2026 Cost Benchmarks for Road Construction in Kenya
Budgeting for road construction in Kenya requires a rigorous understanding of the Kenya Roads Board Cost Estimation Manual (CEM) and local geological conditions. Whether developing a private gated community, an agricultural access road, or a county arterial corridor, pavement costs are dictated by layer thickness, subgrade soil dynamics, and storm drainage infrastructure.
Executive Summary (2026 Pricing):
- Gravel (Murram) Feeder Road: KSh 5,000,000 – KSh 14,000,000 per KM
- Single-Carriageway Estate Tarmac (Surface Dressing): KSh 26,000,000 – KSh 40,000,000 per KM
- Asphalt Concrete (AC Type 1 Wearing Course): KSh 40,000,000 – KSh 65,000,000 per KM
- Heavy Industrial 2-Lane Arterial (KeNHA Standard): KSh 95,000,000 – KSh 140,000,000 per KM
Itemized Bill of Quantities (BOQ) Breakdown for 1 KM Tarmac
| BOQ Bill Item | Scope of Civil Works | Typical Cost Share |
|---|---|---|
| Bill 01: Site Preliminaries & General | Topographical survey, material lab tests, site clearance, signboards | 5% – 8% |
| Bill 04: Earthworks & Subgrade | Excavation, cut-and-fill, black cotton stripping, 95% MDD compaction | 18% – 25% |
| Bill 08: Drainage & Culverts | 600mm/900mm pipe culverts, IBD channels, concrete headwalls, outfalls | 18% – 28% |
| Bill 12: Sub-Base & Road Base | 150mm G3 natural gravel sub-base + 125mm graded crushed stone (GCS) | 22% – 28% |
| Bill 15: Bituminous Surfacing | Prime coat (MC30), 50mm Asphalt Concrete (AC Type 1) or double seal | 22% – 30% |
| Bill 20: Road Furniture | Thermoplastic road marking, road reserve beacons, regulatory road signs | 3% – 5% |
Use Our Live Cost Estimator Below
Adjust road length, soil dynamics, and drainage specifications using our interactive tool below to simulate immediate 2026 Bill of Quantities projections.