How to Start a Hardware Shop in Kenya (2026): Licences, Stock List and Starting Prices

Kenya never stops building. Every new house, rental block, fence and borehole needs cement, pipes, fittings, nails and tools, which makes a hardware shop one of the steadiest small businesses in the country. This guide takes you from idea to opening day, with a starter stock list priced from sellers on Buy More Mall.

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

1. Pick the Right Location

• Near construction: growing estates and roads where plots are being built on.
• Easy loading: space for a pick-up or lorry to offload cement and steel.
• Secure storage: cement must stay dry and off the floor; steel and pipes need a lockable yard.

2. Register and License the Business

1. Register the business name with the Business Registration Service (on eCitizen), or register a company if you have partners.
2. Get a KRA PIN for the business from KRA; you will need it for permits, suppliers and tax returns.
3. Get a Single Business Permit from your county government for the premises. Fees depend on the county and the size of the business.

3. Starter Stock List

Start with the fast movers. Here are sample items with current prices from sellers on Buy More Mall:

Building materials

Plumbing

Hardware and tools

Full price lists for each category:

• Building Materials Price List (cement, steel, BRC, DPM, doors)
• PPR Pipe & Fittings Price List and GI Fittings Price List
• Nails, Screws & Bolts and Padlocks & Door Hardware
• House Wiring Materials and Sockets & Switches
• Chain Link & Barbed Wire and Hand Tools

4. Price for Profit

• Cement and steel sell on thin margins but bring customers in; make your profit on fittings, tools, paint and small items.
• Sell by the piece and by the box or roll, with a better price for bulk.
• Offer fundis a small trade discount; they bring repeat business.

5. Manage Stock and Cash

1. Record what sells each week and reorder before you run out of the top 20 items.
2. Avoid tying cash up in slow items; order those only on request.
3. Keep credit to trusted fundis and contractors, with written limits.

Sell Online Too

Open a free shop on Buy More Mall and your stock is visible to buyers across Kenya, with M-Pesa payment and delivery. See How to Become a Seller at Buy More Mall.

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

How much capital do I need to start a hardware shop in Kenya?

It depends on location and how much stock you carry. Price your starter list with the tables above, then add rent, permits, shelving and a few months of running costs.

What sells most in a Kenyan hardware shop?

Cement, steel bars, PPR and PVC fittings, nails, binding wire, paint and brushes, padlocks, sockets and hand tools.

Which licences does a hardware shop need?

A registered business name, a KRA PIN and a Single Business Permit from your county.

Can I sell hardware online?

Yes. Open a shop on Buy More Mall and list your stock with prices so buyers across Kenya can order and pay by M-Pesa.

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.

Related Guides

• Building Materials Price List
• Sell Building Materials Online
• PPR Price List
• Nails, Screws & Bolts
• Welding Machine Price in Kenya
• PPR Fittings Names and Sizes
• Hose Pipe, Rope & Chain Prices