What are the Sizes and Prices of Used Shipping Containers in Kenya?

Understanding the Demand for Shipping Containers in Kenya

Shipping containers have grown to become more than just cargo carriers. In Kenya today, they are widely being used in construction, retail store setups, storage, and even innovative housing solutions. Their durability, versatility, and cost-effectiveness make them an attractive investment for both businesses and individuals. Platinum Containers, has identified and understood the growing need for reliable, and affordable used shipping containers. We recognize the importance of ensuring that our customers know and understand the different containers sizes and their varied prices, to help them make informed decisions when purchasing containers.

Common Shipping Container Sizes Available in Kenya

There are different sizes of used shipping containers in the market. The containers have different dimensions, and they each serve unique storage, transport, and construction needs. The most common sizes are 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft containers, with variations like open-top containers originally designed for bulky items; refrigerated containers originally designed for perishable goods; and side-opening units for easier access. Below is a highlight of the most common shipping containers.

Container Type	Dimensions	Capacity	Ideal For	Advantages
10ft Containers (In moderate demand)	3m (L) × 2.4m (W) × 2.6m (H)	15 cubic meters	Small storage spaces, kiosks, guardhouses, mobile shops	Compact, easy to transport, perfect for tight urban spaces
20ft Containers (In high demand)	6m (L) × 2.4m (W) × 2.6m (H)	33 cubic meters	Moving household goods, SME storage, small offices, workshops	Most popular size in Kenya due to affordability and adaptability
40ft Containers (In high demand)	12m (L) × 2.4m (W) × 2.6m (H)	67 cubic meters	Large-scale storage, export/import businesses, container homes, subdivided retail stores.	Cost-effective for bulk goods and scalable construction projects
High Cube Containers (In high demand)	Same as 20ft/40ft but with extra height (2.9m H)	Similar but extra room	Cargo or projects requiring more headroom (partitioned offices, double storage)	Provides extra vertical space, ideal for taller goods and modular construction
Specialized Containers (In low demand)	Varies by type	Varies	*Refrigerated: Cold storage of food, flowers, pharmaceuticals Open-Top: Oversized cargo like machinery Flat-Rack*: Heavy equipment transport	Designed for specialized needs, ensures safe handling of temperature-sensitive or oversized cargo

Factors Influencing the Price of Used Shipping Containers

1. Container Size and Type

Naturally, larger containers, for instance, the 40-foot or high cube containers, are costlier than the standard 20-foot units. Likewise, the specialized containers, such as reefers, and open-top units, are priced higher than the non-specialized containers, due to their unique features.

2. Container Condition

Grade A. (Cargo-Worthy): Certified as being safe for international shipping. They are usually the most expensive containers in terms of grade and quality of used containers.
Grade B. (Wind and Watertight: WWT): These are containers not regarded as suitable for international shipping. Regardless, they are of good quality, and ideal for storage, retail, and construction.
Grade C. (As-Is): The most affordable containers are the ones categorized as. The ‘as-is’ containers. These containers may have some structural degradation or defects. However, not to worry yourself too much, Platinum Containers is able to make top notch repairs during fabrication, making them ready for sustainable use. Downside is that the cost of such repairs and modifications may be high.

3. Market Demand and Supply

Container prices in Kenya usually fluctuated depending on global shipping trends which is influenced by global economic factors. When the economy is doing well and volume of imports and exports is considerably high, then the price of containers will generally be lower. However, during the off-peak trading season, the availability of the containers may go down and their prices go high.

4. Modifications and Customization

The more complex the modification, the higher the final costs will be. Adding ventilation, electrical wiring, doors, insulation, and painting, increases the total cost. At Platinum Containers, we provide customization services to match client needs, with manageable prices, ensuring long-term value. For example, for a 20ft office container, fitted with insulation and wiring, the costs may ranges as follows;

Cost of customized 20FT Shipping Container is KES 280,000 – KES 680,000.

Cost of customized 40FT shipping container is KES380,000 – KES 1,350,000

5. Transportation Cost

Transportation of a purchased container to area of use also impacts the price of the containers. Transporting to regions within Nairobi and its surrounding environments is Ksh15,000 for 20FT containers and Ksh25,000 for 40FT containers. This is less costly than transporting to Kakamega, Eldoret, Kisumu, Moyale, or other parts of the nation where transportation cost ranges Ksh30,000 to Ksh150,000 depending with the distance. The transportation price needs to be factored in on the overall budget and this is something we ensure that our clients are well aware off.

Current Market Prices of Used Shipping Containers in Kenya

It can never be over-emphasized that prices of containers vary depending on size, condition, age, and modifications, along with transportation and site preparations.

Container Size	Price Range (Ksh)	Key Notes
10ft	150,000 – 220,000	Less common; often fabricated from larger containers. *Best For*: Small storage, small office.
20ft	250,000 – 350,000	Most affordable and widely used size. *Best For*: Small businesses, startups, or individuals needing compact storage.
40ft	350,000 – 550,000	Best for bulk storage and large-scale use. *Best For*: Large businesses, construction firms, or warehouse storage
40ft High Cube	400,000 – 600,000	Higher capacity; slightly more costly. *Best For*: Container homes, offices, or bulk cargo requiring extra headroom.
Refrigerated	700,000 – 1,200,000	Prices vary by cooling system and condition. *Best For*: Logistics companies handling perishable products.
Open-Top and Flat Rack Containers	450,000 – 800,000	Prices vary due to their unique features. *Best For*: Specialized cargo such as machinery, heavy equipment, or tall goods.

Note: Always remember that the prices may change depending on supply and demand, shipping routes, and container conditions. At Platinum Containers, we always advise clients to request an updated quotation before purchase.

Cost Breakdown for Shipping Containers in Kenya

To better illustrate, here are sample cost breakdowns for common use cases:

Example 1: Small Business Storage (20ft Container)

Base price: Ksh 280,000
Delivery within Nairobi: Ksh 25,000
Customization (shelving + lockbox): Ksh 60,000
Total Estimated Cost: Ksh 380,000

Example 2: Container Home Project (40ft High Cube)

Base price: Ksh 450,000
Delivery to Kisumu: Ksh 70,000
Customization (windows, doors, insulation, plumbing, wiring): Ksh 350,000 – 500,000
Total Estimated Cost: Ksh 870,000 – 1,020,000

Actionable Advice for Buyers

When purchasing a used shipping container, keep the following in mind:

Inspect Before Purchase: Always request a physical inspection or recent photos to confirm condition.
Check Container Grade: Choose cargo-worthy for shipping or WWT for storage and conversions.

Budget for Modifications: Factor in at least 20–40% of the purchase cost if customization is required.
Work with Reliable Suppliers: Engage established companies like Platinum Containers for transparent pricing and quality assurance.
Plan for Transport: Confirm accessibility of your site for container delivery trucks and cranes.
Think Long-Term: Higher-grade containers may cost more initially but save money on repairs and maintenance.

Common Uses of Containers in Kenya

Business Premises: Mobile shops, salons, cyber cafés, and mini-restaurants.
Storage Units: Warehouses, farm produce storage, hardware stock.
Offices and Classrooms: Especially in urban and rural projects where quick setups are needed.
Housing Projects: Growing trend of container homes due to affordability.
Workshops and Studios: Ideal for artisans, welders, and creatives.

How to Choose the Right Container Size for Your Needs

For Businesses

Retail Shops & Kiosks: A 20-foot container offers enough space for a small shop while keeping costs low.
Warehousing & Logistics: A 40-foot standard or high cube container provides efficient storage for bulk goods.

For Residential or Construction Use

Container Homes: High cube containers are the preferred choice for modern housing solutions due to extra ceiling height.
On-Site Offices: A 20-foot container is easy to modify into a functional mobile office.

For Industrial Applications

Heavy Equipment Storage: Flat rack or open-top containers are best suited.
Cold Chain Needs: Refrigerated containers are non-negotiable for industries handling perishable goods.

Benefits of Buying Used Containers from Platinum Containers

Quality Assurance: Each unit is inspected to ensure structural integrity and durability.
Wide Range: From 20-foot to specialized units, Platinum Containers offers multiple options to suit different industries.
Customization: Tailor-made modifications including painting, shelving, and insulation.
Delivery Services: Nationwide transport ensures hassle-free delivery to your site.
Competitive Pricing: Transparent pricing with no hidden charges.