kilifi, Malindi, Diani, Ukunda, Kwale and Lamu.

Why Choose SUIMAS Interior Designers?

Building or fitting a kitchen involves more than making cabinets.

The different components have to work together.

Your:

Layout → Cabinets → Worktop → Appliances → Plumbing → Electrical → Lighting → Flooring → Finishing

should be considered as one coordinated project.

At SUIMAS Interior Designers, we can coordinate the kitchen from the initial concept and measurements through 3D design, material selection, quotation, fabrication, installation and finishing.

This approach helps reduce conflicts between cabinets, appliances, plumbing and electrical points.

Related Interior Design Services

For a complete kitchen or home project, you may also need:

Get a Cost Estimate for Building Your Kitchen

There is no single price for building a kitchen in Kenya.

A small existing kitchen may require only cabinetry, a worktop and installation. A complete family kitchen may require flooring, backsplash, lighting, plumbing and electrical work. A new kitchen extension can require an entirely separate construction budget before the interior fit-out even begins.

That is why the best way to establish your actual cost of building a kitchen in Kenya is to assess the space, determine the layout, measure the cabinet runs and prepare an itemised quotation.

At SUIMAS Interior Designers, we can help you plan the kitchen according to your space and budget.

Contact Us Today for kitchen design, cabinetry, construction coordination, renovation and complete kitchen fit-out services.

SUIMAS Interior Designers
Address: Nairobi CBD
Phone: 0717 044 443 / 0739 255 050
Email: info@interiordesigners.co.ke / info@suimas.co.ke
Contact Us Today

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to build a kitchen in Kenya?

A complete kitchen fit-out can broadly range from KES 450,000 to KES 3 million+, depending on size, cabinetry, worktop, flooring, lighting, plumbing, electrical work and finishes. Luxury kitchens can exceed KES 4 million.

How much does a basic kitchen cost in Kenya?

A basic fitted kitchen can start from several hundred thousand shillings when cabinets, worktop and installation are considered. A complete kitchen with flooring, plumbing, electrical work and lighting will cost more.

How much does a 10×10 kitchen cost in Kenya?

Cabinetry and worktop for a 10×10 layout can be approximately KES 240,000–560,000 depending on specification. A complete finished kitchen will cost more after flooring, backsplash, lighting, plumbing, electrical work, installation and appliances are included.

How much does a 12×12 kitchen cost in Kenya?

A 12×12 kitchen can require approximately KES 288,000–672,000+ for a basic-to-premium cabinet and worktop calculation, while complete projects can exceed KES 1 million depending on the specification.

What is the most expensive part of building a kitchen?

Cabinetry and worktops are normally among the largest costs. However, premium appliances, structural changes and extensive plumbing or electrical work can also significantly increase the total budget.

Does the kitchen cabinet price include appliances?

Usually not. Appliances should be listed separately unless the quotation specifically states that they are included.

Is kitchen design included in the cost?

It depends on the contractor. Some companies include basic design within the project, while professional 3D design and detailed planning may be charged separately.

How can I reduce kitchen construction costs?

Keeping the existing plumbing and electrical layout, choosing a practical layout, using standard cabinet sizes, selecting durable mid-range materials and avoiding unnecessary structural changes can help control costs.

Is building a kitchen different from kitchen renovation?

Yes. Building a new kitchen may involve structural construction such as foundations, walls, roofing, windows and drainage. Renovating an existing kitchen normally focuses on improving the existing space.

Should I get a BOQ before building a kitchen?

Yes. A detailed BOQ or itemised quotation makes it easier to understand exactly what you are paying for and compare different contractors fairly.

Cost of Building a Kitchen in Kenya