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Types and Cost of Greenhouses in Kenya
AGreenhouses, designed by Aqua Hub LTD, are making farming a reliable and high-income economic activity. We install different types of greenhouses, including metallic and wooden ones of standard and custom sizes. Standard greenhouse options include 8 by 15m, 8 by 24m, 8 by 30m, 16 by 24m, 16 by 30m and 16 by 40m. The cost of greenhouses in Kenya is starts from KES 170,000 to KES 1,000,000 or more for much bigger structures.
This guide will help you understand the various types of greenhouses we install, their costs and how to get the right one.
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Quick Takeaways
- Greenhouse farming increases yields and profits
- Costs range from KES 100,000 to over 1 million
- Metallic greenhouses are more durable
- Tomatoes and capsicum are top crops
- Drip irrigation improves efficiency
- Start small and scale gradually
- Proper planning reduces risks
Cost of Greenhouses in Kenya
The cost of greenhouses in Kenya varies depending on size and materials:
- 8 x 15 m – KES 160,000 – KES 255,000.
- 8 x 24 m – KES 230,000 – KES 310,000.
- 8 x 30 m – KES 290,000 – KES 380,000
- 16 x 24 m – KES 460,000 – KES 700,000
- 16 x 40 m – KES 850,000 – KES 1,100,000.
Why Greenhouse Farming in Kenya
Greenhouse farming is the production of crops in controlled environments. A greenhouse regulates temperature, humidity, and light allowing year-round production of crops. It allows you to grow and get a bumper harvest even during dry seasons.
Farming inside greenhouse structures is becoming popular due to unpredictable climate and the need for quality produce.
Another benefit of greenhouse farming is high efficiency and control in production. Growing conditions, crop health, fertiliser input and plant growth is monitored thus minimal loss and high productivity. It also allows you to easily find markets because of high demand for healthy fruits and vegetables grown in greenhouses.
Types and Cost of Greenhouses in Kenya
Understanding the types of greenhouses helps you choose what fits your needs.
Wooden Greenhouses
A Wooden greenhouse growing capsicum
Wooden greenhouses are made from wooden poles and UV-treated greenhouse polythene material. The wooden greenhouse structure is affordable compared to other designs.
If you are straining on budget, you can start with a wooden greenhouse and then opt for a metallic one later.
The cost of wooden greenhouses is between KES 150,000 and KES 450,000 for standard sizes. The cost can exceed if the size is bigger.
Metallic Greenhouses
A Metallic greenhouse installed and ready for cultivation
Metallic greenhouses are designed using galvanised steel structures attached with tapping screws. UV treated greenhouse polythene sheet is used to cover the structure as well. Metallic greenhouses are much more durable but expensive than wooden types.
A well-designed metallic greenhouse can serve you for 15 – 20 years. Cost of metallic greenhouses in Kenya starts from KES 180,000 to KES 900,000 or more.
Net Greenhouses
Net greenhouses are types of greenhouse structures covered using shade net materials. The idea of net greenhouses is to regulate temperature and provide an ideal environment for cultivating crops in hot areas. Also ideal for moisture retention and survival of seedlings and shade loving plants.
The cost of Net greenhouses is from KES 100,000 to KES 350,000.
Polycarbonate Greenhouses
These are greenhouses designed using polycarbonate covering material. Are much durable and highly expensive.
Comparing Different Types Greenhouses in Kenya
Choosing the right structure depends on your budget and goals:
- Wooden: Low cost but shorter lifespan
- Metallic: Higher cost but long-term investment
- Net houses: Best for hot climates
- Polycarbonate: Premium option for commercial farming
Cost of Greenhouses, Sizes and Growing Capacity
| Crop type | 8 x 15m | 8 x 24m | 8 x 30m | 16 x 30 m |
| Tomato | 300 – 500 | 480 – 600 | 600 – 1000 | 1200 – 1600 |
| Capsicum | 350 – 400 | 500 – 560 | 700 – 800 | 1400 – 1600 |
| Cucumber | 250 – 300 | 400 – 450 | 500 – 600 | 1000 – 1200 |
Requirements to Start Greenhouse Farming
If you are planning to start greenhouse farming, you need to have:
- A well-drained piece of land.
- Reliable to clean water supply.
- Water tank for water storage.
- Capital for setup
- Quality seedlings
- Proper fertilizer
- Market for your produce.
Cost of Greenhouses in Kenya: Materials Required
The materials needed to build a greenhouse vary with the greenhouse type.
Wooden Greenhouse
- Wooden Poles
- Nails
- Insect net
- UV treated Greenhouse Polythene Sheet
- Profiles and wires
- Drip Irrigation Kit
Metallic Greenhouse
- Galvanized Steel Pipes
- Roofing arches
- Tapping Screws
- UV treated Shade net
- Insect net
- Shade net (optional)
- Profiles and wires
- Drip Irrigation Kit
Other Optional requirements
- Seedling trays
- Crop support structures
- Cocopeat or growing medium
- Mulching paper
- Moisture sensors
- Ventilation fans
- Lighting systems
Crops That Do Well in a Greenhouse
Some crops perform exceptionally well:
- Tomatoes
- Capsicum
- Cucumbers
- Strawberries
- Herbs
- Flowers
- Cabbages
- Leafy green vegetables
These crops have high demand and fetch premium prices in the market.
How to Ensure You Install the Right Greenhouse
For you to get the right greenhouse structure, consider the tips below.
- Assess your budget – considering your budgeted amount, we help you get a reliable structure.
- Understand your crop growing needs – understand the type of crop and the growing capacity desired.
- Consider your climate – the climate of your area will determine which greenhouse design will work best for you.
How to Install Greenhouses in Kenya
- Site Visit – we first have to conduct a site visit to check the suitability of the area you want to place your greenhouse. Also done for soil test.
- Site preparation – the area selected needs to be cleared of any grass, shrubs and rocks. Also needs to be flat.
- Buy greenhouse construction materials – after recommendation on the type of greenhouse to install, we give you a quotation for the materials needed.
- Installation of the structure – after purchase of materials, you facilitate for transport to site. We install the greenhouse once we have everything on site. Installation includes setup and connection of greenhouse structure and polythene cover.
- Irrigation Kit installation – after the structure is complete, we install the drip kit.
- Test before planting
Benefits of Greenhouse Farming
- Higher yields: Farmers can harvest up to 2–3 times more compared to open farming.
- Water efficiency: Drip irrigation can reduce water usage by up to 60%.
- Pest and disease control: Controlled environments reduce crop losses.
- Year-round farming: You are not limited by seasons.
- Top-quality yield: greenhouse farming makes it easier to produce crops under the right conditions. Pests and diseases are controlled as well thus the yield is of high quality.
Challenges in Greenhouses and their Solutions
- High initial cost : the cost of greenhouse farming can be high and overwhelming especially for starters. Use our low-cost wooden greenhouses if your budget is low.
- Pest outbreaks: Use integrated pest manag For common diseases such as fusarium wilt, use grow bags and sterilized soil or cocopeat.
- Poor management: Get proper training from our team. We have a network of farmers who you can benchmark from.
- Storms: Heavy rains and storms often damage greenhouses and affect crop production. Our structures are designed with strong wooden poles or steel frames. We are also available for repairs if need be.
Tips for Success in Greenhouse Farming
- Start small and expand: if you are not sure of the potential in greenhouse farming, venture to greenhouse farming by starting with a small structure then scale up later on.
- Invest in quality materials: buy greenhouse materials and ensure your greenhouse is done by reputable dealers. We are the leading greenhouse construction company in Kenya.
- Monitor crops daily: you can employ a farm manager or agronomist to be checking on your crops and ensuring irrigation works perfect.
- Use proper irrigation: drip irrigation is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does a greenhouse cost in Kenya?
KES 160,000 – KES 1,000,000 or more.
2. How much does an 8×15 greenhouse cost in Kenya?
It costs between KES 100,000 and 250,000 depending on materials.
3. Which type of greenhouse is better?
A Metallic greenhouse because it is more durable than a wooden greenhouse.
4. How do I choose the right greenhouse?
Consider budget, crop type, and climate.
5. What crops grow best in greenhouses?
Tomatoes, capsicum, cucumbers, and strawberries perform well.
6. What are the requirements for greenhouse farming?
Water, capital, land, seeds, a greenhouse structure and irrigation systems.
7. How long does a greenhouse last?
Metallic greenhouses last between 10 –15 years.
8. What size greenhouse do I Need?
It depends on your budget and growing needs.
9. What are the main challenges in greenhouse farming?
High costs, pests, and poor management.
10. Where Can I Buy Greenhouse Materials in Kenya?
Aqua Hub Kenya.
