Current prices · Nairobi
Per 50kg bag · incl. VAT
| Brand | Product | Grade | Retail | Bulk (100+) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bamburi | FundiPlaster, light masonry | 22.5 | KES 785 | KES 715 | +KES 5 |
| NguvuStructural, most common | 32.5R | KES 865 | KES 785 | +KES 10 | |
| TemboGeneral purpose | 32.5 | KES 810 | KES 735 | +KES 10 | |
| Simba | Simba 32.5RStructural, general use | 32.5R | KES 745 | KES 635 | +KES 10 |
| Simba PowerHigh-strength structural | 42.5N | KES 1,210 | KES 1,085 | +KES 10 | |
| Rhino | RhinoStructural | 32.5R | KES 760 | KES 685 | +KES 10 |
| Savannah | Savannah 32.5General purpose | 32.5 | KES 785 | KES 705 | +KES 5 |
| Savannah 42.5Structural | 42.5 | KES 1,055 | KES 945 | +KES 5 | |
| Mombasa | NyumbaGeneral purpose | 32.5 | KES 760 | KES 685 | +KES 10 |
| Mombasa 42.5Marine, coastal, structural | 42.5N | KES 1,055 | KES 945 | +KES 5 |
Regional variation
vs Simba 32.5R in Nairobi · KES 745
Mombasa
KES 860
+KES 115 · Competitive cap from Bamburi limits Simba pricing
Kisumu
KES 810
+KES 65 · Higher transport from central plants
Nakuru
KES 785
+KES 40
Eldoret
KES 800
+KES 55
Nyeri
KES 780
+KES 35
Garissa
KES 960
+KES 215 · Remote - limited competition, high transport
12-month price trend
Simba 32.5R, Nairobi retail · KES per 50kg bag
What's driving this fortnight's movement
Prices are up slightly this month due to higher fuel costs, with some of the increase softened by a mid-April VAT cut on petroleum products. Expect minor variation across retailers over the next few weeks as pricing catches up with transport costs.
Choosing the right grade
Grade matters more than brand. For most residential work, 32.5 or 32.5R handles everything. Only move to 42.5 when your structural engineer specifies it.
Non-structural only - plastering, rendering, light masonry
Bamburi Fundi
Slabs, columns, blockwork, foundations - the workhorse grade
Nguvu, Tembo, Simba 32.5R, Rhino, Savannah 32.5, Nyumba
R = rapid early strength, useful for faster formwork turnaround
Precast, marine, heavy structural - engineer-specified only
Simba Power, Mombasa 42.5, Savannah 42.5
Premium of KES 100–200 per bag over 32.5
Buying and storage
- Bulk discount kicks in at 100+ bags. Ex-factory pickup saves KES 30–50 per bag over hardware retail.
- Wastage: add 5% for blockwork and concrete, 8–10% for plaster on rough walls.
- Shelf life: 60–90 days. Store dry, on timber pallets, max 8 bags high, away from external walls.
- Reject any bag with lumps, moisture staining, or weight noticeably below 50kg.
FAQ
What is the cheapest cement in Kenya right now?
Simba 32.5R at KES 745 per bag is the most affordable structural 32.5-grade option in Nairobi retail this cycle, followed closely by Rhino and Mombasa Nyumba at KES 760. Bulk-order prices from the manufacturer drop the Simba effective cost to around KES 635 per bag for 100+ bag orders. Cheapest isn't always best value. factor in wastage, strength class suitability, and reliability of local stock before deciding.
Is 32.5 grade cement strong enough for a residential slab?
Yes, for standard single-storey and most two-storey residential slabs at typical spans. 42.5 grade becomes worth considering for longer spans, heavy loading, or where faster strike time matters. Your structural engineer should specify the grade based on the design.
How long does cement last in storage?
60 to 90 days under proper conditions - stacked on timber pallets, away from walls, in a dry enclosed space. Cement that has been exposed to moisture will show lumps and loses strength quickly; reject any bag that isn't uniformly powdery.
Bamburi Nguvu vs Tembo - which should I use?
Nguvu (32.5R, rapid-hardening) is the more common structural choice, good for slabs and columns where you want faster strength gain. Tembo (32.5) is a general-purpose option at a slightly lower price. For standard residential work either performs well; cost-sensitive builds lean Tembo, faster-programme builds lean Nguvu.
Price change log
Fortnightly movement history
Mid-cycle addendum: VAT on petroleum cut to 8%, partially unwinding fuel-driven increases. Prices revised down ~KES 5 per bag; still up versus January, but by a smaller margin.
April update: prices up KES 10–15 following fuel increases. 42.5-grade moved from flat to up; regional spreads widened.