Construction materials. Photo | courtesy.
The construction cost in Kenya saw a significant slowdown in prices during the first quarter of 2025, according to data released by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS).
The Construction Input Price Indices (CIPI) showed that year-on-year inflation sharply dropped to 0.18 percent in Q1 2025 from 3.56 percent recorded in the same quarter last year.
The data, which is based on prices gathered quarterly from a representative sample of outlets dealing in construction materials, indicates mixed price movements across different categories.
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Quarry products, sand, and cement recorded price increases of 1.15, 0.61, and 0.92 percent respectively, pushing their indices up to 107.44, 104.89, and 117.38.
However, the period saw notable declines in prices of key materials such as Steel and Reinforcement Bars, Dense Bitumen Macadam, Mix and Precoated Chippings, and Concrete & Asphalts, which fell by between 1.48 and 2.16 percent. Their respective indices declined to 163.94, 152.60, 125.63, and 144.20.
The Building Cost Index (BCI) also recorded a slight decline, slipping from 118.77 in Q4 2024 to 118.60 in Q1 2025.
KNBS attributes the dip to falling prices in BRC Mesh & Steel Reinforcement Bars (-2.08 percent), water waste (-1.24 percent), and glass and glass putty (-0.69 percent).
Additionally, the indices for fuel and transport inputs fell by 0.39 percent to 129.24, contributing to the overall easing of costs.
However, price hikes were recorded in some other categories such as timber, quarry products, plumbing and sanitary fittings, and locks and ironmongery, which saw increases ranging between 0.15 and 1.65 percent.
