Introduction: Making the Right Generator Investment
Buying a generator in Kenya is a significant investment - anywhere from KES 100,000 to several million shillings. Make the wrong choice, and you're stuck with years of headaches, excessive fuel costs, or frequent breakdowns.
This guide shares everything we've learned from 15+ years of selling, installing, and servicing generators across all 47 counties in Kenya.
Step 1: Determine Your Power Requirements
Before looking at any generator, you need to know exactly how much power you need.
Calculate Your Load
List every item you need to power during an outage:
Residential Example:
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts |
|---|---|---|
| LED lights (10) | 100W | 100W |
| Refrigerator | 200W | 1,200W |
| TV | 150W | 150W |
| Fans (2) | 160W | 160W |
| WiFi router | 15W | 15W |
| Phone chargers | 50W | 50W |
| **Total** | **675W** | **1,675W** |
Minimum Generator Size: 675W + 1,200W (largest starting) = 1,875W
Recommended: Add 25% buffer = 2.5kVA minimum, 3.5kVA recommended
Commercial Calculation
For businesses, hire an electrician to measure actual consumption or use your Kenya Power bill:
Monthly kWh / 720 hours = Average kW demand
Peak kW = Average x 1.5 to 2
Quick Sizing Guide
| Application | Recommended Size |
|---|---|
| Small apartment | 2.5-3.5 kVA |
| 3-bedroom house | 5-7.5 kVA |
| Large home with AC | 10-15 kVA |
| Small shop | 5-10 kVA |
| Medium office | 15-30 kVA |
| Restaurant | 30-60 kVA |
| Small factory | 60-150 kVA |
| Large factory | 200-2000 kVA |
Step 2: Choose Diesel vs Petrol
Choose Diesel If:
- Running more than 4 hours daily
- Need reliability for business
- Size requirement over 10kVA
- Want 15-20+ year lifespan
- Prioritize fuel efficiency
Choose Petrol If:
- Emergency use only (under 200 hours/year)
- Need portability
- Budget is primary concern
- Size requirement under 5kVA
- Noise is major concern
Cost Comparison Over 5 Years
5kVA at 4 hours/day:
- Petrol: KES 2,100,000 (including 1-2 replacements)
- Diesel: KES 1,400,000 (no replacement needed)
Step 3: Understand Generator Brands
Premium Brands (Highest Quality, Longest Life)
Cummins (USA/UK)
- Industry standard for reliability
- Excellent parts availability in Kenya
- Fuel efficient engines
- Price: Premium (20-40% above average)
- Best for: Commercial, industrial, critical power
Perkins (UK)
- Trusted British engineering
- Good local support network
- Wide range of sizes
- Price: Premium
- Best for: Commercial, agricultural
Caterpillar/CAT (USA)
- Extremely durable
- Excellent for harsh conditions
- Higher initial cost
- Price: Premium
- Best for: Mining, construction, heavy industry
FG Wilson (UK)
- Quality mid-range option
- Good value for money
- Reliable performance
- Price: Mid-premium
- Best for: Commercial, light industrial
Mid-Range Brands
SDMO (France)
- Good European quality
- Growing Kenya presence
- Competitive pricing
- Best for: Commercial backup
Himoinsa (Spain)
- Solid engineering
- Good support network
- Reasonable prices
- Best for: Commercial, rental
Budget-Conscious Options
Kipor/Kama (China)
- Affordable pricing
- Acceptable for light use
- Shorter lifespan expected
- Best for: Residential backup
Lutian/Tigmax (China)
- Entry-level pricing
- Basic functionality
- Limited longevity
- Best for: Very occasional use
Step 4: Key Features to Look For
Essential Features
- Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR): Stable power output
- Circuit breaker: Overload protection
- Oil pressure shutdown: Engine protection
- Fuel gauge: Obvious but often missing on cheap units
- Hour meter: Track runtime for maintenance
Valuable Features
- Electric start: Convenience, especially for larger units
- Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) compatibility: Seamless power transfer
- Low noise enclosure: For residential areas
- Digital controller: Better monitoring and control
- Water-cooled engine: For continuous duty
Features for Business Use
- Remote monitoring capability: Track status from anywhere
- Parallel operation capability: Scalability
- Extended fuel tank: Longer runtime
- Built-in ATS: Simplified installation
Step 5: Where to Buy in Kenya
Authorized Dealers (Recommended)
Pros:
- Genuine products with warranty
- Factory-trained technicians
- Authentic spare parts
- After-sales support
Cons:
- Higher prices
- Less negotiation room
Major Dealers in Kenya:
- Emerson EiMS (nationwide)
- Mantrac (CAT)
- DT Dobie
- Hotpoint Appliances
Direct Importers
Pros:
- Competitive prices
- Wider selection
Cons:
- Warranty may be limited
- Parts availability uncertain
- Service quality varies
Online Marketplaces (Jiji, PigiaMe)
Pros:
- Lowest prices often
- Wide selection
Cons:
- No warranty typically
- Risk of counterfeit/substandard
- No after-sales support
- Cash transactions only
Our Recommendation: Buy from authorized dealers or reputable companies with physical premises and verifiable track record.
Step 6: Negotiation Strategies That Work
Do Your Homework First
- Get quotes from at least 3 suppliers
- Know the typical market price for your size/brand
- Research what's included (ATS, installation, delivery)
Timing Your Purchase
Best times to negotiate:
- End of month (sales targets)
- End of quarter (even better)
- December/January (slow season)
- When they have excess stock
Negotiation Tactics
1. Bundle for Savings
Ask for package deals including:
- ATS (automatic transfer switch)
- First service free
- Extended warranty
- Installation
- Fuel (initial fill)
2. Cash Discount
Cash payments often get 5-10% discount. Ask: "What's your best cash price?"
3. The Walk-Away
"I've got a quote from [competitor] for KES X. Can you match it?" Be prepared to actually walk away.
4. Trade-In Value
If replacing an old generator, negotiate trade-in value as part of the deal.
5. Financing Terms
If financing, negotiate:
- Lower deposit
- Interest rate
- Flexible payment terms
What's Negotiable
- Generator price (5-15% typical)
- Installation charges
- Delivery fees
- ATS and accessories
- Extended warranty
- Service packages
What's Usually Not Negotiable
- Manufacturer warranty terms
- Genuine parts pricing
- Technical specifications
Step 7: New vs Used - Making the Right Choice
Buy New If:
- This is critical/business power
- You want full warranty
- Budget allows
- You need specific features
- Peace of mind matters
Consider Used If:
- Budget is tight
- For backup/occasional use
- You can inspect thoroughly
- Seller is reputable
- Service history is available
Used Generator Inspection Checklist
Engine:
- Check running hours (under 3,000 ideal)
- Look for oil leaks
- Check exhaust color (should be clear)
- Listen for knocking sounds
- Check oil condition (dipstick)
Alternator:
- Test output voltage stability
- Check for overheating signs
- Inspect windings if accessible
General:
- Check all panels and controls
- Inspect fuel system
- Test all safety shutdowns
- Review maintenance records
- Verify serial numbers match
Red Flags - Walk Away:
- No running hours meter
- Seller won't let it run under load
- Unknown service history
- Multiple owners
- Suspiciously low price
- Pressure to decide quickly
Step 8: What to Expect in Total Cost
Your total investment includes more than just the generator:
Complete Cost Breakdown
| Item | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|
| Generator | 60-70% |
| ATS | 10-15% |
| Installation | 10-15% |
| Wiring/Electrical | 5-10% |
| Delivery | 2-5% |
| Base/Enclosure | 3-5% |
Example: 20kVA Installation
- Generator: KES 700,000
- ATS: KES 80,000
- Installation labor: KES 50,000
- Wiring materials: KES 40,000
- Concrete base: KES 25,000
- Delivery: KES 15,000
- Total: KES 910,000
Hidden Costs to Ask About
- ATS programming
- Electrical panel modifications
- Permits (if required)
- Earth pit installation
- Fuel storage tank
- Noise enclosure (if needed)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying undersized: Save money now, regret later
- Choosing only on price: Cheap generators cost more long-term
- Ignoring brand reputation: Parts availability matters
- Skipping professional installation: Safety and warranty issues
- Not getting warranty in writing: Verbal promises mean nothing
- Forgetting about maintenance: Factor in ongoing costs
- Buying without load test: Always see it run under load
Our Guarantee
At Emerson EiMS, we offer:
- Genuine products from authorized sources
- Full manufacturer warranty
- Professional installation by certified technicians
- Comprehensive after-sales support
- Fair, transparent pricing
Get a Personalized Quote
Tell us your power needs and budget, and we'll recommend the best options:
Contact Emerson EiMS:
- Phone: +254 768 860 665 / +254 782 914 717
- Email: info@emersoneims.com
- WhatsApp: +254 768 860 665
- Visit: Our showroom in Nairobi
Serving all 47 counties in Kenya with quality power solutions.