As Kenya’s construction, infrastructure, and manufacturing sectors continue to grow, the demand for quality steel products remains strong.
From high-rise buildings and roads to machinery and furniture, steel is at the heart of modern development.
In 2025, several companies continue to dominate Kenya’s steel industry with innovation, expansion, and a commitment to quality.
Here’s a look at the 7 top steel companies in Kenya making a significant impact today.
1. Devki Steel Mills Ltd
Location: Ruiru, Mombasa, Athi River
Founded: 1994
Key Products: Reinforcement bars, wire rods, billets, structural steel
Devki Steel Mills remains the largest steel manufacturer in Kenya and East Africa. With a vertically integrated model, Devki controls everything from raw materials to final production.
Its recent investments in high-capacity furnaces and green energy initiatives underscore its leadership.
Notable Project: Supplying steel for affordable housing and major roads under Vision 2030.
2. Apex Steel Ltd
Location: Athi River, Nairobi
Founded: 1970
Key Products: TMT bars, steel tubes, hollow sections, fabrication products
Apex Steel is a leader in high-strength steel products. The company has earned a strong reputation for sustainable production and compliance with global standards. Its ISO certification and focus on quality make it a preferred supplier for many contractors and developers.
Sustainability: Kenya’s first steel firm to adopt a green certification model for rebar production.
3. Tononoka Group
Location: Nairobi
Founded: 1980s
Key Subsidiaries: Tononoka Rolling Mills, Tononoka Steels, Tononoka Hardware
Tononoka Group has grown from a hardware business into a major steel manufacturer. Their steel products, including hollow sections, steel plates, and sheets, are widely used in both local and regional construction projects.
Regional Reach: Exports to Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, and Tanzania.
4. Tarmal Steel Kenya Ltd
Location: Mombasa
Founded: Over 30 years ago
Key Products: Reinforcement bars, angle bars, window sections, round bars
Tarmal Steel is a well-established player, especially on the coast. The company emphasizes recycling and sustainability, using scrap metal to produce high-quality steel while reducing environmental impact.
Recent Development: Expanded their rolling mill capacity and introduced eco-friendly manufacturing technologies.
5. Insteel Limited
Location: Nairobi
Founded: 1991
Key Products: Wire products, fencing, nails, barbed wire, welded mesh
Insteel Limited is a top producer of wire products used in agriculture, construction, and fencing. While not a large steel bar manufacturer, its dominance in the wire and fencing segment makes it an essential player in Kenya’s steel landscape.
Target Market: Contractors, farmers, and utility providers.
6. Steel Structures Ltd
Location: Nairobi (with operations across East Africa)
Founded: 1971
Key Products: Pre-engineered buildings, steel frames, bridges, and towers
Steel Structures Ltd focuses on structural and pre-fabricated steel solutions. Their projects span commercial buildings, factories, towers, and even airport terminals across East Africa.
Expertise: Turnkey structural steel solutions for major commercial and industrial projects.
7. Brollo Kenya
Location: Nairobi
Founded: 2001
Key Products: Galvanized steel pipes, square tubes, structural steel
Brollo Kenya is part of the Italian Brollo Group and has made a name for its high-quality hollow sections, pipes, and cold-formed sections. Their strict adherence to international standards has won them contracts with top engineering firms.
Strength: Italian manufacturing expertise adapted to Kenyan market demands.
8.Abyssinia Group of Industries
Location: Athi River, Eldoret, Mombasa, and Nairobi
Founded: 2003 (with legacy operations dating back to 1980s)
Key Products: Deformed bars, wire rods, billets, angles, and structural steel
Abyssinia Group is one of the oldest and most integrated steel manufacturers in Kenya. The company has established itself as a leader in producing high-quality rebar and structural steel for the construction and infrastructure sectors.
With production facilities across Kenya and a strong regional export footprint, Abyssinia continues to invest in modern technologies, automation, and value-added steel products.
Recent Development: Launched a green steel initiative focusing on cleaner, more energy-efficient steel production.
The Future of Kenya’s Steel Industry
Kenya’s steel sector is expected to grow steadily, driven by:
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Infrastructure projects (roads, ports, bridges)
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Affordable housing initiatives
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The rise of prefabricated construction
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Regional export opportunities under the AfCFTA
Sustainability, automation, and local sourcing are emerging trends that top players are beginning to adopt.
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