Buyer’s guide. What you need to know when purchasing a shipping container in Kenya


20 foot shipping container

These days the options are plenty when it comes to choosing shipping container vendors in Kenya. For the most part, many of them are legit and will give you sound advice when purchasing a shipping container. Some are actually our business partners. 

But, in a high-demand market, you can never miss a few bad apples. We have unscrupulous businesses and middlemen ready to make a quick coin by giving wrong advice and selling the wrong type of undocumented containers. 

If you are a first-time buyer, we strongly suggest you contact a container fabrication company for consultation before committing any money. 

Here is a general guideline to help you navigate the sometimes-murky waters of purchasing shipping containers in Kenya.

How the shipping container should be used

shipping container stalls

First and most important, please have an understanding of what solution you are looking for. What problem are you trying to solve with a shipping container? The best dealers will always lead with this question, then advice on the best type of shipping container solutions they can offer. 

Know exactly what you intend to do with the shipping container once you have purchased it and make it clear to the dealer. Chances are that the shipping container you imagined is not the best suited for the solution you are looking for. Allow for the usage of the container to be your guide while purchasing.

Types of shipping containers and their estimated prices (for November 2022)

There are many types of shipping containers, but generally, they can be categorized into four broad types. As of November 2022, these were the approximate prices of containers from Mauru Containers Limited.

  • 40-foot container. This currently retails at about Ksh. 520,000
  • 20-foot container. This currently retails at about Ksh. 290,000
  • 10-foot container. This currently retails at about Ksh. 170,000
  • Refer containers (refrigerated containers.) 20-foot is Ksh. 1,200,000. 40-foot is Ksh. 1,300,000

Be advised that fluctuations in the Kenyan shilling and international trade dynamics usually directly affect the prices of shipping containers. Kindly contact us for an updated quote.

Legitimate product and documentation for shipping containers

Did you know that shipping containers have identification documentation and that it is illegal in Kenya to sell or purchase undocumented shipping containers? Well, now you know. Not to get too much into the legality of things but it is a serious crime that can attract jail time if found in possession of undocumented shipping containers. 

It cannot be stressed enough, that kindly inquire about documentation when purchasing shipping containers. They should be handed to you physically immediately after the purchase of the container.

Transportation costs for the shipping container

transporting a shipping container


A good shipping container quotation must include transportation costs. The shipping container has to get to you somehow, right? Well, if not included (the sellers are probably armatures) do not hesitate to ask as this should also make up part of the purchase budget of the shipping container. 

Mauru Containers Limited uses a zoning chart to estimate transportation costs. But basically, the further you are from the container, the more cost is incurred in transportation.

Site preparation for the shipping container

Finally, we have site preparations, or site prep as it’s commonly referred to. Site prep is also a very important part of purchasing a shipping container. As a client, it is your duty to provide as much detail as possible about the area in which the shipping container is going to settle. 

It is the duty of the shipping container dealer to make sure that the ground is well prepared for the shipping container or at least advise on the best way for you to do it yourself. 

The general rule of thumb is the site needs to be uniformly flat so that the shipping container structure can rest upon it. Rarely does this need skill. Leveling should take two or three people about an hour or so, but it is still very important.

Kindly note: Following these general guidelines will definitely make you scam-proof. However, it’s always advisable to seek a professional opinion. So don’t hesitate to send those inquiry emails to as many shipping container dealers as you possibly can. Like us, Mauru Containers Limited. Call us today. We would love to hear from you.

You can read our blog on how Kenyans are benefiting from doing construction with shipping containers.

Mauru Containers Limited is the leading container fabrication company in Kenya (and East Africa) They sell, hire and fabricate shipping containers to our client's desires. They are located in Pipeline, Nairobi.


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