Steel is a fundamental material in construction and manufacturing due to its durability, strength, and versatility. In Kenya, steel is used in various forms such as steel bars, rods, and sheets, especially in the construction industry. This article provides a comprehensive guide on the best steel manufacturers and suppliers in Kenya, the types of steel available, and their applications in construction.
Understanding Steel and Its Applications
Contrary to popular belief, steel is not a pure metal; it is an alloy made by combining iron with carbon in controlled proportions. The carbon content gives steel its unique properties, making it suitable for various applications. Steel is widely used because of its high yield strength, toughness, and ability to withstand tension and compression. These properties make steel essential in reinforced concrete structures, which are used in critical parts of a building, such as beams, columns, slabs, and foundations.
Types of Steel Used in Construction
The primary forms of steel used in the construction industry include:
- Steel Bars (Reinforcement Bars): Used in reinforced concrete, steel bars help buildings withstand both tension and compression forces. The most commonly used bars today are TMT (Thermo Mechanically Treated) bars, which replaced the older twisted bars due to their superior strength and durability. These bars come in various diameters, ranging from D6 to D40.
- Steel Hollow Sections: Available in different shapes like round and square sections, these rods are hollow to increase their ability to withstand stress. They are used in constructing steel staircases, water tanks, footbridges, and balconies.
- Steel Sheets: Steel sheets are flat plates available in different gauges and are commonly used for doors, windows, staircases, gates, and footbridges. Rough steel sheets are often used for staircases to prevent slips and accidents.
Best Steel Manufacturers and Suppliers in Kenya
Kenya has several established steel manufacturers that offer a wide range of products for construction and industrial use. Below are some of the top steel manufacturers in the country:
1. Doshi Steel
Doshi Steel is a well-known brand in Kenya, famous for its slogan “Chuma ya Nguvu” (Strong Steel). The company offers a wide range of products, including steel hollow sections, steel sheets, reinforcement bars, and steel pipes. Doshi Steel is known for providing high-quality steel products that meet international standards.
2. Devki Steel
Devki Steel Mills is one of the largest steel manufacturers in Kenya, offering products such as steel rods, reinforcement bars, steel sheets, and other metal products like iron sheets and wire products. Devki Steel is renowned for producing high-quality steel that is suitable for construction and other heavy-duty applications.
3. Tononoka Steel
Tononoka Steel is another reputable steel manufacturer in Kenya, offering a variety of products that include steel reinforcement bars, hollow sections, steel plates and sheets, open profiles, and wire products. The company is known for producing durable steel products for various applications in construction and industry.
4. Abyssinia Group
Abyssinia Group is one of Kenya’s leading steel manufacturers, offering a wide range of products such as reinforcement bars, steel sections, hollow sections, steel pipes, weld mesh, binding wire, and BRC mesh. The company’s products are known for their quality and adherence to international standards.
5. Apex Steel
Located in Nairobi’s industrial area, Apex Steel manufactures a variety of steel products, including pipes, hollow sections, steel sheets, and galvanized steel products. Apex Steel is a trusted brand that serves both the construction and manufacturing industries with high-quality steel.
6. Tuffsteel Limited
Tuffsteel Limited is a prominent supplier of construction materials in Kenya, offering various steel products such as reinforcement bars, steel sections, pipes, and steel rods in different shapes. The company is known for supplying durable steel products that meet the demands of the construction industry.
7. Insteel Limited
Insteel Limited, part of the Safal Group, specializes in steel rods, available in various shapes including square, rectangular, and circular. Insteel also offers steel sections and galvanized pipes. The company is known for its reliable steel products, suitable for both small-scale and large-scale construction projects.
Steel in Construction: Reinforced Concrete
In construction, steel is primarily used in reinforced concrete structures. This is because concrete, while excellent in compression, is poor in tension. Steel, on the other hand, excels in tension but is weak in compression. By combining these two materials, engineers create reinforced concrete that can withstand both compression and tension forces, making buildings stronger and more durable.
Reinforced concrete is commonly used in the following structural elements:
- Beams
- Columns
- Slabs
- Foundations
The number and size of steel bars used in a structure are calculated by civil engineers based on factors like soil bearing capacity, building purpose, and load distribution. This ensures that the structure is safe, durable, and cost-effective.
Steel Hollow Sections: Versatile and Durable
Steel hollow sections are widely used in construction due to their ability to withstand stress while minimizing weight. These sections are used in:
- Steel staircases
- Water tank towers
- Footbridges
- Building columns and beams
The design and sizing of steel hollow sections depend on factors like load capacity, soil bearing strength, and environmental conditions. Engineers play a crucial role in determining the appropriate steel sections for each project to ensure safety and stability.
Steel Sheets: Versatile Applications
Steel sheets are used in a variety of applications in construction, including:
- Doors and windows
- Staircases and footbridges
- Gates and fences
Steel sheets come in different thicknesses or gauges, and the choice depends on the specific use. For example, rough steel sheets are ideal for staircases to prevent slips, while smoother sheets may be used for gates or footbridges.
Steel as a Pillar of Construction
Steel is an essential material in Kenya’s construction industry, offering strength, durability, and versatility. From reinforcement bars used in concrete structures to steel sheets and hollow sections, steel is present in every corner of modern construction. Whether you’re building a skyscraper, a water tank tower, or even a simple gate, you can find high-quality steel products from the top manufacturers listed above.
Choosing the right steel products from reputable manufacturers like Doshi Steel, Devki Steel, and Tononoka Steel ensures that your construction projects are safe, durable, and up to standard. Always consult with a qualified engineer to determine the right type and size of steel for your specific needs.
