If you are ever planning on building your own home then you will definitely be budgeting for stones, building stones to be precise. Stones form the outer shell of your structure and produce a quality and strong finish which is hard to achieve with other materials like wood. Not mentioning that it is also very affordable and easier to handle.
Why choose the right building stones?
So why should you worry about choosing the right type of building stones? For starters, stones impact the finish of your house making it look either like an inviting home or a “just-fine” shelter. And I doubt you want the latter.
Choosing the right stone could also have an impact on the structural integrity of your house. As a Civil engineer I know that stones are not structural elements, but they do bear some weights. And if you happen to select the wrong type of stone, for example weak foundation stones, you might end up with cracks on your building. Such defects are not good for the eyes and might scare of tenants and we don’t want that.
Types of Building Stones in Kenya
1. Ndarugo Stones
They are one of the most common building stones in the country. And that is because they are well priced and often available. You will hear most people refer to them as Juja stones or machine cut stones.
The beauty of this type of stone lies in its symmetrical shape that makes it easy to work with. Moreover, it is durable and very strong which will make your structure last for long.
A ndarugo stone typically measures either 9 by 9 inches or 6 by 9 inches in dimension. This is why you will hear the fundis call it either “mawe ya nine” or “mawe ya six” respectively.
The 9 inch stones are normally used for your exterior walling while the 6 inch stones are for internal walls in the house
Cost of Ndarugo Stones
| TYPE | DIMENSIONS | PRICE |
| Ndarugo (9-inch) | 9-inches/ 228mm | 27 – 35 bob |
| Ndarugo (6-inch) | 6-inches/152mm | 25 – 30 bob |
2. Limestone
Limestone is a soft aesthetic rock that used in construction. Its ease of cutting and the neutral colors have made it a great option for wall cladding and decorative finishings. In Kenya, we have an abundant supply of limestone deposits. Especially in the coastal areas like Mombasa and other inland areas like Athi River.
While limestone is mainly quarried for cement production, the cut blocks are available for direct building use. The cost of limestone in Kenya ranges between Ksh. 25,000 – Ksh. 30,000 per truck but costs can vary when you factor in transportation and the proximity to quarries.
3. Marble Stones
Marble is a polished looking stone that comes with natural veining. Veins are the lines in the stone which give it a unique appearance. Owing to this factor of aesthetics, it has become a useful choice for luxurious interiors. Whether you are talking of bathrooms, kitchens or lobbies, using marble adds a touch of premium.
Marble is also used for flooring, countertops and wall cladding. While more expensive than the other stones, it is quite durable and has a timeless aesthetic to it. One piece of advice though is that when going for marble, avoid the busy looking slabs. By busy I mean those with fancy, intricate and varied veins, these types of slabs don’t age well if you are going for the timeless look.
The price of marble can range from Ksh. 1,000 – Ksh. 4,500 per square meter for the tiles and over Ksh. 6,500 for a complete slab. However, it is important to note that prices can vary significantly depending on the specific type and quality of the marble.
4. Mazeras
Mazeras are also found in the Coastal region of Kenya and are commonly used in Swahili architecture. Overtime, the texture and natural shades of color has made so many people adopt it as an exterior cladding.
It is also used for pathways, wall cladding, swimming pool decks and even garden pavements. Mazera stones have a rustic beauty that make them a popular choice for modern and traditional designs.
5. Firebrick
Firebricks are mainly used as accents or in parts of the house where very high temperatures are used, such as chimneys. Their insulation properties, rustic warm look make them quite attractive for such uses. While they are not used as regular building stones due to their somewhat high cost. If you need to use them in your kiln or fireplace, then they make a worthy investment choice.
6. Bush Hammered Stone
Bush hammered stones are a type of stone whose surface has been mechanically worked on with bush hammer tools. The result is a texture of rough finish which is both decorative and practical. The roughness provides a slip resistance surface suitable for pool decks and driveways. And the textured look gives an aesthetic and rugged appearance that is popular with modern landscaping.
7. Foundation Stones
Unknown to many people who are not in construction is that we also have foundation stones. In Kenya majority of builders tend to use hard stones like black stone for foundations. The fact that they are dense makes them durable enough to withstand heavy loads.
Foundation stones prevent cracking and uneven settlement in a building. This is why engineers recommend using the best quality of stones available. They are often sold in price per foot and they current price per foot is around Ksh 28 – Ksh. 35 per foot.
Factors influencing building stone prices in Kenya
i. Location
The price of building stones in the country varies depending on your location. For example, stones are cheaper in areas that are near the quarries than in areas that are far away. This is because the distributors need to factor transportation in their final cost.
ii. Quality
Another factor that affects the price of stones is the quality. It goes without saying that you will pay more for high quality stones than those of poor quality due to their value. So if you want the best quality of stones like marble, be prepared to pay a premium.
iii. Use of the stone
The purpose of the stone is also a great determinant of the cost. If you are buying stones that are rare for cladding your home, then be ready to part with a high price point as opposed to sourcing regular stones.
Comparative analysis of different stone types
| STONE | USE | PRICE |
| Ndarugo stone / Machine Cut | Exterior walling (9-inch), internal partitions (6-inch), general wall construction | 9-inch: Ksh 27 – 35 per piece6-inch: Ksh 25 – 30 per piece |
| Limestone | Wall cladding, decorative finishes, cement production (main quarry use) | Ksh 25,000 – 30,000 per truck (varies with transport and quarry location) |
| Marble Stones | Flooring, countertops, wall cladding, luxury interiors | Ksh 1,000 – 4,500 per m² (tiles)> Ksh 6,500 per slab (depending on type/quality) |
| Mazeras | Pathways, wall cladding, swimming pool decks, garden pavements, traditional/modern design | Varies widely; generally Ksh 1,800 – 3,500 per m² depending on cut, thickness & finish |
| Firebrick | Chimneys, fireplaces, kilns, ovens; areas exposed to high heat | Ksh 200 – 350 per piece (depending on size and supplier) |
| Bush Hammered Stone | Pool decks, driveways, landscaping, exterior finishes requiring slip resistance | Around Ksh 3,000 – 5,500 per m² depending on stone type and finish |
| Foundation Stones | Base foundation for buildings; load-bearing, prevents cracking and settlement | Ksh 28 – 35 per foot (sold per running foot) |
Frequently Asked Questions
a. How much is 9 by 9 stone in Kenya?
A 9 by 9 stone in Kenya costs between Ksh 27 – 35 per piece.
b. What size are building stones in Kenya?
The common building stone sizes in Kenya are 9×9 inches (228mm) and 6×9 inches (152mm).
c. How much is a lorry of building stones?
A lorry of building stones in Kenya costs about Ksh 20,000 – 30,000 depending on size and distance.
d. How much is Ndarugo stones in Kenya?
Ndarugo stones cost around Ksh 25 – 35 per piece depending on size (6-inch or 9-inch).
e. What is the most expensive stone in Kenya?
The most expensive stone in Kenya is marble, priced from Ksh 1,000 per m² up to over Ksh 6,500 per slab.
f. What are the beautiful stones in Kenya?
The beautiful stones in Kenya include marble, mazeras, and bush hammered stone for their aesthetics.
g. What valuable stones are in Kenya?
Valuable stones found in Kenya include tsavorite, ruby, sapphire, tourmaline, and other gemstones.
h. What is the cost of a Lorry of Building Stones in Kenya?
The cost of a lorry of building stones varies depending on where you live but prices range between 15,000 – 24,000 for one lorry. This will also depend on the price per piece of the stones.
