The kitchen design cost in Kenya depends on the size of the kitchen, layout, cabinet materials, worktop, hardware, storage requirements, finishes, appliances, plumbing, electrical work and the level of customisation required.
A small apartment kitchen can require a much smaller budget than a large U-shaped or island kitchen in a family home. More importantly, the phrase kitchen design cost can mean two different things: the professional fee for planning and visualising the kitchen, or the total cost of designing, supplying and installing the finished kitchen.
For planning purposes, current Nairobi market guides place professional kitchen design fees at roughly KES 50,000–150,000 for a comprehensive design service, while complete kitchen projects can range from approximately KES 450,000 for smaller kitchens to several million shillings for highly customised kitchens. The actual amount depends on the specifications and scope of work.
At SUIMAS Interior Designers, we help homeowners, property developers and investors plan kitchens according to their available space, lifestyle and budget. Our approach can cover the initial concept, space planning, 3D visualisation, material selection, cabinetry, installation and final finishing.
What We Offer
Our kitchen design and installation services can include:
- Kitchen Interior Design
- Kitchen space planning and measurements
- 2D kitchen layouts
- 3D kitchen designs and visualisation
- Custom kitchen cabinet design
- L-shaped kitchen designs
- U-shaped kitchen designs
- One-wall and galley kitchens
- Island kitchen designs
- Kitchen countertops and worktops
- Kitchen storage solutions
- Pantry and tall-unit design
- Soft-close drawers and hinges
- Kitchen lighting planning
- Backsplash design
- Plumbing and electrical coordination
- Appliance integration
- Cabinet fabrication
- Kitchen installation
- Kitchen renovation and remodelling
- Complete kitchen fit-out
Why Kitchen Design Matters
A kitchen can look simple on a floor plan, but many decisions have to work together.
The designer must consider the position of the sink, cooker, refrigerator, preparation areas, cabinets, doors, windows, lighting, electrical sockets and plumbing points. The available wall length also determines how much cabinetry can fit into the room.
Good kitchen design therefore helps you use the available space efficiently before you spend money on materials and fabrication.
A professional design can also help you identify problems early. For example, an appliance may not fit into the planned cabinet opening, a door may interfere with another unit, or the proposed sink position may require additional plumbing.
This is why 3D kitchen design is particularly useful. You can review the proposed arrangement, colours, cabinet finishes, worktop and storage before fabrication begins.
How Much Does Kitchen Design Cost in Kenya?
There are two main ways to look at the cost.
1. Professional Kitchen Design Fee
If you only require the design, drawings and visualisation, the cost is significantly lower than the cost of constructing the entire kitchen.
Indicative professional design fees can fall within these ranges:
- Space planning and basic layout: KES 15,000–35,000
- 3D kitchen visualisation: KES 25,000–80,000
- Full kitchen design: KES 50,000–150,000
- Design plus project management: KES 80,000–200,000+
These figures are planning ranges rather than fixed prices. The scope, number of revisions, size of the kitchen and level of documentation can change the fee. Published Nairobi guides also show design-only fees around KES 50,000–150,000.
2. Complete Kitchen Design and Installation
If you are asking how much it costs to have the whole kitchen designed and completed, the budget is much higher.
Indicative complete project ranges include:
- Small/compact kitchen: KES 450,000–900,000
- Standard L-shaped kitchen: KES 700,000–2,000,000+
- U-shaped kitchen: KES 1,000,000–3,000,000+
- Island kitchen: KES 1,300,000–3,500,000+
- Premium custom kitchen: KES 3,000,000–7,000,000+
- Luxury bespoke kitchens: Can exceed KES 7 million depending on materials, appliances and architectural requirements
Current published Nairobi guides show similarly broad ranges, with cabinetry, countertops, flooring, lighting and installation contributing to the complete project cost.
These should be treated as budgeting figures, not fixed quotations.
Kitchen Design Cost by Layout
The layout has a major effect on the final price because it determines the amount of cabinetry, countertop and hardware required.
One-Wall or Galley Kitchen
A one-wall kitchen places the main cabinets and appliances along one wall. A galley kitchen uses two parallel sides.
These layouts are suitable for:
- Apartments
- Studio homes
- Small houses
- Compact kitchens
- Rental properties
A complete professionally fitted kitchen can start around KES 450,000–700,000 for basic specifications, while a standard finish may reach KES 700,000–1.1 million or more depending on the cabinet run and materials.
The advantage is that fewer corners and shorter cabinet runs can reduce fabrication requirements.
L-Shaped Kitchen
The L-shaped kitchen remains one of the most practical options for Kenyan homes.
It uses two adjoining walls and provides a good separation between preparation, cooking and washing areas.
A standard L-shaped kitchen may cost approximately:
KES 700,000–1.1 million for basic specifications and around KES 1.1–2 million for a standard finish.
Premium materials, specialised storage, imported hardware and high-end worktops can push the price considerably higher.
U-Shaped Kitchen
A U-shaped kitchen uses three sides of the room.
It provides more cabinet and worktop space, making it suitable for larger family homes.
A typical U-shaped kitchen can start from approximately KES 1 million and move beyond KES 2.5–3 million depending on the size, materials, worktops, storage accessories and finishes.
Island Kitchen
Island kitchens require additional planning because the island must leave enough circulation space around it.
The island can contain:
- Additional cabinets
- Drawers
- A sink
- A hob
- Seating
- Electrical points
- Pendant lighting
- Extra worktop space
Because of the additional cabinetry and services, island kitchens generally require a higher budget than simple L-shaped kitchens.
Current Nairobi guides place complete island kitchens from roughly KES 1.2–1.3 million upward, with premium designs reaching several million shillings.
Kitchen Cabinet Cost in Kenya
Cabinetry normally takes one of the largest portions of a kitchen budget.
The price depends on:
- Board material
- Door finish
- Cabinet size
- Number of drawers
- Hardware
- Internal accessories
- Number of cabinet units
- Upper and lower cabinets
- Tall units
- Pantry units
- Island cabinets
Published Kenyan market guides show cabinet pricing varying widely depending on construction and finish. Some cabinet-focused guides quote fitted cabinetry and worktops at approximately KES 12,000–28,000+ per running foot, while premium specifications can go considerably higher.
Do not compare cabinet prices without checking what is included.
One supplier may quote for the cabinet carcass only. Another may include doors, hinges, drawers, worktops and installation.
Kitchen Worktop Cost
The countertop also affects the kitchen design cost significantly.
Common options include:
Granite
Granite remains popular because it is durable and available in different colours and patterns.
Indicative installed prices can start around KES 8,000–18,000 per m² for local granite, with premium or imported options costing more.
Quartz
Quartz offers a modern appearance and consistent patterns.
Indicative published Nairobi prices are around KES 18,000–35,000 per m² depending on specification.
Sintered Stone
Sintered stone is generally positioned at the premium end of the market.
It works well for homeowners looking for high-end finishes, large-format surfaces and contemporary kitchen designs.
Marble
Marble can create a luxurious appearance, although it requires more care than many engineered surfaces.
The best countertop depends on your budget, cooking habits, appearance preferences and maintenance expectations.
What Makes Kitchen Design More Expensive?
Several factors can increase the final cost.
1. Cabinet Material
The board used for the cabinets has a major effect on price.
Options can include:
- MDF
- Particle board
- Standard plywood
- Marine board
- Premium boards
- Solid wood
- Imported boards
A higher-quality board can increase the initial cost but may provide better performance, particularly where moisture is a concern.
2. Kitchen Size
A larger kitchen normally requires:
- More cabinets
- More worktop
- More hardware
- More flooring
- More lighting
- More labour
Therefore, the physical size alone does not determine the price, but it strongly affects the amount of material required.
3. Hardware
Hardware includes:
- Hinges
- Drawer runners
- Handles
- Pull-out baskets
- Corner mechanisms
- Magic corners
- Soft-close systems
- Pantry systems
- Lift-up mechanisms
Premium hardware can significantly increase the cost of a kitchen.
4. Countertop
Granite, quartz, marble, porcelain and sintered stone have different price points.
5. Storage Accessories
A basic cabinet and a highly organised cabinet can have very different prices.
You can add:
- Bottle pull-outs
- Cutlery organisers
- Corner solutions
- Tall pantry units
- Bin systems
- Spice racks
- Appliance garages
- Pull-down storage
- Drawer organisers
6. Appliances
Appliances are often excluded from kitchen design and installation quotations unless specifically included.
Your budget may need to cover:
- Cooker or hob
- Oven
- Extractor hood
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Dishwasher
- Washing machine
- Water purifier
The appliance specification can therefore add a substantial amount to the project.
Other Costs to Consider
A kitchen quotation should not only focus on cabinets.
You may also need to budget for:
Plumbing:
Moving the sink or dishwasher can require new water supply and drainage connections.
Electrical work:
New sockets, cooker connections, lighting and appliance circuits may be required.
Flooring:
A new kitchen may require replacement floor tiles.
Wall tiling:
A backsplash protects the wall while adding a decorative finish.
Lighting:
Under-cabinet lights, ceiling lights and pendant lights can improve both appearance and functionality.
Demolition:
If you are renovating an existing kitchen, removing old cabinets, tiles and worktops may attract additional labour and disposal costs.
Painting:
Walls and ceilings may need finishing after installation.
10×10 Kitchen Design Cost in Kenya
A 10×10 kitchen does not automatically have one fixed price.
The final cost depends on the actual cabinet arrangement and the amount of usable wall space.
For a 10×10 kitchen, a cabinet-and-worktop package can fall within the hundreds of thousands of shillings, while a complete kitchen including flooring, lighting, plumbing, electrical work and installation can move considerably higher.
The best approach is to measure the actual cabinet run instead of budgeting purely from room dimensions.
12×12 Kitchen Design Cost in Kenya
A 12×12 kitchen generally provides more room for cabinetry and larger layouts.
It can accommodate:
- Larger L-shaped layouts
- U-shaped layouts
- Tall pantry units
- Larger worktops
- Kitchen islands
- More storage
- Integrated appliances
Published Kenyan pricing guides show 12×12 fitted cabinetry and worktop packages can range from roughly KES 380,000 to KES 680,000 or more, depending on specification, while a complete kitchen project becomes substantially more expensive after flooring, lighting, installation, appliances and other works are added.
Example Kitchen Budgets
Budget Kitchen
Estimated budget: KES 450,000–700,000
Possible specification:
- Basic cabinetry
- Standard worktop
- Basic hardware
- Simple backsplash
- Basic lighting
- Limited plumbing changes
- Standard installation
This option suits homeowners who want a functional kitchen while keeping the initial investment controlled.
Mid-Range Kitchen
Estimated budget: KES 800,000–1.8 million
Possible specification:
- Better-quality cabinetry
- Marine board or plywood
- Quartz or quality granite
- Soft-close hardware
- Improved storage
- Porcelain flooring
- Modern lighting
- Backsplash
- Professional installation
Premium Kitchen
Estimated budget: KES 2 million–5 million+
Possible specification:
- Premium cabinetry
- High-end hardware
- Quartz or sintered stone
- Large island
- Integrated appliances
- Custom storage
- Feature lighting
- Premium finishes
- Detailed project management
Luxury kitchens can exceed this range when imported materials, bespoke joinery, premium appliances and architectural modifications are included.
Design-Only vs Complete Kitchen Package
Before accepting a quotation, establish exactly what you are paying for.
Design Only
Usually includes:
- Consultation
- Space planning
- Layout
- 2D drawings
- 3D visualisation
- Material suggestions
- Basic specifications
Supply Only
May include:
- Cabinets
- Worktops
- Hardware
Installation may be excluded.
Supply and Installation
Usually includes:
- Cabinet fabrication
- Delivery
- Cabinet installation
- Worktop installation
- Basic finishing
However, plumbing, electrical work, flooring and appliances may remain separate.
Complete Kitchen Fit-Out
A comprehensive package may include:
- Design
- 3D visualisation
- Cabinets
- Worktops
- Flooring
- Backsplash
- Lighting
- Plumbing
- Electrical work
- Installation
- Finishing
- Project supervision
This distinction is essential when comparing quotations because two companies can quote very different amounts while offering completely different scopes.
How to Reduce Kitchen Design Cost
You do not always need to choose the cheapest materials to control your budget.
Instead:
- Keep the existing plumbing positions where possible.
- Choose a practical layout.
- Prioritise cabinet structure before decorative extras.
- Use standard cabinet dimensions where possible.
- Avoid unnecessary structural changes.
- Select durable mid-range worktops.
- Prioritise the storage accessories you actually need.
- Compare itemised quotations.
- Plan appliances before cabinet fabrication.
- Approve the design before production begins.
Good planning can prevent expensive changes after fabrication.
Why Choose SUIMAS Interior Designers?
At SUIMAS Interior Designers, we approach kitchen projects as complete spaces rather than simply supplying cabinets.
Our process can take you from:
Consultation → Measurement → Kitchen Layout → 3D Design → Material Selection → Quotation → Fabrication → Installation → Finishing → Handover
We can coordinate the different components so that your cabinets, worktops, appliances, lighting, plumbing and electrical points work together.
We also serve clients across Kenya, allowing homeowners outside Nairobi to access professional kitchen design and installation services.
3D Kitchen Design Before Installation
One of the most useful stages of the process is 3D visualisation.
With a 3D kitchen design, you can review:
- Cabinet colours
- Door finishes
- Worktop appearance
- Cabinet arrangement
- Island position
- Lighting
- Appliance placement
- Storage layout
- Flooring
- Backsplash
This gives you an opportunity to make decisions before materials are fabricated.
Changes made during design are generally much easier to manage than changes made after cabinets have already been manufactured.
You can also explore our 3D Design and Layout Planning services for broader space-planning requirements.
What Should a Kitchen Quotation Include?
A professional kitchen quotation should clearly identify:
- Kitchen measurements
- Cabinet quantities
- Cabinet material
- Door finish
- Worktop material
- Hardware
- Drawers
- Storage accessories
- Backsplash
- Flooring
- Lighting
- Plumbing
- Electrical work
- Installation labour
- Delivery
- Project supervision
- Taxes where applicable
- Exclusions
Avoid accepting a quotation simply because the headline figure appears cheap.
Instead, compare the scope and specification.
A KES 500,000 quotation may not actually be cheaper than a KES 800,000 quotation if the first quotation excludes worktops, hardware, installation, plumbing and electrical work.
Kitchen Design and Installation Process
Step 1: Consultation
We discuss your requirements, lifestyle, preferred style and budget.
Step 2: Site Measurement
The kitchen is measured to establish available wall lengths, openings, ceiling height and service points.
Step 3: Layout Planning
We develop a practical kitchen arrangement based on the available space.
Step 4: 3D Visualisation
The proposed kitchen is visualised so you can understand the final appearance before fabrication.
Step 5: Material Selection
Cabinet materials, colours, worktops, handles, hardware and finishes are selected.
Step 6: Detailed Quotation
The selected specification is converted into a detailed project quotation.
Step 7: Fabrication
After approval, the cabinets and other components are prepared.
Step 8: Installation
The kitchen is delivered and installed, followed by worktop, plumbing, electrical and finishing works where included.
Step 9: Inspection and Handover
The completed kitchen is checked before final handover.
Kitchen Design Services Across Kenya
SUIMAS Interior Designers provides kitchen design and interior fit-out services across Kenya. We can serve clients in 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 work across 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.
For Mombasa and the Coast, 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, together with wider Coast locations such as Kilifi, Malindi, Diani, Ukunda, Kwale and Lamu.
Related Interior Design Services
If your kitchen project forms part of a larger house or property project, you may also need:
- Residential Interior Design
- Kitchen Renovation and Interior Works
- Interior Finishes
- Floor Installation Services
- Gypsum Ceiling Installation
- Professional Building Painting
- Building and Construction Services
Get a Kitchen Design Cost Estimate
There is no single kitchen design cost that applies to every home in Kenya.
A compact apartment kitchen, a standard family L-shaped kitchen, a large U-shaped kitchen and a luxury island kitchen require different amounts of materials, labour and planning.
The most reliable way to establish your actual budget is to start with the kitchen measurements, preferred layout, cabinet specification, worktop, hardware, appliances and required services.
At SUIMAS Interior Designers, we can assess your requirements and prepare a project-specific quotation.
Contact Us Today for kitchen design, 3D visualisation, cabinetry and complete kitchen installation 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 kitchen design cost in Kenya?
Professional design-only services can range from tens of thousands of shillings, with comprehensive design services commonly falling around KES 50,000–150,000. A complete kitchen project costs substantially more because it includes cabinetry, worktops, installation and other finishes.
How much does a complete kitchen cost in Kenya?
A complete kitchen can start at around KES 450,000 for a smaller basic kitchen and increase to several million shillings for larger, premium or luxury kitchens. The final quotation depends on the layout, cabinet materials, worktop, hardware, appliances and additional works.
Is kitchen design included in installation?
Not always. Some contractors include basic design within an installation package, while professional 3D design and detailed planning may be charged separately. Always ask what the quotation includes.
What is the cheapest kitchen design layout?
One-wall and simple galley kitchens can be among the most economical because they require fewer cabinets, corners and worktop sections. However, the final price still depends on the materials and finishes selected.
Which kitchen layout is best?
There is no single best layout for every home. L-shaped kitchens work well in many family homes, U-shaped kitchens provide more storage and worktop space, while island kitchens work particularly well in larger open-plan spaces.
How much does a 3D kitchen design cost?
A 3D kitchen design can fall within approximately KES 25,000–80,000 depending on the number of views, complexity and scope. A complete kitchen design package can cost more because it may include measurements, layouts, specifications and project planning.
Can I design a kitchen on a limited budget?
Yes. A practical layout, standard cabinet sizes, carefully selected materials and prioritised storage can help control costs without compromising basic functionality.
Does the kitchen price include appliances?
Not necessarily. Appliances are often excluded from kitchen quotations unless specifically stated. Confirm whether the quotation includes the cooker, oven, extractor, refrigerator, dishwasher and other appliances.
Why do kitchen quotations differ so much?
The biggest reason is usually the scope. One quotation may cover cabinets only, while another may include worktops, hardware, flooring, plumbing, electrical work, lighting and installation. Always compare itemised specifications rather than headline prices.