One of the most common questions property developers, homeowners, and contractors ask is:
⏳ “How long will the excavation take?”
Whether you’re building a dream home or a commercial complex, timelines matter. Delays in excavation can lead to stalled projects, wasted resources, and higher costs.
At Bacano Investment Limited, we specialize in providing timely, safe, and efficient excavation services across Laikipia, Meru, Nyeri, Isiolo, Samburu, and Nairobi counties. This guide will break down how long excavation typically takes for different types of projects—and what factors can affect your timeline.
1. Typical Excavation Timeframes in Kenya
| Project Type | Average Excavation Time |
|---|---|
| 2-3 Bedroom Residential Home | 2 to 5 Days |
| 4-5 Bedroom Residential | 5 to 7 Days |
| Small Commercial Buildings | 5 to 10 Days |
| Multi-Storey Commercial | 10 to 20+ Days (depending on depth) |
| Basements or Underground Tanks | 7 to 14 Days (or more) |
These estimates apply when the site is accessible and machinery is used efficiently.
2. What Affects Excavation Timelines?
Several real-world factors can influence how long your excavation takes:
Soil Type
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Soft Soil: Easy and fast to excavate
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Rocky Ground or Murram: Slower and may require breakers or blasting
Depth & Scope
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Shallow foundations are quicker
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Deep excavations (like basements) require more time and planning
Weather Conditions
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Heavy rains may delay digging, especially in clay-rich areas
Machinery Availability
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Delays occur when hiring unreliable contractors without their own equipment.
✅ Bacano owns its excavation fleet—so no downtime.
Permit & Inspection Requirements
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Some counties require site clearance or NCA inspection before excavation starts
3. How Bacano Guarantees Timely Project Delivery
At Bacano Investment Limited, we understand that time = money in construction.
Here’s how we stick to tight schedules:
✅ On-site engineers to supervise every stage
✅ Skilled operators with experience across terrains
✅ In-house machinery fleet (excavators, graders, compactors, rollers)
✅ Proper project planning and soil assessment before work starts
✅ Daily work reports and communication with clients
Whether you’re in Laikipia, Nairobi, Meru, or Samburu, we deliver excavation projects on time and within budget.
4. Commercial Projects: Why Timelines Differ
Commercial projects often involve:
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Larger areas
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Utility trenches (water, sewer, power)
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Heavier soil compaction needs
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Higher safety regulations
This means more planning, longer digging time, and sometimes staged excavation.
Tip: For commercial developments, plan for at least 2–3 weeks of excavation, especially if you’re including a basement, drainage system, or retaining walls.
5. Want a Faster Excavation Process? Here’s What You Can Do
To speed up excavation:
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Do a geotechnical soil test beforehand
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Ensure access roads for machinery are ready
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Clear vegetation or debris from the site in advance
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Hire professionals with both equipment and experience—like Bacano
Call Bacano Today
Need a site assessed for excavation in Laikipia, Meru, Nairobi, Nyeri, Samburu, or Isiolo?
We’re just a call away.
0711 509 584 – We offer free site visits and expert consultation.
FAQs: Excavation Duration in Kenya
Q1: Can excavation be done in one day?
A: Only for very small or shallow projects, like pit latrines or small septic tank trenches.
Q2: How does rock excavation affect time?
A: Significantly. Breaking rocks can take 2–3x longer and may require special equipment.
Q3: Will I get a timeline before we start?
A: Yes. Bacano provides a custom excavation schedule after your site assessment.