Cost of Constructing a 28-Unit Apartment in Nairobi: Full Breakdown (2025 Guide)
Constructing a 28-unit apartment block in Nairobi or any urban area in Kenya is a significant investment that demands careful planning and budgeting. Whether you’re building in areas like Ruai, Embakasi, Kitengela, or Ngong, the cost components remain largely the same. This guide breaks down the full cost of constructing 14 one-bedroom and 14 two-bedroom units — a common configuration for developers targeting middle-income renters in Nairobi’s expanding suburbs.
We’ll cover unit size estimates, construction costs, professional fees, statutory approvals, and other project costs based on current 2025 estimates and market rates.
🧱 1. Unit Size and Built-Up Area Estimate
To start, we define the approximate floor sizes for each unit:
- 1-bedroom units: ~45 m² each
- 2-bedroom units: ~65 m² each
With 14 units of each type, the gross apartment area is:
(14 × 45) + (14 × 65) = 1,540 m²
Accounting for shared spaces such as staircases, corridors, and utility areas (typically 10–15% of total built-up area), we arrive at an estimated total built-up area of approximately 1,750 m².
This assumes a 3–4 floor walk-up apartment block, which is the most practical and economical structure in many urban and peri-urban parts of Nairobi.
💰 2. Estimated Construction Cost (Main Build)
The average construction cost per square meter in 2025 for a standard to mid-range apartment in Nairobi (particularly areas like Ruai, Joska, or Utawala) ranges between KSh 30,000 and KSh 35,000 per m², depending on finish quality and contractor efficiency.
For this estimate, we’ll use a midpoint of KSh 32,500 per m²:
1,750 m² × KSh 32,500 = KSh 56,875,000
This total construction cost includes:
- Substructure and superstructure
- Roofing works
- Walling, plastering, and finishes
- Electrical wiring and fittings
- Plumbing and sanitary fittings
- Windows and doors
- Painting and tiling
- Basic landscaping and external works
Note: This figure excludes land acquisition and borehole or complex wastewater systems. If required, these would be additional cost items.
🧾 3. Professional Fees (Architect, Structural Engineer, MEP, QS)
Professional consultants are essential to the success of any construction project. For apartment developments, the standard combined professional fee in Kenya is 6–8% of the construction cost, covering:
- Architectural design
- Structural engineering
- MEP engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing)
- Quantity surveying and cost control
For a KSh 56.8M project:
- 6–8% of KSh 56,875,000 = KSh 3.4M to KSh 4.55M
We recommend budgeting KSh 4,000,000 for comprehensive professional services.
These professionals ensure the project complies with building codes, is structurally sound, cost-effective, and meets your design expectations.
🏗️ 4. Statutory Approvals and Documentation (Nairobi County)
Before construction begins, developers must obtain various approvals from Nairobi City County and other regulatory bodies. These include:
| Approval Item | Estimated Cost (KSh) |
|---|---|
| National Construction Authority (NCA) Registration | 50,000 – 150,000 |
| National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Approval | 50,000 – 100,000 |
| County Planning & Building Approvals | 100,000 – 300,000 |
| Title Search, Mutation (if needed) | 10,000 – 30,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | KSh 250,000 – 500,000 |
Note: Architectural, structural, and MEP drawings are often included in the professional fees, so no additional cost is required for their preparation unless outsourced separately.
Approval timelines can vary from 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the efficiency of submissions and county processing speed. Partnering with a well-versed design and build firm can speed this up.
🛠️ 5. Other Potential Costs to Consider
While the main construction and professional fees take up the bulk of your budget, a few other cost elements should be included in your planning:
a) Site Preparation
- Clearing vegetation, temporary fencing, leveling.
- Budget: KSh 150,000 – 300,000
b) Temporary Utilities Setup
- On-site water storage (tanks), site office, temporary power.
- Budget: KSh 100,000 – 200,000
c) Contingency
- 5–10% of project cost to cushion against unexpected overruns.
- For this project: KSh 2.5M – 5M
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💼 6. Summary Budget Estimate for 28-Unit Apartment in Nairobi
| Cost Item | Estimated Cost (KSh) |
|---|---|
| Main Construction (1,750 m²) | 56,875,000 |
| Professional Fees | 4,000,000 |
| Statutory Approvals & Documentation | 250,000 – 500,000 |
| Site Prep + Temporary Utilities | 350,000 – 500,000 |
| Contingency (7%) | ~4,000,000 |
| Total Project Estimate | KSh 65M – 68M |
✅ Tips for Success When Building Apartments in Nairobi
- Engage a trusted design and build firm early in your process. It saves time, streamlines approvals, and ensures you get value for money.
- Work with professionals familiar with Nairobi County regulations. This speeds up documentation and approval processes.
- Choose finishes and designs that match your target market. For example, in Ruai or Joska, tenants prefer simple, modern, well-lit units with parking.
- Always include a contingency budget for inflation, labor shortages, or material delays.
Related post: 1 & 2-Bedroom Apartment Designs That Sell Fast in Ruaka
🏢 Why Choose Marble Engineering and Construction Ltd for Your Apartment Project?
If you’re planning to develop apartments in Nairobi or anywhere in Kenya, it’s crucial to partner with a company that not only understands design but also executes quality construction — from approvals to handover. Marble Engineering and Construction Ltd is a leading Design and Build Company in Nairobi, with a solid track record of delivering apartment blocks, maisonettes, and commercial buildings.
Here’s why developers trust Marble Engineering:
- ✅ Over 10 years of experience in the Nairobi and Kisumu construction markets
- ✅ Full in-house team of architects, structural engineers, MEP specialists, and project managers
- ✅ Seamless coordination from design to approvals to construction
- ✅ Transparent pricing and timely delivery
- ✅ Customized solutions tailored to your plot size, budget, and market demands
Whether you’re building in Nairobi, Kisumu, Nakuru, or Machakos, Marble Engineering and Construction Ltd will ensure your investment is handled professionally and profitably.
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📞 Ready to Build?
Contact Marble Engineering and Construction Ltd today via:
- Phone: 0789217685 / 0724481087
- Email: info@marbleengineering.co.ke
- Offices: Nairobi & Kisumu
Let your next apartment project start and finish with excellence.