From Blueprints to Structural Integrity—What You Need to Know Before You Build

In Kenya, architectural and engineering services are the backbone of verified construction. Whether you’re designing a short-stay unit in Syokimau, upgrading an estate in Machakos, or launching a commercial build in Kisumu, trusted professionals ensure your project is safe, compliant, and future-proof. This guide breaks down real costs, service types, regional trends, and how to hire verified experts through Balozy.

đź’° National Snapshot: Architectural & Engineering Costs in Kenya (2025)

Service Type Cost Range (KES) Notes
Architectural Design (residential) 6–10% of project cost Includes drawings, site visits
Structural Engineering 3–5% of project cost Includes load calculations, safety
Civil Engineering (roads, drainage) 5–8% of project cost Includes site grading, water flow
Electrical Engineering 2–4% of project cost Includes wiring, load balancing
Mechanical Engineering 2–4% of project cost HVAC, plumbing, fire safety
Quantity Surveying 1–3% of project cost Cost estimation, BOQs
Site Supervision 2,000–10,000/day Based on project size
Building Permit Drawings 15,000–50,000+ Includes council-ready plans
3D Rendering & Walkthroughs 10,000–100,000+ Depends on detail and animation
Soil Test & Geotechnical Survey 20,000–80,000 Required for structural integrity
Topographical Survey 15,000–50,000 Includes contour mapping
Bill of Quantities (BOQ) 10,000–30,000 Itemized cost breakdown
Structural Audit (existing buildings) 20,000–100,000+ Includes safety report
Green Building Consultation 30,000–150,000+ Includes solar, water, insulation

🏙️ City-by-City Breakdown

1. Nairobi

Kenya’s design capital—home to high-rise architects, estate planners, and smart building engineers.

  • Architectural Design (e.g., Kilimani, Syokimau):
    • 6–10% of project cost
    • Includes drawings, council submission, site visits
  • Structural Engineering:
    • 3–5% of project cost
    • Includes load calculations, beam sizing, safety
  • 3D Rendering & Walkthroughs:
    • KSh 20,000–100,000
    • Ideal for investor pitches and short-stay listings

Balozy Tip: Nairobi pros often offer WhatsApp-ready visuals—perfect for fundraising, approvals, and marketing.

2. Machakos

Affordable and expressive—Machakos professionals serve estates, schools, and short-stay builds.

  • Building Permit Drawings (e.g., Mlolongo, Athi River):
    • KSh 15,000–40,000
    • Includes council-ready plans and site layout
  • Civil Engineering (drainage, grading):
    • 5–8% of project cost
    • Includes water flow, road access, slope analysis
  • Quantity Surveying:
    • KSh 10,000–30,000
    • Includes BOQ and cost control

Balozy Tip: Many Machakos engineers offer phased billing—great for budget-conscious hosts and estate managers.

3. Mombasa

Coastal design blends salt-resistant materials, ventilation, and Swahili elegance.

  • Mechanical Engineering (HVAC, plumbing):
    • 2–4% of project cost
    • Includes coastal humidity control
  • Green Building Consultation:
    • KSh 30,000–150,000
    • Includes solar, insulation, water reuse
  • Topographical Survey:
    • KSh 15,000–50,000
    • Includes contour mapping and drainage planning

Balozy Tip: Ask for coastal-experienced engineers—humidity affects structure, wiring, and plumbing.

4. Kisumu

Lake-side builds focus on cultural pride, natural light, and guest-ready comfort.

  • Architectural Design (e.g., Milimani, Manyatta):
    • 6–9% of project cost
    • Includes cultural elements and passive cooling
  • Structural Audit (existing buildings):
    • KSh 20,000–80,000
    • Includes safety report and upgrade plan
  • Soil Test & Geotechnical Survey:
    • KSh 20,000–60,000
    • Required for foundation design

Balozy Tip: Ask for Luo-inspired layouts—perfect for legacy homes and cultural short-stays.

5. Eldoret

Known for spacious compounds and farm-friendly engineering setups.

  • Civil Engineering (roads, drainage):
    • 5–8% of project cost
    • Includes access roads, slope grading
  • Electrical Engineering:
    • 2–4% of project cost
    • Includes load balancing and backup systems
  • Site Supervision:
    • KSh 2,000–10,000/day
    • Ideal for rural builds and estate upgrades

Balozy Tip: Eldoret engineers often offer generator-friendly setups—ask for rural packages and travel rates.

🧱 What’s Included in Architectural & Engineering Services?

Service Element Included? Notes
Site Visit & Diagnosis âś… Measurements, soil, slope
Drawings & Blueprints âś… Floor plans, elevations, sections
Council Submission ✅/❌ Optional or bundled
BOQ & Cost Estimation âś… Itemized breakdown
Structural Calculations âś… Load, beam, column sizing
Electrical & Plumbing Plans âś… Wiring, sockets, water flow
3D Visualization ✅/❌ Optional for marketing
Safety & Compliance âś… Verified professionals only
WhatsApp Booking âś… Available for most Balozy pros
Green Building Advice ✅/❌ Optional add-on

Balozy Tip: Always confirm scope, council compliance, and drawing ownership before booking.

🧠 What Affects Architectural & Engineering Costs?

âś… Project Size

  • Larger builds require more drawings, calculations, and site visits

âś… Location

  • Nairobi and Mombasa rates are higher
  • Transport to rural areas adds KSh 500–2,000

âś… Complexity

  • Smart homes, multi-storey buildings, and commercial builds cost more

âś… Visualization Needs

  • 3D renders, walkthroughs, and investor decks add time and cost

âś… Council Requirements

  • Permit-ready drawings and compliance reports vary by county

đź’ˇ Smart Ways to Save on Design & Engineering

  1. Use Verified Balozy Professionals: Compare ratings, portfolios, and council experience
  2. Bundle Services: Combine architecture, engineering, and BOQ for discounts
  3. Choose Local Talent: Hiring within your county reduces travel fees
  4. Phase Your Project: Spread design and supervision over 2–6 months
  5. Ask for WhatsApp Estimates: Avoid surprises with clear scope and pricing

📲 How to Hire an Architect or Engineer Using the Balozy App

Step-by-Step:

  1. Download the Balozy App
  2. Tap “Find a Service”
    • Select “Architectural & Engineering” or search keywords like “house plans,” “structural engineer,” “BOQ,” or “permit drawings.”
  3. Filter by Location & Specialty
    • Choose your area and project type.
  4. Browse Verified Profiles
    • View ratings, portfolios, WhatsApp contacts, and pricing.
  5. Chat or Call Directly
    • Confirm scope, council compliance, and payment method.
  6. Book & Pay Securely
    • Choose your time slot and confirm.
  7. Leave a Review