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Did you know that a greenhouse can help protect your tender or seasonal plants against excessive cold or heat? A farmer without a greenhouse is a bit like a cook without a stove. Of course, you can manage to improvise and still be creative, but a greenhouse facilitates much more than you can imagine. You must be asking yourself, how much does it cost to set up a greenhouse in Kenya?
The greenhouse business has gained popularity in Kenya due to its ability to conserve water and provide all-year-round cultivation. If you are interested in greenhouse farming, then you ought to understand the total costs of expenses right from the construction all the way to its maintenance.
How much does it cost to set up a greenhouse in Kenya?
Setting up a greenhouse in Kenya depends on the following factors.
The size of the greenhouse
The smaller your greenhouse, the less expensive it will be. Greenhouses come in various sizes, from about (15 by 8) meters to even (30 by 16) meters. Metallic ones can be as big as 16 by 50 meters. Therefore, be sure of your required budget before venturing into this opportunity.
The type of greenhouse built
The most common types of greenhouses built in Kenya are wooden and metallic. Each type has a unique construction technique, hence the difference in expenses. You can also consider other types of greenhouses, like net or polycarbonate greenhouses.
The greenhouse design
Is your greenhouse going to be vented or tunnel-shaped? The vented type is more laborious than the tunnel type and is built in the mid-to low-altitude lowlands. It has additional ventilation at the top. The tunnel type is for cooler highland locations.
Choice of the crop
If you are planning to plant tomatoes, cucumbers, or capsicum, you will need steel support stands. This structures are more expensive, especially if you want a durable setup that can handle these high-yield crops.
According to Aqua Hub-KE, greenhouse construction costs in Kenya vary depending on the size and type of greenhouse. Below are the expected construction costs for wooden greenhouses.
| Size of the greenhouse in meters | Estimated crop population | Cost of construction in Ksh |
| 8×15 | 450-500 | 165,000 |
| 8×24 | 700-800 | 180,000 |
| 8×30 | 1000-1200 | 240,000 |
| 8×45 | 1500-2000 | 390,000 |
Here is an approximate price range for metallic greenhouse farming in Kenya.
| Size of the greenhouse in meters | Cost of construction in Ksh (Tunnel type) | Cost of construction in Ksh (Open-ventilated type) |
| 8×15 | 290,000 | 330,000 |
| 8×20 | 300,000 | 340,000 |
| 8×24 | 320,000 | 350,000 |
| 8×30 | 460,000 | 540,000 |
| 8×40 | 575,000 | 655,000 |
| 16×15 | 460,000 | 555,000 |
| 16×24 | 620,000 | 665,000 |
| 16×30 | 900,000 | 990,000 |
| 16×40 | 1,100,000 | 1,240,000 |
What is the cheapest way to build a greenhouse?
The cheapest way to build a greenhouse is by using affordable materials such as PVC pipes. For the covering, you can consider using plastic sheets, which are very effective.
How much is small-scale greenhouse farming in Kenya?
According to Hortitechno Greenhouse Experts in Africa, small greenhouses cost between Ksh 50,000 and Ksh150,000. It is advisable to go for wooden greenhouses because they are affordable.
Which are the most profitable greenhouse crops in Kenya?
Indeterminate hybrids of tomatoes, capsicums, cucumbers, corianders, sweet melon, saffrons, strawberries, and Karella are the most profitable greenhouse crops in Kenya. Other crops suitable for greenhouse farming include chilli peppers, spinach, peas, broccoli, garlic, pumpkins, and kale.
How much does greenhouse farming in Kenya cost?
The cost of greenhouse farming in Kenya varies depending on the size of the greenhouse and the materials used. A wooden greenhouse costs between Ksh 165,000 and Ksh 390,000, while the metallic ones go for Ksh 240,000 to Ksh 700,000.
Is greenhouse farming profitable?
Yes. Greenhouse farming in Kenya is profitable, especially when you grow high-demand crops like tomatoes, capsicum, and strawberries. For instance, a single tomato plant may produce between 16 and 20 kg, while a kilo of fresh tomatoes currently costs between Ksh 100 and Ksh 200. Assuming you sell 20 kilograms of tomatoes at Ksh 200 per kilo, you will earn a total of Ksh 4000 per square meter. Consequently, a single harvest from your greenhouse will make roughly Ksh 500,000.
Who are some of the most successful greenhouse farmers in Kenya?
According to Business Daily, Maina Willand Charawe is one of the most successful greenhouse farmers in Kenya. He makes bumper harvests from his eight acre, capsicum greenhouse in Rongai.
Other successful greenhouse farmers in Kenya include Nathan Langat from Neisuit, Nakuru County, Alice Maina and many more.
Wrapping up
How much does it cost to set up a greenhouse in Kenya? As discussed above, the price of setting up a wooden greenhouse ranges between Ksh 165,000 and Ksh 390,000, while metallic greenhouses cost between Ksh 240,000 and Ksh 700,000. If you plan correctly, you will be able to choose the best option that fits your budget.
