Costs for electrical panel installation services in Nairobi typically range from KSh 15,000 to KSh 250,000+, depending on panel size, capacity (e.g., 63A domestic vs. 2000A industrial), complexity, and location within the city. Residential upgrades (e.g., DB boards) start at KSh 15,000–50,000, while commercial/industrial main switchboards (PDBs/MCCs) hit KSh 100,000–500,000 including design and EPRA certification. Prices reflect 2026 rates amid rising copper costs and labor at KSh 1,200–1,800/hour.
Cost Breakdown by Panel Type
| Panel Type | Capacity | Typical Cost (KSh) | Includes | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic DB | 63–100A | 15,000–40,000 | Breakers, enclosure, wiring | 1 day |
| Apartment PDB | 200–400A | 50,000–120,000 | Metering, SPDs, cabling | 2–3 days |
| Commercial MSB | 630–1600A | 150,000–350,000 | Form 4b busbars, VFD integration | 5–10 days |
| Industrial MCC | 2000A+ | 300,000–1M+ | PLC I/O, motor starters | 2–4 weeks |
| Upgrade/Retrofit | Any | +20–50% of new | Rewiring, fault fixes | Varies |
Components (common add-ons):
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MCCBs/RCBOs: KSh 3,000–15,000 each.
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Surge protectors: KSh 8,000–20,000.
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Labor: KSh 5,000–20,000 base + materials.
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EPRA inspection: KSh 5,000–15,000.
Factors Influencing Costs in Nairobi
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Size & Specs: Basic 12-way DB KSh 20k; IP55 industrial +50%.
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Location: CBD/Kilimani +20% logistics; Kitengela/Thika cheaper.
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Compliance: KS 1519/IEC 61439 design adds KSh 10k–30k (P.E. stamp).
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Urgency: Emergency (night/weekend) +25–50%.
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Materials: Imported Schneider vs. local ABB—20% variance.
Example: 3-bedroom house panel upgrade: KSh 25,000 (panel KSh 12k + install KSh 8k + cert KSh 5k).
Residential vs. Commercial Pricing
Homes/Apartments: KSh 15k–60k for 100A boards with 16–32 ways, surge protection, and RCDs. Full house wiring bundles at KSh 80k–250k.
Businesses/Factories: KSh 100k+ for synchronized panels with metering/CTs. Industrial Area firms quote 30% lower due to volume.
Get 2–3 quotes from ERB-licensed pros (e.g., Prologic, Bestcare); avoid quacks risking KSh 500k EPRA fines. Prices stable post-2025 but expect +10% inflation