Container homes, offices & shops: your questions answered
Straight answers on 2026 prices, payment, build time, permits and delivery. Still not sure? Call or WhatsApp 0768 050 427 and we'll talk it through.
How much does a container home cost in Kenya?
Our container homes start from KES 650,000. A compact studio sits at the entry price; a larger 40ft one-bedroom or a multi-container home costs more, and is quoted to your exact layout and finish. The price covers insulation, wiring, plumbing and interior finishing, not just a bare container.
How much does a container shop or stall cost in Kenya?
Container shops and stalls start from KES 580,000. A single 40ft container is typically split into around five roller-shutter stalls, so the price per stall drops when you fit out a full row. Final cost depends on the number of shutters, the fit-out and your branding.
How much does a container office cost in Kenya?
Container offices and workspaces start from KES 350,000 for a finished, insulated and wired single unit. Larger, stacked or studio workspaces are quoted after a quick consultation.
How does payment work?
We use a milestone payment model. You start with a 25% deposit, then pay in stages as each build milestone is completed, so you only ever pay for work that is already done. It is the safest way to buy a build in Kenya.
How long does a container build take?
Most builds are delivered in weeks, not months, far faster than traditional construction. The exact timeline depends on the size and finish, and we confirm it with you before any work starts.
Do you build and deliver outside Nairobi?
Yes. Every structure is fabricated in our Nairobi yard, then transported and installed anywhere in Kenya and beyond. Delivery is quoted upfront based on distance, with no surprises.
Do I need approval or permits for a container home in Kenya?
In most cases yes, container homes are treated as permanent structures and need county approval, the same as a conventional build. We cover exactly how it works in our guide to container home approvals and permits in Kenya.
Do container homes get hot in the Kenyan sun?
Not when they are insulated properly. Every home is lined with thermal insulation and finished internally, so the steel shell never touches your living space. See our full explainer on whether container homes get hot.
How long will a container home last?
A well-built, maintained container home comfortably lasts decades. We treat every shell against rust and finish it to protect the steel. Read more on how long container homes last.
Can the home be moved later?
Yes. Because it is modular steel, a Swift Build home can be lifted and relocated to a new site if your plans change, something a traditional build can never do.
How much does a container office cost in Kenya?
A finished, insulated and wired 20ft single office starts from KES 350,000. Larger 40ft studios, partitioned suites and stacked or joined workspaces are quoted after a quick consultation, based on your layout and finishes.
What is the difference between a 20ft and a 40ft container office?
A 20ft office gives about 14 m², ideal for 2–3 people or a site base. A 40ft office gives about 28 m², enough for 6–8 staff, an open studio or a partitioned suite with a meeting room and kitchenette. We help you pick the size that fits your team and budget.
Do you build construction site offices?
Yes. Site offices are one of our most common jobs, often a 20ft office with a lockable store. They are secure, quick to deliver and can be relocated to your next site when the project ends.
Can I get a container office in Nairobi and delivered upcountry?
Yes. Every workspace is fabricated in our Nairobi yard and delivered and installed anywhere in Kenya. We quote delivery upfront based on the distance to your site.
Can the office have air conditioning, data points and security?
Yes. Every workspace is wired for power, lighting and data, we provision for air conditioning on request, and we fit lockable, alarm-ready doors and windows as standard. You tell us how you will use it and we spec it accordingly.
Can the office be relocated later?
Yes. It is fabricated as a modular steel unit, so it can be lifted and moved to a new site whenever your business does, unlike a conventional building.
How much does a container shop or stall cost in Kenya?
Container shops and stalls start from KES 580,000. A single 40ft container is usually split into around five roller-shutter stalls, so the cost per stall drops sharply when you fit out a full row. A small 20ft kiosk costs less. The final price depends on the number of shutters, the fit-out and your branding.
How many stalls fit on a 40ft container?
A 40ft container is typically split into around five roller-shutter units, giving you five rentable or tradeable stalls from a single delivery. Exact numbers depend on shutter width and your layout.
Can one container be divided into 2, 3 or 4 stalls?
Yes. A 20ft container is commonly split into 2–3 stalls and a 40ft into 4–6. We add solid partitions and a separate lockable roller shutter for each unit, so every stall trades and locks up independently.
Is a container shop good for an M-Pesa or mobile-money kiosk?
Very. The steel shell and heavy roller shutter make it far more secure than a timber kiosk, which matters when you hold cash and stock. We can add a serving window, counter and grille for safe over-the-counter service.
Can you build a food or drinks kiosk with water and ventilation?
Yes. For food and drink units we fit a serving hatch, provision for water and a sink, and add ventilation, so the unit is ready for a food business. Tell us your menu and equipment and we spec it accordingly.
Can it be a salon, barber or service shop?
Yes. We fit out salons, barbers and other service shops with the power points, lighting, mirrors provision, water and finishes the trade needs, all in a secure, brandable unit.
Can I move my stall to a new site?
Yes. The whole unit can be lifted and relocated, so you are never tied to one plot the way a permanent shopfront ties you down.
How much is a 20ft dry shipping container in Kenya?
A 20ft dry shipping container is KES 200,000. Contact us to confirm current availability and get a delivery quote for your site.
How much is a 40ft dry shipping container in Kenya?
A 40ft dry shipping container is KES 330,000. We can help you confirm the unit condition and arrange delivery to your location.
Can I inspect the container before buying?
Yes. Ask our team to arrange an inspection of the available container before you confirm your order.
Can Swift Build convert the container later?
Yes. If you want to turn the shell into a home, office, shop or another custom structure, we can quote the conversion separately around your layout and finishes.
What are the dimensions of 20ft and 40ft shipping containers?
A standard 20ft container is about 6.06 m long and holds roughly 33 m³. A standard 40ft container is about 12.19 m long and holds roughly 67 m³. Exact internal dimensions, payload and door opening can vary slightly by manufacturer and container type, so we confirm the specification of the available unit before purchase.
What is the difference between a standard and high-cube container?
A high-cube container is about 30 cm taller than a standard container. That extra headroom is useful for conversions, racking and bulky cargo. Ask us which types are currently available before choosing your unit.
What condition are the containers — new, one-trip or used?
We supply new, one-trip and used grades. New and one-trip units look near-perfect and cost more; used units are wind- and water-tight, cost less and suit storage or conversion projects. We confirm the grade and condition of the available unit before you buy.
What is the CSC plate and does it matter?
The CSC (Container Safety Convention) plate certifies that the container is structurally sound for handling and stacking. We check it and the overall condition before sale, so you can be confident the shell is solid for storage or conversion.
Do you deliver shipping containers across Kenya?
Yes. We arrange delivery from Nairobi to your site and quote it upfront based on distance and access. Tell us your location and we confirm the delivery cost and any crane or offloading needs.
Where are container ablution blocks used?
Construction sites, schools, markets, bus stages, churches, camps and event grounds, anywhere you need proper toilets and showers quickly and can move them later.
How many toilets fit in one container?
The practical capacity depends on container size, cubicle dimensions, accessibility requirements, basins and whether showers are included. We design the layout around your expected headcount and confirm the final fixture count before quoting.
Can it connect to a septic tank or sewer?
Yes. We plumb the block to connect to a sewer line, a septic tank or a holding tank, whichever suits your site, and prepare the water supply side too.
Is it tough enough for a construction site?
Very. The steel shell and heavy-use fittings are built for busy public and site conditions, and the whole unit can be lifted and relocated as the site moves.
How many pupils fit in a container classroom?
Capacity depends on pupil age, desk layout, circulation space and any local requirements. We plan each classroom around your target class size and confirm a practical seating layout before quoting.
Won't a metal classroom be too hot?
Not when it is insulated, which is standard for our classrooms. The insulated walls and ceiling keep the steel's heat out, and cross-ventilation keeps it comfortable through the school day.
Can you deliver to schools upcountry?
Yes. Units are fabricated in our Nairobi yard and delivered and installed anywhere in Kenya. Delivery distance is quoted upfront.
Can we add more classrooms later?
Yes. Units can be added, joined or stacked as enrolment grows, so a school can expand in stages rather than all at once.
How much does container cladding cost in Kenya?
Cladding is quoted by the surface area, material, subframe, openings, trims, access and finish required. Send us container dimensions, site location and photos and we will prepare a project-specific quote instead of giving a misleading one-price-fits-all figure.
Does exterior cladding stop a container from getting hot?
A ventilated cladding layer can shade the steel and reduce direct solar gain, especially on the most exposed walls. It does not replace proper wall and ceiling insulation, ventilation and suitable glazing inside the conversion.
Which cladding material needs the least maintenance?
Fibre-cement and coated metal generally need less routine maintenance than natural timber. Timber gives a warmer finish but must be correctly treated and recoated at intervals that suit its exposure.
Can you clad an existing shipping container?
Yes, subject to inspection. We first check the shell, corrosion, roof, openings and base condition, then specify any repairs and the appropriate support system before cladding starts.
Should I clad the whole container or only the front?
Both are possible. Full cladding gives the most complete visual transformation, while a feature facade can focus budget on the elevations customers or neighbours see. The right choice depends on exposure, use and the look you want.
Can a clad container still be moved?
Usually yes, but lifting points and transport clearances must remain accessible and the cladding system must be detailed for movement. Tell us if relocation is expected so it is designed in from the start.
Didn't find your answer?
Send us your question and we'll reply within 4 hours on business days, with a free quote if you want one.