Buying guides
Written by people who sell these things and get them back when they are wrong. Prices quoted are what the Kenyan market actually charges, and every guide answers the question in the first paragraph.
Power tools
The best cordless drill in Kenya in 2026
For daily trade work in Kenya, buy an 18V brushless combi drill with two 4.0Ah batteries — the Makita DHP484 at around KES 18,500 is the benchmark. For home use, a 12V kit at KES 6,000–13,000 is enough. Voltage decides capability; the battery platform decides what you own in five years.
6 min read · updated Aug 2026
Power tools
How to choose an angle grinder — and use it without losing an eye
Buy a 4.5-inch (115mm) angle grinder first — it costs KES 3,500–12,000 in Kenya and handles most cutting and grinding. Add a 9-inch only if you cut heavy section. Never run one without its guard, always check the disc's rated speed against the tool, and wear a face shield rather than goggles.
7 min read · updated Jul 2026
Solar & power
What size solar inverter do I need in Kenya?
For a Kenyan home backing up lights, a television, a fridge and phone charging, a 3kVA pure sine wave hybrid inverter is the usual right answer at KES 35,000–90,000. Size the inverter to your peak simultaneous load and the battery to how many hours you need. A 3kVA unit delivers about 2.4kW of real power.
8 min read · updated Aug 2026
Buying in Kenya
Where to buy genuine power tools in Nairobi
Buy from a seller with a physical address you can visit, a printed receipt, and a warranty route through a named Nairobi service agent. Toolsman stocks genuine Makita, Bosch, DeWalt, Stanley and Total at GoodHope Plaza, River Road, Nairobi, with M-Pesa checkout and same-day collection.
5 min read · updated Jun 2026
Power tools
Impact driver vs hammer drill: which one do you actually need?
They do different jobs. A hammer drill makes holes in masonry. An impact driver drives screws and bolts with high torque and cannot hold a round drill bit. If you are fixing into concrete, buy the hammer drill. If you are driving hundreds of screws, buy the impact driver. Most trades end up owning both.
5 min read · updated Jul 2026
Test & measurement
How to choose a multimeter for electrical work in Kenya
For anything connected to mains in Kenya, buy a True-RMS meter rated at least CAT III 600V. Expect KES 1,800–6,000 for a competent UNI-T and KES 18,000–45,000 for a Fluke. The premium buys input protection and a CAT rating that has actually been tested — not a more accurate reading.
6 min read · updated Aug 2026