Sand and ballast are essential for every construction project — from foundations to plastering. Prices in Nairobi depend on the type, quality, source, and distance from quarries. This guide covers current prices and helps you estimate how much you need.
Sand Prices in Nairobi
Sand is sold by the tonne or by lorry load. A "7-tonne lorry" is the standard delivery unit for most suppliers.
| Type | Per Tonne (KES) | Per 7T Lorry (KES) |
|---|---|---|
| River sand (coarse) | 1,800 – 2,500 | 12,000 – 17,000 |
| Plaster sand (fine) | 2,000 – 2,800 | 14,000 – 19,000 |
| Quarry dust | 1,500 – 2,000 | 10,000 – 14,000 |
Types of Sand and Their Uses
- River sand (coarse): Used for concrete mixing, block laying, and floor screeding. This is the most commonly used sand in construction. Sourced from rivers like Athi and Tana.
- Plaster sand (fine): Used for plastering walls and ceilings. Finer and smoother than river sand. More expensive because of processing and demand.
- Quarry dust: A cheaper alternative sometimes mixed with river sand. Used for sub-base, backfilling, and some concrete mixes. Not suitable for plastering.
Ballast Prices in Nairobi
Ballast (crushed stone) is used for making concrete. The size matters — different construction phases need different ballast sizes.
| Type | Per Tonne (KES) | Per 7T Lorry (KES) |
|---|---|---|
| Ballast ¾″ (20mm) | 2,200 – 3,000 | 15,000 – 21,000 |
| Ballast ½″ (12mm) | 2,400 – 3,200 | 16,000 – 22,000 |
| Ballast 1″ (25mm) | 2,000 – 2,800 | 14,000 – 19,000 |
Pro tip: ¾″ ballast is the standard size for most residential concrete (foundations, slabs, columns). ½″ ballast is used for finer work like ring beams and lintels.
Hardcore & Murram Prices
| Material | Per Tonne (KES) | Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Hardcore | 1,500 – 2,200 | Foundation filling, floor base |
| Murram | 1,200 – 1,800 | Driveway base, compaction, backfilling |
How Much Sand and Ballast Do You Need?
Rough estimates for a standard 3-bedroom bungalow (~100sqm):
| Material | Quantity (Tonnes) | Approx Cost (KES) |
|---|---|---|
| River sand | 20 – 30 | 40,000 – 75,000 |
| Plaster sand | 8 – 12 | 16,000 – 34,000 |
| Ballast | 15 – 25 | 33,000 – 75,000 |
| Hardcore | 14 – 20 | 21,000 – 44,000 |
| Total estimate | — | 110,000 – 228,000 |
*Your architect's BOQ will give exact quantities for your specific design.
Tips for Buying Sand and Ballast
- Check the lorry size: A "7-tonne" lorry doesn't always carry 7 tonnes. Ask for the actual weight or measure the lorry bed dimensions.
- Inspect quality on delivery: River sand should be clean and free of soil. Ballast should be hard, angular stones — not round or soft.
- Buy from quarries near your site: Transport costs add up fast. Suppliers closer to Nairobi quarries (Mlolongo, Athi River, Juja) tend to have better prices.
- Order in advance: Don't wait until you need it on-site. Delivery delays can stall your whole project and cost you money in idle labour.
- Compare suppliers on JengaHub: Browse verified aggregate suppliers to find the best prices near you.
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