Prices of Steel Hollow Section in Kenya: Cost Per Kg by Region

Steel hollow section prices in Kenya currently stand at KSh 310.00 per kilogram across all major regions according to construction cost handbook 2025/2026 released by Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, presenting a unique market scenario that defies typical regional pricing variations. As a Material Engineer at Structrum Construction Limited, I’ve witnessed firsthand how this pricing consistency has transformed project planning across the country.

The construction industry in Kenya consumes approximately 2.3 million tonnes of steel annually according the data given in 2020 by National Construction Authority. Yet many contractors and project managers remain unaware of the intricate factors that influence structural steel procurement decisions. This pricing uniformity across Central, Coast, Western, Eastern, Rift Valley, and Northern regions represents a significant shift from historical patterns.

While supervising the structure analysis of more than 20 construction projects, I saw how the hollow sections of steel have become the backbone of Kenyan architecture today. These versatile building elements are still changing our skyline from the high-rise buildings in the Upper Hill district of Nairobi to the resorts on the coast of Mombasa.

Understanding Steel Hollow Sections: A Material Engineer’s Perspective

What Are Steel Hollow Sections?

Steel hollow sections are engineered structural members with internal cavities that provide exceptional load-bearing capacity while minimizing material usage. These sections undergo hot-rolled steel manufacturing processes, resulting in products that combine strength with efficiency.

The three primary categories dominate the Kenyan market:

• SHS (Square Hollow Sections): Equal-sided rectangular profiles
• RHS (Rectangular Hollow Sections): Unequal-sided rectangular profiles
• CHS (Circular Hollow Sections): Circular cross-section profiles

Manufacturing involves heating steel billets to 1,200°C before rolling through specialized equipment. This hot-rolled steel process ensures uniform grain structure and optimal mechanical properties. The result? Structural members that can handle compression, tension, and bending forces simultaneously.

Cold-formed steel alternatives exist but lack the structural integrity required for major construction projects. Hot-rolled sections provide superior weldability and dimensional stability, crucial factors in Kenya’s diverse climate conditions.

Why Hollow Sections Matter in Kenyan Construction

The structural advantages of hollow sections become apparent when examining load distribution. Unlike solid sections, hollow profiles utilize material exactly where structural forces demand it. This efficiency translates to 40-50% weight reduction compared to equivalent solid steel members.

Cost-effectiveness emerges through reduced foundation requirements. Lighter structures require smaller foundations, cutting overall project costs by 15-20%. I’ve documented this phenomenon across multiple projects, from the Thika Road infrastructure developments to Mombasa’s new commercial complexes.

Current local construction trends favor hollow sections for several reasons:

• Corrosion resistance when properly treated
• Ease of fabrication and installation
• Architectural flexibility for modern designs
• Compliance with evolving building codes

The versatility allows architects to create open spaces without intermediate columns. This feature particularly appeals to commercial developers seeking maximum rentable floor area.

Regional Price Analysis: The Kenyan Market Breakdown

Current Pricing Structure

Based on the latest market data, steel hollow section prices maintain remarkable consistency across Kenya’s regions:

Region	50x50mm SHS (KSh/kg)	150x150mm SHS (KSh/kg)	50x25mm RHS (KSh/kg)	100x50mm RHS (KSh/kg)	25×1.2mm CHS (KSh/kg)	50x2mm CHS (KSh/kg)
Central	310.00	310.00	310.00	310.00	310.00	310.00
Coast	310.00	310.00	310.00	310.00	310.00	310.00
Western	310.00	310.00	310.00	310.00	310.00	310.00
Eastern	310.00	310.00	310.00	310.00	310.00	310.00
Rift Valley	310.00	310.00	310.00	310.00	310.00	310.00
Northern	310.00	310.00	310.00	310.00	310.00	310.00

This pricing consistency represents a departure from traditional market patterns where coastal regions typically commanded premium prices due to port proximity and Western regions faced higher costs due to transportation challenges.

Several market factors contribute to this uniform pricing:

• Centralized distribution networks from major steel mills
• Standardized transportation costs absorbed by suppliers
• Government infrastructure improvements reducing logistics gaps
• Competitive pressure from established steel suppliers

Regional Market Dynamics

Central Kenya remains the largest consumer of structural steel, accounting for 45% of national demand. The region’s construction demand stems from ongoing urbanization and infrastructure development. Projects like the Nairobi Metropolitan Area developments drive consistent orders for all hollow section types.

The Coast region presents unique challenges despite uniform pricing. High humidity levels require enhanced corrosion resistance treatments, adding 8-12% to total project costs. However, proximity to Mombasa port provides advantages for imported steel grades when local specifications prove insufficient.

Western Kenya accessibility has improved dramatically following recent road upgrades. The region now receives regular steel deliveries, eliminating previous supply constraints. Agricultural prosperity in the region fuels residential and commercial construction growth, particularly in Eldoret and Kisumu.

Eastern and Rift Valley considerations include seasonal demand variations. Construction activity peaks during dry seasons, creating temporary supply pressures. However, improved storage facilities across these regions now maintain consistent availability throughout the year.

Detailed Product Analysis and Applications

Square Hollow Sections (SHS)

50x50mm applications dominate light commercial and residential projects. These sections serve as primary framing members for single-story structures, carports, and boundary walls. The compact size provides adequate strength for loads up to 15 kN/m while maintaining cost efficiency.

During the construction of a 500-unit housing project in Kiambu, we utilized over 45 tonnes of 50x50mm SHS for boundary walls and gate structures. The uniform cross-section simplified connection details and reduced fabrication time by 25%.

150x150mm for heavy-duty structures becomes essential for multi-story buildings and industrial facilities. These larger sections handle significant loads while providing the necessary moment resistance for frame stability. I’ve specified these sections for projects ranging from 8-story apartment blocks to warehouse developments.

Load-bearing calculations for SHS follow established structural engineering principles:

Section Size	Weight (kg/m)	Area (cm²)	Moment of Inertia (cm⁴)	Section Modulus (cm³)	Maximum Load Capacity (kN)
50x50x3mm	5.45	6.94	38.2	15.3	180
100x100x5mm	18.5	23.6	359	71.8	612
150x150x8mm	44.4	56.6	1,350	180	1,470

Rectangular Hollow Sections (RHS)

50x25mm for light structures excels in decorative applications and secondary framing. The rectangular profile provides directional strength advantages over square sections when bending occurs primarily in one direction. These sections commonly appear in residential balustrades, light trusses, and architectural features.

100x50mm for medium loads bridges the gap between light and heavy structural applications. The increased depth provides superior bending resistance while maintaining material efficiency. We’ve successfully employed these sections in mezzanine floors, equipment supports, and intermediate building frames.

Structural efficiency benefits of RHS become evident in specialized applications:

• Reduced deflection in beam applications compared to equivalent SHS
• Material optimization through directional strength
• Architectural flexibility for rectangular opening requirements
• Connection advantages for welded and bolted assemblies

Circular Hollow Sections (CHS)

25mm x 1.2mm for decorative work serves primarily aesthetic functions. The thin wall thickness limits structural applications but provides excellent surface finish for visible architectural elements. Common uses include handrails, decorative screens, and furniture components.

50mm x 2mm for structural applications offers genuine load-bearing capacity suitable for moderate structural duties. The circular cross-section provides equal strength in all directions, making it ideal for compression members and bracing elements.

Aesthetic and functional advantages of CHS include:

• Uniform strength properties in all directions
• Superior buckling resistance under compression
• Streamlined appearance for architectural applications
• Reduced wind resistance in exposed applications

According to the structural analysis, CHS sections are the best in the applications with changing loading direction. In the design of one of our telecommunications tower projects, we chose primary legs that had 168mm diameter CHS because of its better buckling under wind loading.

Depending on the application, hollow sections have different corrosion resistance treatment. Hot-dip galvanizing offers 25 years service in average environments whereas marine grade finishes offer a service life of 40+ years in coastal areas.

Experience gained in a project shows that selection of material is done keeping in mind initial cost as well as lifecycle performance. Although all hollow sections have the same base price of KSh 310.00 / kilogram of hollow section, finishing costs, complexity of fabrication, and maintenance will have a significant influence on the overall economy of the project.

The fabrication process consumes special equipment and knowledge in the steel. Qualified fabricators can now be found in most regional centers, although there is a wide range of quality. Well-trained welders and heat treatment are also important in pulling up the design performance levels.

Construction budgeting must account for these additional costs:

• Material waste (typically 3-5% for hollow sections)
• Fabrication labor (varies by complexity and regional rates)
• Transportation (generally included in uniform pricing)
• Surface treatment (8-15% of material cost depending on specification)
• Installation (specialized equipment may be required for larger sections)

Quality control procedures during procurement should verify:

• Mill certificates confirming steel grade and properties
• Dimensional accuracy within specified tolerances
• Surface condition and coating integrity
• Proper marking and identification systems

Current market dynamics suggest continued price stability through 2025, barring major disruptions in raw material supply or significant currency fluctuations. The uniform regional pricing structure appears sustainable given improved distribution networks and competitive market conditions.

Cost Optimization Strategies for Construction Projects

Bulk Purchasing Considerations

Bulk purchasing transforms project economics through volume discounts and reduced procurement overhead. During my experience with Structrum Construction Limited, projects exceeding 50 tonnes typically achieve 5-8% price reductions from the standard KSh 310.00 per kilogram rate.

Volume thresholds create distinct pricing tiers:

Purchase Volume (Tonnes)	Discount Rate (%)	Effective Price (KSh/kg)	Savings per Tonne (KSh)
5-19	0	310.00	0
20-49	3	300.70	9,300
50-99	5	294.50	15,500
100+	8	285.20	24,800

Inventory management requires careful balance between savings and carrying costs. Steel storage demands covered facilities with proper ventilation to prevent corrosion. Monthly storage costs average KSh 45-60 per tonne, making 3-4 month maximum storage periods economically viable.

Project clustering allows smaller contractors to achieve bulk pricing through coordinated purchasing. I’ve facilitated group purchases among five contractors, achieving 50-tonne volumes that individually would have been impossible. This collaborative approach reduced individual project costs by KSh 650,000 on average.

Regional Sourcing Benefits

Transportation optimization becomes crucial despite uniform pricing. While the KSh 310.00 rate includes standard delivery, specialized handling or remote locations incur additional charges. Central Kenya offers shortest lead times, typically 2-3 days from order to delivery.

Coast region benefits from port proximity for specialized steel grades. When standard grades prove insufficient, imported sections arrive within 14-21 days compared to 45-60 days for inland regions. This advantage becomes critical for projects with tight schedules.

Western Kenya sourcing now leverages improved road infrastructure. The Nakuru-Mau Summit-Kericho highway upgrade reduced delivery times by 40%, making Western suppliers competitive for Central Kenya projects. Cross-regional sourcing creates price pressure that benefits all consumers.

Project Planning Integration

Steel procurement timing significantly impacts project cash flow. Early ordering during design phases allows bulk discounts and eliminates rush charges. However, order timing must consider storage costs and potential design changes.

Phased delivery schedules optimize both cost and logistics:

• Foundation phase: Heavy sections (150x150mm SHS, 100x50mm RHS)
• Structural frame: Medium sections (100x100mm SHS, 75x50mm RHS)
• Finishing phase: Light sections (50x50mm SHS, 25x25mm SHS)

Quality specifications during planning prevent costly material replacements. Specifying galvanized steel initially costs 25-30% more but eliminates future maintenance and replacement costs. Lifecycle analysis consistently favors protective treatments for structures exceeding 15-year design life.

Quality Standards and Specifications

Kenyan Standards (KS) Requirements

KS specifications for steel hollow sections follow international best practices while addressing local conditions. The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) enforces compliance through regular audits and certification programs.

KS ISO 6935-2:2007 governs structural steel requirements including:

• Chemical composition limits for carbon, manganese, phosphorus, and sulfur
• Mechanical properties including yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation
• Dimensional tolerances for external dimensions and wall thickness
• Surface quality standards for both mill finish and coated products

TMT reinforcement bars manufactured locally “conform to various national and international standards such as British Standards: 4449: 2005, ASTM A 615 Grade 40, Grade 60 and Kenyan Standards KS: ISO 6935-2:2007”, indicating the multi-standard compliance approach adopted by Kenyan manufacturers.

Testing requirements mandate:

• Chemical analysis for every 40-tonne production batch
• Tensile testing on representative samples
• Dimensional verification using calibrated measuring equipment
• Surface inspection for defects, coating integrity, and marking compliance

International Compliance

ASTM A500 Grade B specifications govern most imported hollow sections. These standards ensure compatibility with international design codes while meeting local performance requirements. European EN 10219 standards apply to cold-formed sections, though hot-rolled sections dominate the Kenyan market.

British Standards BS EN 10210 remain influential due to historical ties and ongoing professional relationships. Many consulting engineers specify BS standards, requiring suppliers to provide compliance documentation.

Quality certification programs include:

Standard	Application	Local Compliance Rate	Typical Cost Premium
KS ISO 6935-2:2007	All structural steel	95%	0%
ASTM A500 Grade B	Imported sections	85%	3-5%
BS EN 10210	Consultant preference	70%	2-4%
EN 10219	Cold-formed sections	40%	5-8%

Quality Assurance in Material Selection

Mill certificates provide essential quality documentation. Every steel shipment should include certificates showing chemical composition, mechanical properties, and dimensional compliance. Steel products require testing to “inspire confidence from users”, making certificate verification crucial.

Visual inspection protocols identify surface defects, dimensional variations, and coating problems before installation. Training fabrication teams in quality recognition prevents downstream problems and costly corrections.

Third-party testing becomes necessary for critical applications. Independent laboratories in Nairobi offer comprehensive steel testing services, including chemical analysis, mechanical testing, and non-destructive examination. Testing costs typically represent 0.5-1.0% of material value but provide essential quality assurance.

Market Trends and Future Projections

Steel Industry Growth in Kenya

According to Research and Markets, Kenya’s construction market is expected to grow by 2.9%in 2025, driving substantial demand for structural steel products. This growth trajectory creates sustained demand pressure on hollow section supplies.

Major suppliers like Tononoka Group have “expanded regional presence by opening a Rolling Mill facility in Kigali”, indicating confidence in East African market growth. Regional expansion improves supply security while potentially reducing transportation costs.

Local manufacturing capacity continues expanding through technology upgrades and capacity additions. Tononoka Rolling Mills Limited converts waste metal scrap into valuable, reusable construction materials, supporting circular economy principles while meeting local demand.

Production statistics show encouraging trends:

• Local production increased 15% annually over the past three years
• Import dependency reduced from 45% to 32% since 2020
• Quality compliance improved through automated production systems
• Regional exports grew 22% as Kenyan steel gains regional recognition

Infrastructure Development Impact

Government infrastructure programs significantly influence steel demand patterns. The ongoing highway upgrades, rail developments, and urban infrastructure projects create substantial hollow section demand. These projects prefer local suppliers, supporting price stability.

Private sector developments in Nairobi, Mombasa, and regional centers drive continuous demand growth. Commercial real estate expansion, industrial facility construction, and residential projects maintain steady consumption of all hollow section types.

According to report by GLOBE NEWSWIRE, it indicates that the Rectangular Hollow Section Steel Market, is projected to rise from USD 15.25 billion in 2024 to USD 27.5 billion by 2033 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.2%, with Kenya participating in this growth trajectory.

Price Forecast Analysis

Short-term projections (2025-2026) suggest continued price stability around KSh 310.00 per kilogram. Several factors support this stability:

• Raw material costs remain relatively stable
• Energy prices for steel production show moderate volatility
• Transportation infrastructure improvements reduce logistics costs
• Competition among suppliers prevents monopolistic pricing

Medium-term outlook (2027-2029) indicates potential price increases of 3-5% annually, driven by:

• Growing demand from infrastructure development
• Labor cost increases in manufacturing and logistics
• Environmental compliance costs for cleaner production
• Currency fluctuations affecting imported raw materials

Long-term considerations (2030+) include structural changes:

• Carbon pricing may increase production costs
• Recycling technologies could reduce raw material costs
• Regional integration may create larger, more efficient markets
• Alternative materials might capture some market share

Supplier Network and Procurement

Major Steel Suppliers in Kenya

ACE Steel Engineering Limited specializes in the design, fabrication, and erection of structural steelworks, offering innovative solutions that adhere to national and international quality standards, representing the integrated approach adopted by leading suppliers.

Primary suppliers include established manufacturers with nationwide distribution:

Supplier	Location	Specialization	Market Share	Quality Rating
Tononoka Group	Nairobi/Embakasi	Full range hollow sections	25%	Excellent
Apex Steel	Nairobi	Heavy structural sections	18%	Very Good
EYBY Limited	Mombasa	Import/distribution	15%	Good
Steel Structures Ltd	Nairobi	Fabricated solutions	12%	Excellent
Regional Suppliers	Various	Specialized products	30%	Variable

Steel Structures Ltd has demonstrated expertise in the field of their specialization, adherence to the set quality standards, professionalism in execution and the responsible work culture over multiple years of operation, establishing reputation through consistent performance.

Supplier evaluation considers multiple factors:

• Quality consistency through regular testing and inspection
• Delivery reliability measured through on-time performance
• Technical support including engineering assistance and problem-solving
• Financial stability ensuring consistent supply capability
• Regional coverage for nationwide project support

Regional Distribution Networks

Central Kenya enjoys the densest supplier network with multiple competing sources. This competition maintains price discipline while ensuring supply security. Major suppliers maintain substantial inventory in this region.

Coast region benefits from Mombasa port proximity for imported products and raw materials. Regional distributors have invested in storage facilities and processing equipment, reducing dependence on Nairobi-based suppliers.

Western Kenya distribution networks have strengthened significantly following infrastructure improvements. Regional dealers now maintain 2-3 week inventory levels, eliminating previous supply constraints and reducing emergency procurement costs.

Eastern and Northern Kenya remain challenging markets due to distance and lower demand density. However, improved road infrastructure and growing construction activity justify increased supplier investment in these regions.

Supply Chain Considerations

Inventory management balances carrying costs against stockout risks. Most suppliers maintain 4-6 weeks of inventory for standard sizes while keeping 8-12 weeks for specialized sections. This approach ensures availability while minimizing financial exposure.

Transportation logistics leverage Kenya’s improved road network. Standard delivery schedules provide 2-3 day service within 300km of major supplier locations. Specialized transport equipment handles long sections and heavy loads safely.

Quality control throughout the supply chain prevents defective material reaching construction sites. Leading suppliers implement quality systems from raw material receipt through final delivery, including:

• Incoming inspection of raw materials and imported products
• Process control during manufacturing and handling
• Final inspection before shipment to construction sites
• Customer feedback systems for continuous improvement

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)