From Garden Makeovers to Hardscaping Projects—What You Need to Know

Landscaping in Kenya is more than aesthetics—it’s about verified comfort, environmental dignity, and property value. Whether you’re upgrading a Syokimau compound, designing a coastal retreat in Mombasa, or managing a gated estate in Machakos, landscaping transforms outdoor spaces into functional, beautiful, and legacy-driven environments. This guide breaks down the real costs, service types, regional trends, and smart tips for hiring trusted landscapers through Balozy.

đź§® National Snapshot: Landscaping Costs in Kenya (2025)

Service Type Cost Range (KES) Notes
Lawn Installation (per m²) 250–600 Includes grass, soil prep, and labor
Garden Design & Planting 5,000–30,000+ Depends on size and plant selection
Tree Planting (per tree) 1,000–3,000 Includes digging, compost, and staking
Hedge Trimming (per session) 2,000–6,000 Based on length and height
Irrigation System Installation 15,000–80,000+ Manual or automated drip/sprinkler
Paving & Hardscaping (per m²) 800–2,500 Cabro, stone, concrete, or tile
Water Feature Installation 20,000–150,000+ Fountains, ponds, waterfalls
Compound Cleanup & Maintenance 3,000–10,000/month Includes mowing, weeding, pruning
Landscape Lighting 10,000–50,000+ Solar or electric, pathway or accent

Source: , ,

🏙️ City-by-City Breakdown

1. Nairobi

Kenya’s landscaping capital—home to high-end estates, corporate campuses, and urban gardens.

  • Lawn Installation (e.g., Runda, Karen):
    • KSh 300–600/m² for Arabica or Kikuyu grass
    • Includes soil prep, leveling, and watering
  • Garden Design:
    • KSh 10,000–50,000+ depending on size and plant types
    • Popular plants: bougainvillea, crotons, hibiscus
  • Hardscaping (cabro, stone paths):
    • KSh 1,200–2,500/m²
    • Includes labor and materials

Balozy Tip: Nairobi landscapers often offer bundled packages—ask for full compound design with lighting and irrigation.

2. Machakos

Affordable and fast-growing—Machakos landscaping is ideal for estates, schools, and short-stay properties.

  • Tree Planting (e.g., Syokimau, Mlolongo):
    • KSh 1,000–2,000 per tree
    • Includes compost and staking
  • Hedge Trimming & Cleanup:
    • KSh 3,000–6,000 per session
    • Monthly maintenance available
  • Water Tank Landscaping:
    • KSh 5,000–15,000 for screening and beautification

Balozy Tip: Many Machakos landscapers offer drought-resistant plants—ask for aloe, succulents, or indigenous trees.

3. Mombasa

Coastal landscaping blends tropical flair with salt-resistant design.

  • Palm & Coconut Tree Planting:
    • KSh 2,000–3,000 per tree
    • Includes coastal soil treatment
  • Beachfront Garden Design:
    • KSh 15,000–60,000+
    • Popular plants: frangipani, hibiscus, sea lavender
  • Water Feature Installation:
    • KSh 30,000–150,000+
    • Includes pumps, lighting, and stonework

Balozy Tip: Coastal humidity affects plant choice—choose salt-tolerant species and ask for anti-erosion landscaping.

4. Kisumu

Lake-side landscaping focuses on drainage, native plants, and compound beautification.

  • Lawn & Drainage Combo:
    • KSh 20,000–60,000 for mid-size compounds
    • Includes leveling, grass, and water runoff channels
  • Tree & Shrub Planting:
    • KSh 1,000–2,500 per plant
    • Popular choices: acacia, croton, flame tree
  • Compound Cleanup:
    • KSh 3,000–8,000/month
    • Includes mowing, pruning, and waste removal

Balozy Tip: Ask for landscapers who understand lake-side soil and seasonal flooding risks.

5. Eldoret

Known for spacious compounds and farm-friendly landscaping.

  • Irrigation System Installation:
    • KSh 20,000–80,000+
    • Manual or automated drip systems
  • Farm Compound Landscaping:
    • KSh 30,000–100,000+
    • Includes fencing, tree planting, and pathways
  • Landscape Lighting:
    • KSh 10,000–40,000
    • Solar options popular for rural setups

Balozy Tip: Eldoret landscapers often offer agro-landscaping—ask for windbreaks, compost beds, and water harvesting.

🌱 Types of Landscaping Services in Kenya

âś… Softscaping

  • Grass, flowers, shrubs, trees
  • Seasonal planting and pruning
  • Soil conditioning and composting

âś… Hardscaping

  • Cabro paving, stone paths, retaining walls
  • Pergolas, gazebos, benches
  • Water features and fountains

âś… Irrigation & Drainage

  • Drip systems, sprinklers, hose setups
  • Water runoff channels and soak pits
  • Rainwater harvesting integration

âś… Landscape Lighting

  • Pathway lights, accent lighting, solar setups
  • Motion sensors and timers
  • Garden ambiance and security

âś… Maintenance & Cleanup

  • Mowing, weeding, pruning
  • Hedge trimming and compound sweeping
  • Monthly or quarterly contracts

đź§  What Affects Landscaping Costs?

âś… Size of Area

  • Larger compounds require more labor, materials, and time

âś… Design Complexity

  • Simple lawns cost less than multi-element gardens with lighting and water features

âś… Plant Selection

  • Exotic plants and mature trees cost more than seedlings or indigenous varieties

âś… Materials Used

  • Cabro, stone, and tile vary in cost and durability

âś… Location

  • Nairobi and Mombasa rates are higher due to demand and transport
  • Machakos, Kisumu, and Eldoret offer more affordable options

đź’ˇ Smart Ways to Save on Landscaping

  1. Bundle Services: Combine lawn, lighting, and cleanup for discounts
  2. Use Indigenous Plants: Cheaper, drought-resistant, and easier to maintain
  3. Choose Verified Balozy Providers: Compare ratings, prices, and design portfolios
  4. Book Off-Peak: Dry season bookings may be 10–20% cheaper
  5. Ask for Maintenance Plans: Monthly contracts reduce long-term costs

🧑‍💼 How to Hire a Landscaper on Balozy

  • âś… Browse verified profiles by location and service type
  • âś… Filter by garden design, irrigation, lighting, or cleanup
  • âś… Chat directly via WhatsApp or in-app messaging
  • âś… Confirm design scope, materials, and payment method
  • âś… Leave a review to help others find trusted landscapers

📍 Regional Price Summary

City Lawn Install (per m²) Garden Design Irrigation System Cleanup (monthly)
Nairobi 300–600 10K–50K 20K–80K 4K–10K
Machakos 250–500 5K–30K 15K–60K 3K–8K
Mombasa 300–600 15K–60K 20K–80K 4K–10K
Kisumu 250–500 5K–40K 15K–60K 3K–8K
Eldoret 250–500 5K–40K 20K–80K 3K–8K