From Boardrooms to Backyard Weddings—What You Need to Know Before You Book

In Kenya, catering isn’t just about food—it’s about verified hospitality, cultural pride, and seamless execution. Whether you’re hosting a wedding in Syokimau, a boardroom lunch in Westlands, or a graduation party in Kisumu, the right caterer ensures your guests feel nourished, honored, and remembered. This guide breaks down the real costs of catering services in Kenya, what’s included, regional trends, and how to hire trusted providers through Balozy.

đź’° National Snapshot: Catering Costs in Kenya (2025)

Catering Type Cost Range (KES/person) Notes
Office Lunch (buffet) 500–1,200 Includes 2 proteins, starch, veg, fruit
Wedding Catering 800–2,500 Full service with waitstaff, décor, drinks
Cocktail/Canapé Service 600–1,500 Bite-sized, plated or passed
BBQ/Grill Station 700–1,800 Nyama choma, chicken, fish, sides
Short-Stay Chef Service 3,000–10,000/day Includes groceries, prep, cleanup
Packed Lunches 350–800 Ideal for offices, schools, field teams
Corporate Breakfast 400–1,000 Tea, juice, pastries, eggs, sausages
Vegan/Vegetarian Menus 600–1,500 Custom plant-based options
High-End Plated Service 2,000–4,000 3–5 course meals with servers

Source: , ,

🏙️ City-by-City Breakdown

1. Nairobi

Kenya’s catering capital—home to high-end chefs, corporate clients, and diverse menus.

  • Office Catering (e.g., Westlands, Upper Hill):
    • KSh 600–1,200/person
    • Includes delivery, setup, and cleanup
  • Wedding Catering (e.g., Karen, Syokimau):
    • KSh 1,000–2,500/person
    • Includes buffet, drinks, waitstaff, and dĂ©cor
  • Short-Stay Chef Services:
    • KSh 4,000–10,000/day
    • Ideal for Airbnb hosts or private dinners

Balozy Tip: Nairobi caterers often offer themed menus—ask for Swahili, Indian, continental, or fusion options.

2. Machakos

Affordable and responsive—Machakos caterers are ideal for estate events, schools, and office parks.

  • Office Lunches (e.g., Mlolongo, Athi River):
    • KSh 500–900/person
    • Includes 2 proteins, starch, veg, and fruit
  • Wedding Catering:
    • KSh 800–2,000/person
    • Includes buffet, drinks, and basic dĂ©cor
  • Packed Lunches for Field Teams:
    • KSh 350–700/person
    • Ideal for construction sites, NGO teams, or school trips

Balozy Tip: Many Machakos caterers offer same-day service—perfect for last-minute meetings or Airbnb guests.

3. Mombasa

Coastal catering blends tropical flavors, seafood, and Swahili heritage.

  • Beach Weddings & Events:
    • KSh 1,200–2,500/person
    • Includes seafood, Swahili dishes, and tropical drinks
  • Corporate Breakfasts (e.g., Nyali, Bamburi):
    • KSh 500–1,000/person
    • Includes mahamri, samosas, eggs, juice
  • BBQ Stations:
    • KSh 800–1,800/person
    • Includes grilled fish, chicken, beef, and coastal sides

Balozy Tip: Ask for caterers with coastal experience—humidity affects food safety and setup.

4. Kisumu

Lake-side catering emphasizes fresh fish, local produce, and vibrant presentation.

  • Wedding Catering (e.g., Milimani, Manyatta):
    • KSh 900–2,000/person
    • Includes buffet, drinks, and traditional Luo dishes
  • Office Lunches:
    • KSh 500–1,000/person
    • Includes tilapia, ugali, sukuma, and fruit
  • Graduation Parties:
    • KSh 800–1,500/person
    • Includes buffet, drinks, and dessert

Balozy Tip: Ask for lake-fresh tilapia and seasonal fruit—perfect for local flair.

5. Eldoret

Known for hearty portions and farm-fresh ingredients.

  • Wedding Catering (e.g., Elgon View, Kapsoya):
    • KSh 1,000–2,000/person
    • Includes buffet, drinks, and dessert
  • Corporate Events:
    • KSh 600–1,200/person
    • Includes delivery and setup
  • Farm BBQs & Graduation Events:
    • KSh 700–1,500/person
    • Includes nyama choma, chicken, and local sides

Balozy Tip: Eldoret caterers often offer bulk discounts—ask for packages for 100+ guests.

🍴 What’s Included in Catering Services?

Service Element Included? Notes
Menu Planning âś… Customizable by event type
Food Preparation âś… On-site or off-site
Delivery & Setup âś… Confirm transport fees
Waitstaff ✅/❌ Included in weddings, extra for office events
Décor & Tableware ✅/❌ Often optional or bundled
Drinks & Beverages ✅/❌ Juice, soda, water; alcohol extra
Cleanup âś… Post-event waste removal
Dietary Options âś… Vegan, halal, gluten-free available

Balozy Tip: Always confirm headcount, dietary needs, and setup time 48 hours before the event.

🧠 What Affects Catering Costs?

âś… Guest Count

  • Larger events benefit from economies of scale
  • Minimum order often starts at 20–30 guests

âś… Menu Complexity

  • Simple buffet is cheaper than plated service
  • Exotic ingredients and seafood raise costs

âś… Location

  • Nairobi and Mombasa rates are higher
  • Transport to rural areas adds KSh 2,000–10,000

âś… Equipment & Staffing

  • Waitstaff, tents, tables, and dĂ©cor add cost
  • Some caterers offer full event management

âś… Duration

  • Full-day events cost more than 2–3 hour setups
  • Overtime fees may apply

đź’ˇ Smart Ways to Save on Catering

  1. Book Early: Caterers offer discounts for off-peak or weekday events
  2. Bundle Services: Combine catering with décor, tents, or DJ
  3. Use Verified Balozy Providers: Compare ratings, menus, and past event photos
  4. Choose Local Menus: Kenyan dishes are affordable and crowd-pleasing
  5. Limit Waste: Confirm headcount and avoid over-ordering

🧑‍💼 How to Hire a Caterer on Balozy

  • âś… Browse verified profiles by location and event type
  • âś… Filter by cuisine (Swahili, continental, BBQ, vegetarian)
  • âś… Chat directly via WhatsApp or in-app messaging
  • âś… Confirm menu, setup, and payment method
  • âś… Leave a review to help others find trusted caterers

đź“Ť Regional Price Summary

City Office Lunch Wedding Catering BBQ Station Short-Stay Chef
Nairobi 600–1,200 1,000–2,500 800–1,800 4K–10K/day
Machakos 500–900 800–2,000 700–1,500 3K–8K/day
Mombasa 600–1,200 1,200–2,500 800–1,800 4K–10K/day
Kisumu 500–1,000 900–2,000 700–1,500 3K–8K/day
Eldoret 500–1,000 1,000–2,000 700–1,500 3K–8K