In Kenya, affordable housing is becoming more crucial as urbanization increases and more people seek cost-effective homes. With the right approach to design and material selection, it’s possible to build homes that are both affordable and durable. This blog will explore different affordable house designs—mambas, containers, blocks, clay, and mud houses—while breaking down the total costs incurred during construction. We’ll also cover popular interior finishing options such as manati plaster, gypsum, and white cardboards for those looking to enhance the look of their affordable homes.
1. Mambas (Polythene Material Houses)
Mambas, made from polythene sheets, are a popular and low-cost solution in Kenya, especially in rural or informal settlements. The material is durable, lightweight, and relatively easy to install. Mambas are ideal for temporary housing or those who need a quick and budget-friendly home.
- Material Costs:
- Polythene Sheets (Mambas): Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 2,500 per square meter.
- Support Structure (Timber or Steel): Ksh 500 – Ksh 1,000 per meter.
- Other Costs:
- Labor: Ksh 50,000 – Ksh 100,000 depending on size and location.
- Plumbing & Electrical Work: Ksh 50,000 – Ksh 100,000.
- Interior Finishing (Gypsum or White Cardboard): Ksh 500 – Ksh 1,500 per square meter.
Total Estimated Cost: Ksh 400,000 – Ksh 800,000, depending on the size and finishes.
2. Container Homes
Container homes are becoming increasingly popular in Kenya due to their affordability, durability, and eco-friendly nature. A 40-foot container provides enough space for a small home or can be combined with other containers for larger designs. Container homes are also mobile, making them a flexible option.
- Material Costs:
- 40-Foot Shipping Container: Ksh 200,000 – Ksh 350,000.
- Modifications (Doors, Windows, Insulation): Ksh 50,000 – Ksh 150,000.
- Roofing (Optional, Iron Sheets or Tiles): Ksh 50,000 – Ksh 200,000.
- Other Costs:
- Labor for Assembly & Modifications: Ksh 100,000 – Ksh 200,000.
- Plumbing & Electrical Installations: Ksh 100,000 – Ksh 150,000.
- Interior Finishing (Gypsum, Paint, or White Cardboard): Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 2,000 per square meter.
Total Estimated Cost: Ksh 600,000 – Ksh 1.5 million, depending on customization and finishes.
3. Block Houses
Block houses are one of the most common types of affordable housing in Kenya. Blocks are durable, readily available, and relatively inexpensive. Block houses can also be built quickly and are well-suited for a variety of climates.
- Material Costs:
- Concrete Blocks: Ksh 50 – Ksh 80 per block.
- Cement and Mortar: Ksh 300 – Ksh 500 per square meter.
- Roofing (Iron Sheets or Tiles): Ksh 150,000 – Ksh 400,000.
- Other Costs:
- Labor for Construction: Ksh 200,000 – Ksh 500,000 depending on the size of the house.
- Plumbing & Electrical Installations: Ksh 100,000 – Ksh 200,000.
- Interior Finishing (Gypsum, White Cardboard, or Paint): Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 2,000 per square meter.
Total Estimated Cost: Ksh 1 million – Ksh 2.5 million, depending on the house size, block quality, and finishes.
4. Clay Houses
These Clay houses are another affordable and traditional design, especially popular in rural Kenya. Clay bricks are inexpensive, offer good insulation, and can last for decades if properly maintained. Clay houses are often plastered with manati (a mixture of sand and cement) for additional durability and a modern look.
- Material Costs:
- Clay Bricks: Ksh 10 – Ksh 30 per brick.
- Manati Plaster (Sand and Cement): Ksh 300 – Ksh 700 per square meter.
- Roofing (Iron Sheets or Tiles): Ksh 150,000 – Ksh 300,000.
- Other Costs:
- Labor for Construction: Ksh 150,000 – Ksh 350,000 depending on house size.
- Plumbing & Electrical Installations: Ksh 100,000 – Ksh 150,000.
- Interior Finishing (Gypsum, Paint, White Cardboards): Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 2,000 per square meter.
Total Estimated Cost: Ksh 800,000 – Ksh 1.8 million, depending on the size and quality of finishing.
5. Mud Houses with Manati Plaster (Manati Houses)
Mud houses have been used in Kenya for centuries due to the availability of mud and its insulation properties. Although considered temporary or rural housing, mud houses can be upgraded with manati plaster to make them more durable and visually appealing. Manati houses are affordable and can be finished with modern interior décor such as gypsum or white cardboards.
- Material Costs:
- Mud (Readily Available): Minimal cost.
- Manati Plaster (Sand and Cement): Ksh 300 – Ksh 700 per square meter.
- Roofing (Iron Sheets or Grass Thatched): Ksh 80,000 – Ksh 200,000.
- Other Costs:
- Labor for Construction & Plastering: Ksh 100,000 – Ksh 200,000.
- Plumbing & Electrical Installations: Ksh 80,000 – Ksh 150,000.
- Interior Finishing (Gypsum, Paint, or White Cardboards): Ksh 500 – Ksh 1,500 per square meter.
Total Estimated Cost: Ksh 400,000 – Ksh 1.2 million, depending on the quality of finishing and house size.
6. Cost of Interior Finishes: Manati Plaster, Gypsum, and White Cardboards
Finishing the interior of a house can transform an affordable home into a stylish and modern living space. Some of the most common and cost-effective finishes include:
Manati Plaster:
Manati (a mixture of sand and cement) is used to plaster both mud and clay houses, providing a smooth, durable surface that can be painted or left as is.
- Cost: Ksh 300 – Ksh 700 per square meter.
Gypsum Board:
Gypsum is a popular material for ceilings and walls, adding a polished look to the interior of any home. Gypsum also has good insulation properties, making it ideal for both block and container homes.
- Cost: Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 1,500 per square meter.
White Cardboards:
White cardboards are a cheaper alternative to gypsum for interior finishing. They are easy to install, lightweight, and can be painted to match any decor.
- Cost: Ksh 500 – Ksh 1,000 per square meter.
Conclusion
Affordable house designs in Kenya are achievable with the right materials and planning. Whether you opt for mambas, containers, block houses, clay, or mud houses with manati plaster, you can build a durable and functional home without exceeding your budget. The costs vary depending on the materials used, but with innovative designs and proper interior finishes like gypsum or white cardboards, even the simplest homes can be transformed into stylish living spaces. Building affordable homes in Kenya requires careful budgeting, but with these designs, owning a home is more attainable than ever.