Excavators play a crucial role in construction, land preparation, trenching, road building, and infrastructure development across Kenya. Whether you’re preparing a site for a building, digging trenches for pipes, or clearing land for agriculture or development, hiring an excavator is often more cost-effective than purchasing one outright.
But how much does it really cost to hire an excavator in Kenya—and what factors influence the price?
At Bacano Investment Ltd, we’ve worked with numerous clients across Laikipia, Nyeri, and surrounding counties, helping them navigate the excavation process affordably and professionally. Here’s a deep dive into what affects the cost of hiring an excavator in Kenya.
1. Type and Size of Excavator
Excavators come in different types and sizes, including:
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Mini Excavators (0.5 – 6 tons): Ideal for small spaces and light tasks
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Medium Excavators (6 – 20 tons): Suitable for general construction work
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Large Excavators (20+ tons): Best for heavy-duty operations like mining or large infrastructure projects
Larger machines cost more to hire because of their fuel consumption, transport logistics, and capability. If you only need to dig a shallow foundation for a house or trench for a water line, a mini or medium excavator may suffice.
2. Duration of Hire
The length of time you need the excavator will significantly influence the total cost. Most providers offer flexible rates such as:
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Hourly rates
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Daily rates
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Weekly/monthly packages
Longer durations usually come with discounts. However, short-term hires may seem cheaper upfront but add up if the project is delayed.
💡 Tip: Book in advance and have your site prepared to minimize idle time.
3. Location of the Project
Your project’s location plays a major role in the pricing.
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Projects within Bacano’s core service areas (e.g., Nyeri, Laikipia, Nanyuki) are more affordable.
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Remote or difficult-to-access sites will incur extra transport and logistics costs.
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Areas with rough terrain may also require specialized machinery or operators.
4. Type of Work or Project Complexity
Excavator pricing depends on what exactly the machine will be doing:
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Site clearance
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Trenching
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Rock breaking
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Foundation digging
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Road grading
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Earthmoving on sloped terrain
Jobs involving rocky soil, deep digging, or hilly terrain are more complex and could increase the cost due to wear and tear or need for skilled operation.
5. Operator Costs
Most excavator hire companies, including Bacano, offer excavators with skilled operators as part of the package. This ensures:
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Work is done efficiently and safely
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You meet compliance standards
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You avoid extra liability or risk
Operator fees are often bundled into the total cost, but it’s good to confirm.
6. Fuel Costs
In some cases, clients cover fuel costs separately. Heavy excavation tasks consume more fuel, especially if you’re using large machines for extended periods.
Always ask your service provider whether their rate is:
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Inclusive of fuel
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Exclusive of fuel (fuel on client)
7. Attachments or Additional Tools
Some excavation tasks may require special attachments like:
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Hydraulic breakers
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Augers (for hole digging)
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Buckets of various sizes
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Grading blades
These attachments may increase your cost, but they can also reduce project time and labor.
8. Insurance and Permits
Large-scale projects may need:
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Site insurance
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County or NEMA permits
While not always included in the hire fee, these are part of the overall cost of excavation and should be considered during budgeting.
So, How Much Should You Expect to Pay?
As of 2025, average market rates in Kenya are:
| Type of Excavator | Average Daily Rate (KES) | With Operator & Fuel |
|---|---|---|
| Mini Excavator | Ksh 18,000 – 25,000 | ✅ |
| Medium Excavator | Ksh 25,000 – 45,000 | ✅ |
| Large Excavator | Ksh 50,000 – 80,000+ | ✅ |
Note: These prices vary based on provider, project location, and duration. Always request a quote for accurate figures.
Why Choose Bacano Investment Ltd for Excavator Hire?
We provide:
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Well-maintained, modern machines
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Certified and experienced operators
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Affordable rates with flexible hire durations
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Service coverage in Nyeri, Laikipia, Nanyuki & beyond
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Fast delivery and responsive customer service
Request a Quote Today
Let’s help you get the job done right. Whether you’re building a house, clearing land, or setting up infrastructure, Bacano is ready to deliver.
Click here to request a quote or call 0711 509 584
Key Takeaways
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Understand your excavation needs clearly before hiring
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The right machine and operator make all the difference
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Location, fuel, project duration, and complexity affect price
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Work with a reliable partner like Bacano to save time and money