Kenyans have been investing in shipping container offices since 2012, a testament to their popularity and importance. These offices are proven to be comfortable, productive, and sustainable workspaces.
In addition to the rise of container homes, container offices are proving to be the next step in smart, adaptable construction.
These units offer lessons about efficiency and convenience, showing us how to maximize our spaces wisely in a world where square footage is at a premium.
With a faster construction timeline and a fraction of the cost of traditional builds, it is no wonder NGOs, companies, Government agencies, individuals, and institutions are acquiring container offices at a higher rate.
Generally, a 20-Feet container office costs between KSh 520,000 and 600,000, whereas a 40-foot container office costs between KSh 920,000 and KSh 1,020,000.
The table below provides a summary of the container offices and their prices according to their types and designs.
| Type of Office | Price Range (Kenya Shillings) | |
| Lower Side | Higher Side | |
| 20Ft Container Office (Open Plan) | 520,000 | 580,000 |
| 20Ft Container Office (Partitioned)Up to two partitions | 540,000 | 600,000 |
| 40Ft Container Office (Open Plan) | 920,000 | 980,000 |
| 40Ft Container Office (Partitioned)Up to 5 partitions | 940,000 | 1,020,000 |
| Combined/Modular Container Office | Designed from two or more shipping containers. Price depends on the number of containers, the design, and the specifications used. | |
In this piece, we provide a helpful and dependable guide to the current rates and everything you need to know about the prices of container offices in Kenya.
Factors that Affect the Costs of Container Offices
1. Size/Dimensions of the Container Office
Typically, a 40ft container office will cost more than a 20ft container office, mainly due to the difference in size as well as the amount of labor and materials required for fabrication.
2. Design (Whole Plan/Open Plan or Partitioned)
Much like in the case with size and dimensions, the design of a container office directly affects its costs.
Whole or Open Plan Container Offices, featuring open interiors, with no separating walls, cost the least due to the minimal labor and materials required in fabrication.
These lack partitioned mini-offices for individual users. Here, employees or users work together within a single room.
Partitioned container offices typically cost more than whole-plan offices because they require more materials and are more labor-intensive to build.
Note that a 20-foot container office can accommodate a total of two partitions, while a 40-foot container office can accommodate up to five partitions.
3. Specifications and Fittings Used
Helpful design for a modular office complex
Whether it is a 20-foot office, a 40-foot office, or a modular office, the specifications used will significantly contribute to the overall costs.
Some of these specifications include;
- The number, size, or design of doors and windows, for example, floor-to-ceiling aluminum windows will cost more than standard-size French windows.
- Materials used on floors, walls, and ceilings, such as ceramic tiles, will cost differently from gypsum, wood, PVC, or acoustic materials.
- Special additions such as Air Conditioning units, shelves, and roofs will likely affect costs due to the extra work, materials, and equipment required.
The Costs of Container Offices Explained
Here, a 20-foot container is refurbished with terraced floors, insulated walls, fitted with doors and windows, electric wiring and fittings, and spray-painted.
The unit can either be open plan or partitioned.
1. The 20-Foot Container Office
An open-plan 20Ft Container Office
A 20-foot office measures 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8.6 feet high.
These can either be a whole plan or partitioned into two office spaces.
On rare occasions, they can be partitioned into three office spaces.
The Open Plan 20-Foot Container Office
A 20-foot whole-plan office, measuring 20 feet long by 8 feet wide and 8.6 feet high, costs anywhere between Ksh 520,000 and Ksh 580,000.
It features a reinforced floor, insulated walls and ceiling, electric wiring and fittings, doors and windows, and painted interior and exterior surfaces.
The Partitioned 20-Foot Container Office (Two Partitions)
A 20-foot partitioned office can be split into two rooms, each measuring 10 feet long by 8 feet wide and 8.6 feet high.
This will cost anywhere between KSh 520,000 and KSh 580,000.
Its features are similar to those of any other office.
2. The 40-Feet Container Office
A 40-foot Container office partitioned into four office spaces.
A 40-foot container office measures 40 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 9.6 feet high.
These can either be a whole plan or partitioned into five office spaces.
On rare occasions, they can be partitioned into six office spaces.
The Open Plan 40-Feet Container Office
A 40-foot whole-plan office, measuring 40 feet long by 8 feet wide and 9.6 feet high, costs anywhere between Kenya Shillings 920,000 and Kenya Shillings 980,000.
The Partitioned 40-Feet Container Office (Two, Three & Four Partitions)
A 20-foot partitioned office can be split into two rooms, each measuring 10 feet long by 8 feet wide and 8.6 feet high.
This will cost anywhere between Kenya Shillings 940,000 and Kenya Shillings 1,020,000.
3. Custom / Modular / Combined Container Office
Completed Modular offices at the JKIA from four 40-foot Containers
A modular container office is a flexible solution created by combining two or more shipping containers. The final cost is variable and will depend on;
- The complexity of the design
- The number of containers used
- The quality of the specifications used for the structure
Common structural combinations include;
- Two or more 20-foot containers,
- Two or more 40-foot containers, or
- A mix of both 20-foot and 40-foot containers to achieve the desired footprint and functionality.
Premium Containers Limited Can Help You Craft Your Desired Container Office
A wood-clad container office, Upper Hill, Nairobi.
For over a decade, we have refurbished countless offices from new and used shipping containers as well as from pure steel and concrete.
We specialize in designing and fabricating custom container offices that meet your exact specifications.
This involves transforming robust, high-quality shipping containers into professional, fully functional office spaces, whether you need a single, portable unit or a modern modular complex.
Why Choose a Container Office from Us?
Custom Design: We don’t just supply boxes; we help you craft your desired space. Choose your layout, fittings, finishes, and features, including reinforced flooring, insulation, electrical wiring, High Power AC, and custom windows/doors.
Speed and Efficiency: Container construction is significantly faster than traditional building, meaning you can move into your new office sooner.
Durability: Made from Corten steel, our offices are inherently strong, weather-resistant, and built to last.
Flexibility: They can easily be relocated, expanded, or reconfigured to suit your office as your business needs change.
Contact Premium Containers Limited today to start planning your bespoke container office!