Container Homes/Houses for Sale in Kenya

Are you dreaming of owning a home but worried about high construction costs and long waiting times? Container homes in Kenya offer a smart, fast, and affordable way to build your dream house. These homes are made from strong steel shipping containers that are changed (customized) into comfortable, safe, and stylish living spaces.

At Frontier Containers EA Limited, we are experts in building container homes. We understand that building a house can be stressful and expensive. That’s why we specialize in designing and making container homes that fit exactly what you need and your budget. Whether you want a simple one-room home or a bigger house with many bedrooms, we can build it for you.

Why Choose a Container Home in Kenya?

Thinking about building a home? Here’s why a container home could be the perfect choice for you:

Portable: Need to move your home? No problem! Container homes are built to be moved. They can be lifted by a crane truck and taken to a new plot. This is great if you rent land, work in different places, or want a home in upcountry that you can move later.
Easy to Set Up: Unlike normal houses that take months or years to build, container homes are built (fabricated) in our workshop first. This means all the work like painting, wiring, and installing doors/windows is done off-site. Then, the finished home is delivered to your plot, ready for you to move in. This causes very little disturbance to your land and needs almost no digging.
Modular: Your family might grow, and you might need a bigger home later. With containers, you can start with a small home and add more containers later as your needs or money grows. This makes planning and spending easier.
Fast Delivery Time: Because most of the work is done before delivery, setting up a container home is much faster than building a traditional house. You can be living in your new container home in weeks, not months. This means less stress and more time in your new place.
Cost Friendly: Building a normal brick house is very expensive. On average, building a container home costs about 30% less than building a traditional house with the same features. Plus, you save a lot of time, which also saves money. This makes container homes a great way to own a home without spending too much.

Secure: Container homes are made from thick, strong steel. This makes them very hard to break into, keeping your family and your things safe, even in faraway farms or sites.

What Makes Our Container Homes Special?

We don’t just sell empty containers. We turn them into real, comfortable homes. Here’s what we include and can add to make your container home perfect:

Doors & Windows: We cut and install doors and windows exactly where you need them. You can choose different styles and materials like steel, aluminum, or wood.
Insulation: Kenya can get very hot! We can add insulation to keep your home cool and comfortable.
Interior Lining: The inside walls can be lined with materials like wood, MDF, or plasterboard to make it look nice and feel more like a traditional home.

Electrical Wiring & Fittings: We install all the electrical wiring you need, including lights, power outlets, and switches. We make sure it’s done safely and to code.
Flooring Options: You choose how your home’s floor looks and feels. We offer different options like:
- Ceramic Tiles: Easy to clean and looks neat.
- Epoxy Flooring: Strong and smooth, great for a modern look.
- Laminate: Looks like wood, is comfortable and affordable.
- Rubber Tiles: Good for areas where comfort or noise reduction is important.
Extra Features: Need more than just a basic home? We can add:
- Washrooms (Toilets & Sinks)
- Kitchenette (Sink, counter, space for a cooker/fridge)
- Built-in Wardrobes & Storage
- Partition Walls: To create separate bedrooms or living spaces.
- Painting: We paint the inside and outside in the colors you choose.

Our Container Home Design Options

We offer many different designs to suit your family’s size and needs. Here are the most popular options:

1. 20ft Studio (Bedsitter)

Container Base: Standard 20ft Dry Shipping Container (approx. 6m x 2.4m)
Layout: A single, open room that serves as the living room, bedroom, and kitchen area. Usually includes a separate small toilet room.
Ideal For: Single people, students, small families starting out, or a simple weekend home.
Estimated Fabrication Price: Kshs. 650,000 – 750,000 (Plus the cost of the empty container: Kshs. 160,000 – 250,000)

2. 40ft 1-Bedroom Container House

Container Base: Standard 40ft High Cube Container (approx. 12m x 2.4m x 2.9m)
Layout: A separate bedroom and a bigger combined living/kitchen area. Includes a washroom.
Ideal For: Small families or couples wanting more space than a studio.
Estimated Fabrication Price: Kshs. 1,000,000 – 1,450,000 (Plus the cost of the empty container: Kshs. 350,000 – 420,000)

3. 40ft 2-Bedroom Container House

Container Base: Standard 40ft High Cube Container (approx. 12m x 2.4m x 2.9m)
Layout: Two separate bedrooms, a living area, kitchen, and washroom. A smart use of space in one container.
Ideal For: Small families needing two bedrooms in one unit.
Estimated Fabrication Price: Kshs. 1,200,000 – 1,500,000 (Plus the cost of the empty container: Kshs. 350,000 – 420,000)

4. 20ft + 40ft Containers Combined (2 Bedrooms)

Container Base: One 20ft and one 40ft High Cube Container joined together.
Layout: More flexibility in design. For example, one container could be the bedrooms and the other the living/kitchen/washroom.
Ideal For: Families wanting a clear separation of spaces or a more customized layout.
Estimated Fabrication Price: Kshs. 1,600,000 – 2,000,000 (Plus the cost of two containers: Kshs. 510,000 – 670,000)

5. Two or More 40ft Containers Combined (Bigger Houses)

Container Base: Two or more 40ft High Cube Containers joined together.
Layout: Much bigger homes. For example, two 40ft containers can make a spacious 2-bedroom home. Three or more can create 3, 4, or even 5-bedroom homes.
Ideal For: Larger families or those wanting a more spacious home.

Estimated Fabrication Price (Two 40ft combined): Kshs. 2,250,000 – 2,800,000 (Plus the cost of two containers: Kshs. 700,000 – 840,000)
Estimated Fabrication Price (Three 40ft combined): Kshs. 3,500,000 – 4,500,000 (Plus the cost of three containers: Kshs. 1,050,000 – 1,260,000)

6. Stacked Container Homes (Multi-Story)

Container Base: Two containers stacked on top of each other.
Layout: Creates a two-story home. For example, the bottom container could be the living area and kitchen, and the top one the bedrooms.
Ideal For: Small plots where you want to build upwards.

Extra Cost for Stacking: Kshs. 300,000 – 400,000 (for stairs and balcony) (Plus the cost of two containers and their fabrication)

Contact Frontier Containers EA Limited Today!

Ready to build your affordable, quick, and secure container home in Kenya? Contact Frontier Containers EA Ltd for expert design, quality construction, and fair prices.

Email: info@frontiercontainers.co.ke
Eng. Stephen Karume: Mobile: 0720099714 | Email: steve@frontiercontainers.co.ke
Ann Nyakio: Mobile: 0726668272 | Email: ann@frontiercontainers.co.ke
Website: https://frontiercontainerskenya.com
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/@FrontierContainersEA

0726668272/0720099714

info@frontiercontainers.co.ke

1. What is the total estimated cost for a basic 20ft "Bedsitter" Container Home?

To calculate your budget for a 20ft Studio (Bedsitter), you need to combine two costs:

Empty Container: Kshs 160,000 – 250,000.
Fabrication Cost: Kshs 650,000 – 750,000.
Total Estimated Investment: Between Kshs 810,000 and Kshs 1,000,000.
Note: This provides a complete home with a kitchenette, washroom, and finishes. Transport and site foundation are separate costs.

2. Can I build a proper family home with 2 or 3 bedrooms using containers?

Yes, absolutely. We offer several layouts for families:

40ft 2-Bedroom: A single 40ft container can be cleverly partitioned into two compact bedrooms and a central living area (Fabrication: Kshs 1.2M – 1.5M).
Double 40ft (Joined): By joining two 40ft containers side-by-side, we create a spacious 2-3 bedroom home with a large living room (Fabrication: Kshs 2.25M – 2.8M).
Triple 40ft: Three units joined together can create a large 4 or 5-bedroom luxury home.

3. Will a container home be too hot to live in comfortably in Kenya?

No. This is the biggest myth about container homes.

The Solution: We install high-quality thermal insulation (like polystyrene or rock wool) on the walls and ceiling, hidden behind the interior lining.
The Result: This insulation acts like a cooler box, keeping the heat out during the day and retaining warmth at night, making the home comfortable year-round. We also install large windows for cross-ventilation.

4. Are container homes legal in Kenya, and do I need a building permit?

Yes, they are legal.

Classification: In many counties, container homes are classified as "semi-permanent" or "movable" structures, which often simplifies the approval process compared to stone houses.
Permits: You will still typically need local authority approval (County Planning) and potentially NEMA clearance, especially for waste disposal (septic tanks). Always check with your specific County Government before installation.

5. How much cheaper is a container home compared to a traditional stone house?

On average, a fully finished container home costs about 30% less than a traditional brick-and-mortar house of the same size and finish quality.

Why? You save massive amounts on labor (fabrication takes weeks, not months), foundation costs (no deep trenches needed), and material wastage (sand, cement, ballast).

6. What is included in the fabrication price (e.g., Kshs 1M – 1.45M for a 40ft 1-bedroom)?

The fabrication price covers turning the empty shell into a home:

Interior: Insulation, wall lining (MDF/Gypsum), partition walls for bedroom/washroom, and flooring (tiles/laminate).
Utilities: Full electrical wiring, plumbing for kitchen and washroom, and light fittings.
Exterior: Cutting and installing doors/windows, rust treatment, and painting.
Fittings: Basic sanitary ware (toilet/sink) and kitchen cabinets.

7. Can I stack containers to make a two-story house on a small plot?

Yes. This is a great way to maximize space on a small piece of land (e.g., a 40x60 plot).

Structural Strength: Containers are designed to be stacked 8-high on ships carrying tons of cargo, so a two-story home is structurally very safe.
Extra Cost: Stacking adds approximately Kshs 300,000 – 400,000 to the budget to cover the cost of the external staircase, balcony railings, and structural reinforcement.

8. How long does it take to build and install a container home?

Speed is a major advantage.

Fabrication: Building the home in our workshop takes 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the size (e.g., single unit vs. double unit).
Installation: Once delivered, the home is placed on your foundation in one day. Connecting electricity and water takes another 1-2 days. You can move in weeks after ordering, not months or years.

9. What kind of foundation is required?

You do not need an expensive concrete slab.

Recommendation: We recommend using concrete piers (blocks) or columns at the four corners of the container (and mid-points for 40ft units).
Benefit: This is cheaper, faster to build, and raises the container off the ground to prevent dampness and allow airflow underneath.

10. Can I get a mortgage or bank loan to buy a container home?

It depends on the lender.

Movable Asset: Because container homes are technically "movable assets" and not fixed to the land, traditional mortgages (which require a land title deed tie-in) can be tricky.
Asset Finance: However, many banks and Saccos offer Asset Financing or Construction Loans for these structures because they can be used as collateral. We can provide the necessary pro-forma invoices to help your application.

11. How secure are container homes against break-ins?

They are extremely secure.

Steel Walls: The walls are made of corten steel, which is incredibly tough to cut without heavy industrial tools.
Windows/Doors: We install steel security doors and weld robust burglar-proofing bars (grilles) onto all windows. When locked, a container home is often more secure than a stone house with wooden doors.

12. Can I move my container home to a new piece of land later?

Yes. This is a huge benefit for people leasing land or planning to move upcountry later.

Portability: The home retains its structural integrity. You simply disconnect the power and water, lift it with a crane, and truck it to your new plot. You don't lose your investment like you would with a stone house.

13. How long will a container home last?

With proper maintenance, a container home can last 25 years or more.

Rust Prevention: The most important maintenance is painting. We use high-quality marine or industrial paint. You should inspect the exterior every few years and touch up any scratches to prevent rust. If maintained, the Corten steel (which is rust-resistant) will last for decades.

14. Can I customize the interior finishes (e.g., kitchen cabinets and tiles)?

Yes. Our fabrication is fully custom.

Standard vs. Premium: Our estimated prices cover standard finishes. If you want luxury ceramic tiles, granite kitchen countertops, or specific high-end bathroom fittings, we can adjust the quote to include these premium materials.

15. What happens to the waste from the toilet?

Since the container is raised off the ground, plumbing is easy.

Connection: We pipe the waste outlet through the floor or side.
Disposal: You will need to connect this outlet to a septic tank, bio-digester, or sewer line on your property. For remote areas without water, we can discuss composting toilet options, but a standard flush toilet connected to a septic tank is the most common solution.

Frontier Containers has been helping Kenyans solve their storage and shipping challenges. With over 13 years of experience, we’ve grown into a trusted name across the country.

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