The cost of a greenhouse in Kenya is generally between KES 150,000 – KES 1,000,000 plus for standard sizes. Other customizable greenhouse sizes and designs can cost as low as KES 100,000 and even more than KES 1.2 million.

High quality wooden and metallic greenhouse designs in Kenya are constructed by Faulu Irrigation LTD.

Call 0717120401

Quick Takeaways

• The cost of a greenhouse in Kenya ranges from KES 150,000 – KES 1,000,000.
• Cost of greenhouse varies with the size,
• Galvanized steel greenhouses have a higher construction cost but are durable than wooden ones.
• A greenhouse is suitable for growing tomato, capsicum, herbs, cucumber and strawberries.
• Greenhouse farming has high production capacity but requires good agronomic and management practices.
• Proper planning including soil testing, irrigation, ventilation, and market research is important as well.
• Greenhouse sizes vary and suit various growing needs. Includes 8 x 15 m, 8 x 24m, 8 x 30 m and 16 x 30 m.
• The right greenhouse depends on your land size, budget and production goals.

Why Farmers are Venturing into Greenhouse Farming in Kenya

Greenhouse farming in Kenya is a popular venture in agriculture due high yield and low risk of production. With a greenhouse, you can control water, temperature and humidity to optimal levels ideal for your crops.

High quality greenhouse vegetable produce such as tomato, capsicum and greens has high demand in local markets. Other plants such as strawberries, herbs and flowers attract high export market. Therefore, with a good greenhouse structure, the right crop and good management you can never go wrong.

Types and Cost of Greenhouse in Kenya

Wooden Greenhouses

 Wooden greenhouses are one of the most common greenhouse types due to their low construction cost. The wooden greenhouse takes a gable design made of treated wooden poles wrapped with UV resistant polythene sheet.

Why Choose a wooden Greenhouse

• Lower construction cost
• Easier to repair
• Lifespan of approximately 3–8 years with proper maintenance
• Best suited for tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers

A standard 8 × 15 metre wooden greenhouse costs between KES 170,000 and KES 185,000.

Metallic Greenhouses

Metallic greenhouses are reliable growing structures built using galvanized steel and polythene sheet. The metallic greenhouse is more durable, resistant to harsh conditions and offers excellent growing conditions.

Why choose a Metallic Greenhouse

• Longer lifespan
• Lower maintenance
• Stronger wind resistance
• Better structural stability

A 120 square meter galvanized metallic greenhouse cost between KES 220,000 – KES 265,000. Large commercial greenhouse can cost up to KES 1.2 million depending on size and construction materials.

Sizes and Cost of Greenhouse in Kenya

When investing in a greenhouse, size and cost considerations are important. Below are the common sizes and estimate cost of greenhouses in Kenya

The actual cost will depend whether you want a wooden, painted steel or galvanized steel greenhouse.

Which greenhouse Size Is Best?

Any greenhouse size works best for your growing needs. What decides whether any greenhouse structure is the right one is your land size and production goals.

For most first-time commercial farmers, an 8 × 15 m greenhouse offers a practical balance between investment cost and production capacity. It provides enough space to learn greenhouse management while keeping financial risk manageable.

Farmers with greenhouse farming expertise seeking to scale up production can opt for 8 x 30 m or 16 x 30 m among other options.

Factors Affecting the Cost of a Greenhouse in Kenya

1. Frame Material

• Wooden frames are cheaper but require regular maintenance and may be vulnerable to termites or rot if untreated.
• Galvanized steel frames cost more initially but can last 15–25 years with minimal maintenance.
• Painted steel frames fall between the two in terms of cost and durability.

2. Greenhouse Polythene Cover

The covering material influences both crop performance and greenhouse lifespan. UV treated 200-micron greenhouse polythene is ideal for greenhouse farming in Kenya. It can last for 5 – 8 years when used well.

3. Irrigation System

Most greenhouse suppliers include a basic drip irrigation kit, but others charge separately.

Additional irrigation components may include:

• Water storage tanks
• Filters
• Fertigation units
• Pressure regulators
• Pumps

Greenhouse Crop Requirements

A greenhouse creates a controlled environment, but crops still require careful management to achieve high yields.

Soil Requirements

Healthy soil forms the foundation of successful greenhouse farming.

Before planting:

• Test the soil PH. If the PH is low, use lime to boost PH.
• Add compost or well-rotted manure
• Correct nutrient deficiencies
• Improve soil structure

Water Requirements

Greenhouse crops require regular but controlled watering.

Using drip irrigation helps:

• Reduce water wastage
• Minimize leaf diseases
• Improve fertilizer efficiency
• Maintain consistent soil moisture

Avoid overwatering, which can encourage fungal rot.

Temperature

Most greenhouse vegetables perform best within a moderate temperature range.

Proper ventilation, shading, and irrigation help regulate internal temperatures during hot weather.

Ventilation

Good airflow is essential to:

• Reduce humidity
• Prevent fungal diseases
• Improve pollination
• Strengthen plant growth

Roof vents and side ventilation panels are especially valuable in warmer regions of Kenya.

Crops Suited for Greenhouse Farming in Kenya

Greenhouse offers optimal conditions for high value crop production. The high value crops are explained below.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes remain the most popular greenhouse crop in Kenya because they command premium prices and respond well to protected cultivation.

With proper management, a single greenhouse can produce several tonnes of tomatoes per season.

Capsicum (Bell Peppers)

Coloured capsicums are highly profitable due to demand from supermarkets, hotels, and restaurants.

Cucumbers

Greenhouse cucumbers mature quickly and produce continuously under favourable conditions.

Strawberries

Although less common, strawberries can provide excellent returns where farmers have access to niche markets such as hotels, supermarkets, or direct consumers.

Herbs

Herbs including basil, mint, coriander, parsley, and rosemary are increasingly popular among commercial growers serving restaurants and export markets.

Cost Analysis of Greenhouse Farming in Kenya

Additional Operating Costs

• Water

• Fertilizers
• Seeds
• Labour
• Pest control
• Transport

Expected Returns

Returns vary depending on:

• Crop selection
• Yield
• Market prices
• Farm management
• Seasonal demand

Return on Investment (ROI)

Farmers recover their initial investment over several 2-3 growing seasons as per the yield and demand for produce. Consistent management, quality inputs, and market planning are the biggest drivers of ROI.

Benefits of Greenhouse Farming in Kenya

• Higher yield per square meter compared to open field farming.
• Reduced pest and disease pressure
• Efficient water use through drip irrigation
• All Season production
• Better crop quality and uniformity
• Higher market prices during off-seasons

Greenhouse Design and Construction Experts in Kenya

Choosing the right greenhouse construction company is just as important as choosing the greenhouse itself.

At Faulu Irrigation LTD, we listen to you production goals before we assess and construct a greenhouse designed for your needs. We also provide guidance on crop spacing, irrigation and fertilizer application.

Call 0717120401

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1.     What is the cost of a greenhouse in Kenya?

KES 150,000 – KES 1 million or more.

2.     Which type of greenhouse is best for beginners?

A 120 square meter greenhouse.

3.     Which crops are most profitable in greenhouse farming in Kenya?

Tomato, capsicum, strawberries, herbs and vegetables.

4.     How long does a greenhouse last?

10 – 20 years.

5.     Is greenhouse farming profitable in Kenya?

Absolutely. With the right crop and management, greenhouse farming has high profitability.

6.     Do I need drip irrigation inside a greenhouse?

Yes. Drip irrigation offers high irrigation efficiency.

7.     Can I build a greenhouse myself?

We recommend consulting an expert technician.

8.     How much land do I need for one greenhouse?

It depends on the size of greenhouse.

9.     What maintenance does a greenhouse require?

Inspection of greenhouse polythene, wooden poles or the net.

10.Where Can I Source Greenhouse Construction Services in Kenya?

Faulu Irrigation LTD.