How to Plaster a Wall in Kenya (2026): Mix Ratio, Thickness, Steps and Cost

Oct 18, 2026

Buy More Mall Kenya

Plaster protects masonry walls, hides joints and gives a smooth base for paint. Kenyan houses are usually plastered with a cement–sand mortar on stone or block walls. The skills take practice, but the method is straightforward.

Quick answer: Clean and wet the wall, then apply cement–sand plaster about 12–15 mm thick inside (up to about 20 mm outside) using a mix of about 1:4 to 1:6 (cement:sand), richer for external walls. Throw or press the mortar on, rule it flat with a straight edge, float it smooth, and keep it damp for several days so it cures without cracking. A plastering trowel costs KSh 250 on Buy More Mall.

Tools and Materials

Trowel-Plastering – price in Kenya — Trowel-Plastering
**KSh 250**

Trowel-Big – price in Kenya — Trowel-Big
**KSh 160**

Trowel Juakali Big – price in Kenya — Trowel Juakali Big
**KSh 160**

Spirit Level Reg Long – price in Kenya — Spirit Level Reg Long
**KSh 200**

Plumb bob(kabiro) – price in Kenya — Plumb bob(kabiro)
**KSh 300**

Wheelbarrow – price in Kenya — Wheelbarrow
**KSh 3,600**

Simba Cement – price in Kenya — Simba Cement
**KSh 770**

Waterproof Cement-Premium – price in Kenya — Waterproof Cement-Premium
**KSh 150**

Some photos are reference images of the product type, used under open licences. Image credits are on each product page.

Item	Use	Price
Trowel-Plastering	Plastering trowel for spreading and finishing	KSh 250
Trowel-Big	Big trowel for mixing and throwing	KSh 160
Trowel Juakali Big	Juakali trowel	KSh 160
Spirit Level Reg Long	Spirit level	KSh 200
Plumb bob(kabiro)	Plumb bob for vertical lines	KSh 300
Wheelbarrow	Wheelbarrow for mortar	KSh 3,600
Simba Cement	Cement	KSh 770
Waterproof Cement-Premium	Waterproof cement for external and wet areas	KSh 150

Also: clean plaster sand, water, a straight edge (aluminium or timber), a wooden float and a sponge.

Mix Ratio and Thickness

Wall	Mix (cement:sand)	Thickness
Internal walls	About 1:5–1:6	12–15 mm
External walls	About 1:4	15–20 mm, often in two coats
Wet areas (bathrooms)	About 1:4 with waterproofing	12–15 mm
Ceilings (concrete slab)	About 1:4	6–10 mm

Step by Step

Prepare: rake out loose joints, remove dust and fill large holes.
Wet the wall so it does not suck water out of the plaster.
Set levels: fix dots and screeds (bands of plaster) at the finished thickness using a spirit level and plumb bob.
Mix only what you can use in about an hour.
Apply by throwing or pressing mortar on from the bottom up.
Rule off with a straight edge between the screeds.
Float to a smooth finish once it has firmed slightly.
Cure: mist the wall with water for several days; shade it from strong sun.

Can I Plaster a Wall Myself?

A small wall or repair, yes, with patience. Whole houses go faster and flatter with an experienced fundi team. Plastering should be done after roofing, electrical conduits and plumbing chases are in place.

Plastering Cost per Square Metre

Cost depends on thickness, mix, wall condition and local labour rates. Estimate materials from the area and thickness, then add labour per square metre.

Cost ranges are rough planning estimates for 2026 and vary by county, materials and labour; get a written quote.

Worked Example: Plastering a Bedsitter

A developer plasters the internal walls of a bedsitter at 12 mm with a 1:5 mix, uses waterproof cement in the shower area, and has the fundi mist the walls morning and evening for five days. The walls are ready for paint in two weeks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Plastering a dry, dusty wall.
Too thick in one coat (sagging and cracks).
Dirty sand with clay.
No curing, especially in hot, windy weather.

Not sure which one fits? Send us your details on WhatsApp or through the product page and we will help you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mix ratio for plastering?

About 1:4 for external walls and 1:5–1:6 for internal walls.

How thick should plaster be?

12–15 mm inside, up to about 20 mm outside.

Can plastering be done before roofing?

Usually it is done after roofing to protect the work from rain.

Why does plaster crack?

Too thick, too much cement, dry walls or no curing.

How much does plastering cost in Kenya?

It is priced per square metre for labour plus materials; get local quotes.

Prices shown are regular prices on Buy More Mall. Many products are currently on offer, so open the product page to see today's price.

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