Container Schools for Sale in Kenya

Do you need more classrooms for your school in Kenya, but building new ones takes too long and costs too much? Container schools offer a smart, quick, and affordable way to create more learning space. These are strong steel shipping containers that are changed (customized) into safe, comfortable, and fully working classrooms and school buildings.

At Frontier Containers EA Limited, we understand how important it is for children to have good places to learn. We specialize in turning standard shipping containers into quality container schools and educational facilities. Whether you need one extra classroom or a whole new block, we can build it for you quickly and within your budget.

Why Choose Container Schools for Your Educational Needs in Kenya?

Does your school need more space for students? Here’s why container schools are a great choice:

Portable: Need to move a classroom? No problem! Container classrooms can be easily lifted by a crane truck and taken to a new site. This is perfect if your school is growing or you need temporary classrooms while building permanent ones.
Easy to Set Up: Unlike building traditional classrooms that take months or years, container schools 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 classroom is delivered to your school, ready for teachers and students to use right away. This causes very little disturbance to your school’s daily activities.
Modular: Your school might grow, and you might need more classrooms later. With containers, you can start with one or two and add more later as your needs or budget grows. This makes planning and spending easier for your school.
Fast Delivery Time: Because most of the work is done before delivery, setting up a container classroom is much faster than building a traditional one. You can have new learning space available in weeks, not months. This means more students can start learning in better conditions much sooner.
Cost Friendly: Building a normal brick classroom is very expensive. Container schools cost a lot less to build and set up, but they are still strong, secure, and can look very nice. This makes them a great way to expand your school without spending too much money.
Secure: Container schools are made from thick, strong steel. This makes them very hard to break into, keeping your students and school property safe.
Durable: These containers are built to last. They can handle hot sun, heavy rain, and strong winds, making them perfect for Kenya’s weather. They will last for many years with minimal maintenance.

What Makes Our Container Schools Special?

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

Insulation & Climate Control: Kenya can get very hot! We can add insulation to keep classrooms cool and comfortable for students. We can also install fans or air conditioning if needed.

Windows & Doors: We cut and install secure doors and windows exactly where you need them for natural light, fresh air, and safe access. We make sure classrooms are bright and well-ventilated.
Interior Finishing: The inside walls can be lined with materials like plasterboard, wood, or MDF to make them look nice and feel more like a traditional classroom, hiding the original grooved steel walls.
Electrical Wiring & Fittings: We install all the electrical wiring you need, including lights, power outlets for computers or projectors, and switches. We make sure it’s done safely and to code.
Flooring Options: You choose how your classroom floor looks and feels. We offer different options like:
- Ceramic Tiles: Easy to clean and looks neat.
- Laminate: Looks like wood, is comfortable and affordable.
- Rubber Tiles: Good for areas where comfort or noise reduction is important, like nurseries or music rooms.
Extra Features: Need more than just a basic classroom? We can add:
- Whiteboards or Smart Boards
- Built-in Storage Cabinets/Shelves
- Teacher’s Desk Area
- Partition Walls: To create separate areas within one container (like a small office for the teacher).
- Painting: We paint the inside and outside in the colors you choose, making the school look bright and welcoming.

Our Container School Design Options

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

1. Single 20ft Container Classroom

Container Base: Standard 20ft Dry Shipping Container (approx. 6m x 2.4m)
Layout: One large open classroom space.
Ideal For: A small classroom for younger students or a specialized room (like a computer lab or small library).
Estimated Fabrication Price: Kshs. 450,000 – 600,000 (Plus the cost of the empty container: Kshs. 160,000 – 250,000)

2. Single 40ft Container Classroom

Container Base: Standard 40ft High Cube Container (approx. 12m x 2.4m x 2.9m)
Layout: One large open classroom space, or partitioned into two smaller rooms.
Ideal For: A standard classroom for older students or a bigger specialized room.
Estimated Fabrication Price: Kshs. 750,000 – 950,000 (Plus the cost of the empty container: Kshs. 350,000 – 420,000)

3. Two 20ft Containers Combined (L-Shaped or Side-by-Side)

Container Base: Two 20ft Containers joined together.
Layout: Creates a larger L-shaped space or two separate classrooms side-by-side connected by a door.
Ideal For: Creating a larger classroom or a classroom plus a small store room/office.
Estimated Fabrication Price: Kshs. 950,000 – 1,200,000 (Plus the cost of two containers: Kshs. 320,000 – 500,000)

4. Two 40ft Containers Combined (Large Classroom or Multi-Room)

Container Base: Two 40ft High Cube Containers joined together.
Layout: Creates a very large, open classroom or can be partitioned into multiple rooms (e.g., one big classroom and one small office, or two standard-sized classrooms).
Ideal For: A large classroom for many students, a school hall, or a multi-purpose space.
Estimated Fabrication Price: Kshs. 1,600,000 – 2,000,000 (Plus the cost of two containers: Kshs. 700,000 – 840,000)

5. Multi-Container Complex (e.g., 3 or 4 Classrooms)

Container Base: Three or more containers (20ft or 40ft) arranged in a block.

Layout: Creates a small school block with multiple classrooms, possibly including an office or a small staff room.
Ideal For: A small private school, expanding an existing school, or a community learning center.
Estimated Fabrication Price (3 Containers): Kshs. 2,400,000 – 3,000,000 (Plus the cost of three containers: Kshs. 480,000 – 1,260,000)

Contact Frontier Containers EA Limited Today!

Need more classrooms for your school in Kenya? Contact Frontier Containers EA Ltd for expert design, quality construction, and fair prices for your container school project.

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
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0726668272/0720099714

info@frontiercontainers.co.ke

1. What is the total cost to build a standard 40ft Container Classroom (approx. 30 students)?

To budget correctly, you must combine the cost of the empty container and the fabrication work.

Empty 40ft High Cube: Kshs 350,000 – 420,000.
Classroom Fabrication: Kshs 750,000 – 950,000.
Total Investment: Between Kshs 1,100,000 and Kshs 1,370,000.
Comparison: This is often comparable to or cheaper than a high-quality stone classroom, but with the massive advantage of being portable and ready in weeks rather than months.

2. How many students can comfortably fit in a 20ft vs. a 40ft container classroom?

Capacity depends on the age of the students and the desk layout.

20ft Classroom: Ideal for 15–20 younger students (ECD/Nursery) or small specialized groups (e.g., a computer lab with 10 workstations).
40ft Classroom: The standard size for primary or high school. It comfortably accommodates 25–30 students with standard desks, plus a teacher's station and whiteboard area.

3. Are container classrooms too hot for children to learn in?

No. This is a critical question, and we solve it with thermal insulation.

The Technology: We install high-quality insulation materials (polystyrene, glass wool, or specialized foam) between the steel shell and the interior wall lining.
The Result: This barrier prevents the sun's heat from entering the room, keeping the classroom cool during the day. We also install large windows for cross-ventilation, ensuring a fresh and conducive learning environment.

4. Do I need approval from the Ministry of Education or County Government?

Yes. Even though they are portable, container schools must meet safety and planning standards.

County Government: You typically need a temporary structure permit or standard building approval from your local county planning office.
NEMA: An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) might be required depending on the scale of your school.
Ministry of Education: The MoE requires classrooms to meet specific size and safety standards (ventilation, light), which our designs are specifically engineered to fulfill.

5. Can I stack containers to create a multi-story school block on a small plot?

Yes, absolutely. This is an excellent solution for urban schools with limited land (e.g., in Nairobi).

Structural Integrity: Shipping containers are designed to be stacked 8-high carrying heavy cargo. A 2 or 3-story school is structurally very safe.
Modification: We reinforce the lower units and fabricate external steel staircases and walkways with safety railings for students to access the upper floors.

6. Is a container school safe from vandalism and theft?

Containers are arguably more secure than traditional stone classrooms with wooden doors.

Steel Shell: The walls are made of heavy-gauge Corten steel, which is extremely difficult to break through.
Window Grilles: We weld robust steel burglar-proofing bars onto all windows.
Doors: We install heavy-duty steel doors with high-security locks, protecting valuable assets like computers, lab equipment, and exam materials.

7. How fast can you deliver a new classroom block?

Speed is our biggest advantage.

Timeline: We can fabricate a single classroom in 2 to 3 weeks. A larger block (e.g., 3-4 classrooms) might take 4-6 weeks.
Installation: Once delivered, the classroom is lifted onto the foundation and is ready for use in 1-2 days. This allows schools to expand capacity during short holidays without disrupting term time.

8. What kind of foundation does a container school require?

You do not need to dig deep trenches or pour expensive concrete slabs.

Recommendation: We recommend using concrete piers (blocks) or columns at the four corners (and mid-points for 40ft units).
Why: This is cheaper and faster. It also raises the classroom off the ground, preventing dampness and allowing air to flow underneath, which helps with cooling.

9. Can you build specialized rooms like Science Labs or Computer Rooms?

Yes. The modular nature of containers is perfect for specialized facilities.

Computer Labs: We install extra electrical trunking and sockets for 20+ computers, plus air conditioning to protect the electronics.
Science Labs: We can install chemical-resistant workbenches, sinks with running water, and secure storage cabinets for chemicals.
Libraries: We fit floor-to-ceiling shelving and reading areas.

10. How long will a container school last?

With proper maintenance, a container school will last 25 years or more.

Maintenance: The Corten steel is rust-resistant. The main maintenance required is repainting the exterior every 5-7 years to keep it looking fresh and to protect any scratches. The structure itself is incredibly durable and weather-resistant.

11. Can I move the classrooms if the school relocates?

Yes. This is a massive financial benefit for schools that lease land.

Asset Protection: If you lease your school grounds and the lease expires, you don't lose your building investment. You simply disconnect the power, lift the classrooms with a crane, and transport them to your new site.

12. Does the fabrication price include furniture (desks/chairs)?

Generally, no. The fabrication price covers the building structure (insulation, flooring, electricals, paint).

Add-Ons: However, we can source and install built-in furniture (like laboratory benches or perimeter shelving) as part of the fabrication contract if requested. Loose furniture like student desks is usually sourced separately by the school.

13. What flooring options are best for a school environment?

We offer options based on durability and noise control:

Ceramic Tiles: Durable and easy to clean (standard choice).
Rubber Tiles/Mats: Highly recommended for Nurseries or ECD classes. They are soft, warm, safe for playing, and significantly reduce the noise of footsteps.
PVC/Vinyl: A budget-friendly, easy-to-clean option.

14. Can you join containers to make a large School Hall or Dining Area?

Yes. We can remove the side walls of two or three 40ft containers and join them together.

Result: This creates a large, open-plan space (e.g., 24ft wide x 40ft long) suitable for a dining hall, assembly room, or staff room.
Reinforcement: We install steel columns and beams where the walls were removed to maintain structural strength.

15. Do you offer financing for schools?

While we do not offer direct loans, container schools are movable assets.

Bank Financing: Many banks in Kenya are willing to finance container structures because they can serve as collateral (unlike a stone building on leased land). We can provide the necessary quotations and contracts to support your application for an asset finance loan or school expansion loan.

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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