How Much Does a Wooden House Cost in Kenya?

We get asked this every day. And every day we give the same honest answer: there is no single number, because there is no single house. But here is a clear breakdown based on real projects we have completed since 2016.

What Drives the Cost

Before the numbers, understand what actually moves the price:

Size — As the building gets larger, the cost per square metre tends to come down slightly. Foundation work, roofing and connection costs spread across more floor area.

Timber species — Cypress is more affordable than mvule. Mukau is the most expensive but the most durable. Imported timber adds 30 to 50 percent to the material cost.

Location — Nairobi and Naivasha are roughly similar in access. Remote sites like Laikipia, the coast or Marsabit add transport costs that can be significant.

Interior finishes — Wooden floors, plumbing, electrical, kitchen fittings and bathroom tiling. These can add 60 to 80 percent on top of the shell cost.

Cost Guide by Build Type

Build Type	Cost per m² (KES)
Basic cabin or starter structure	18,000 – 25,000
Standard family home	22,000 – 35,000
High-finish residential	35,000 – 55,000+
Garden office or studio	20,000 – 30,000

These are 2025 averages. They include labour, timber and basic materials.

A Real Example

A one-bedroom home with a small kitchen and bathroom — roughly 40 square metres — currently costs:

KES 900,000 to KES 1,400,000 depending on timber quality and finish level.

For comparison, a brick and mortar structure of the same size typically starts at KES 1,500,000 and takes much longer to complete.

Why Timber Makes Financial Sense

First, speed. Most of our projects finish in 4 to 9 weeks. That means you move in sooner and pay less in temporary accommodation during construction.

Second, maintenance costs are low when the building is done right. A coat of exterior treatment every 5 to 7 years and prompt repair of any minor issues will keep a well-built timber structure standing for 40 to 60 years.

Get a Real Quote

If you have land and a concept, we offer a no-cost initial assessment. Tell us the size, location and your budget and we will come back with an honest estimate within two working days.

Call us: +254 789 104 438 or use the contact form on this site.