Quick answer: Delivery day succeeds or fails on your plot. A truck must reach the site, a crane needs room to set up and lift, and the unit needs a firm, level base to land on. Get those ready in advance and placement takes an hour or two; miss them and you pay for a wasted trip. Delivery within Nairobi typically runs KES 15,000 to 60,000, more for distance, difficult access or a second lift.
Your container home is fabricated in our yard while your site is prepared, then delivered on a truck and lifted into position by crane. It is the fastest part of the whole build, if the plot is ready. Here is exactly what "ready" means.
The access checklist
Before we schedule delivery, walk your plot against this list:
- Truck access. A flatbed or low-loader must reach the placement spot, or get close enough for the crane to swing the unit in. Check the width and surface of the approach road and your gate.
- Turning and setup space. The truck needs room to manoeuvre, and the crane needs a stable, open footprint beside the landing spot, clear of soft ground.
- Overhead clearance. No low power lines, tree branches or eaves in the lift path. Overhead cables are the most common day-of surprise.
- Firm ground. Soft or waterlogged ground can bog a truck or destabilise a crane. After heavy rain, access is the first thing to check.
- A prepared base. The foundation, concrete piers or a level strip, must be cured and correct before the unit arrives, so it lands right the first time.
Crane placement, in plain terms
The crane lifts the unit off the truck and swings it onto the base. It needs a clear, firm spot to stand where its reach covers the landing point, and a clear arc overhead. Tight urban plots or sloped sites sometimes need a larger crane or a second lift, which is the main thing that moves the price.
What delivery costs, and what drives it
| Factor | Effect on price |
|---|---|
| Distance from the Nairobi yard | The biggest single driver |
| Crane size needed | Tight or sloped sites need bigger cranes |
| A second lift or long reach | Adds crane time and cost |
| Site access difficulty | Poor roads, narrow gates, soft ground |
As a guide, delivery within Nairobi is typically KES 15,000 to 60,000; distant counties cost more. We quote it upfront after understanding your site, no surprises. It is one line in the full cost from empty shell to move-in.
Who is responsible for what
Being clear on this avoids a stressful delivery day:
- We handle: fabrication, transport arrangement, the crane, and safe placement onto your prepared base.
- You handle: clear and legal access to the plot, the prepared foundation, moving any obstacles (branches, temporary structures), and confirming there are no overhead cables in the lift path.
If anything about access is uncertain, tell us early. A quick site check beforehand is far cheaper than a truck and crane that arrive and cannot work.
Your pre-delivery checklist
- [ ] Foundation built, level and cured
- [ ] Truck can reach the site (road, gate, surface)
- [ ] Clear, firm standing space for the crane
- [ ] No overhead cables or branches in the lift path
- [ ] Ground dry enough to bear the load
- [ ] Someone on site to receive and sign off
FAQ
How long does delivery and placement take?
Usually an hour or two on site once the truck and crane arrive, provided the base and access are ready. The build time happens beforehand in the yard, see how long a container home takes.
Can you deliver to a sloped or tight plot?
Often yes, but it may need a larger crane or a second lift, which affects the price. Tell us about the terrain and access so we quote it correctly.
What if my plot is far from Nairobi?
We deliver across Kenya. Distance is the main cost driver, and we confirm it upfront so there are no surprises on the day.
Planning your site? See container homes in Kenya or send us your plot details and we will tell you exactly what to prepare.