Kenya’s roofing market is often driven by price-sensitive buying, sometimes at a high long-term cost. In this interview, SAMWEL MUHINGO, Director of HJM CRYSTAL VENTURES LIMITED and a franchisee of Mabati Rolling Mills, shares insights on roof quality, common causes of premature failure, and what clients should consider when selecting roofing materials.
Construction Kenya Showcase: In the Kenyan market, price often drives roofing decisions. From your experience, how widespread is this “price-first” mindset, and what risks does it create for homeowners and developers?
Samwel: It is true that some customers are driven primarily by price, although there are also many who seek value. Price-driven purchases often come with consequences because some of the cheaper products in the market are highly compromised in terms of quality. In the long term, this translates into higher maintenance costs or even complete roof replacement.
We frequently see roofs fading, rusting, or deteriorating within just a few years. What are the main technical reasons behind this premature failure?
There are several reasons, but the key drivers include:
– Rusting due to poorly manufactured roofing materials that lack the required aluminium-zinc coating thickness.
– Wrong material choices for specific locations or applications. For example, coastal areas in Kenya require higher rust protection than places like Nairobi, so specifications must match the region. Highly corrosive environments also demand the right roofing materials.
– Poor paint quality and manufacturing processes, especially weak adhesive properties that eventually lead to fading.
– Importation of raw materials that are not tropicalised; when exposed to intense UV radiation, these tend to fade quickly.
Manufacturers must maintain thorough quality assurance processes and import raw materials suited to our regional weather conditions.
How can contractors and homeowners distinguish between high-quality roofing materials and cheaper look-alike products at the point of purchase?
Some quality indicators are intrinsic, and sellers should clearly explain them to customers. Mabati Rolling Mills, for example, has years of demonstrable product performance, which gives the company confidence to issue documented warranties. While meeting KEBS standards is mandatory, enforcement is still not as strong as it should be. Unfortunately, some businesses exploit this gap by selling poor-quality roofing materials to unsuspecting customers.
To what extent does poor installation – as opposed to material quality – contribute to early roof failure in Kenya?
Installation is a critical aspect of any building. Poor workmanship can lead to leakages and damage to interior finishes, and the roof will not have a neat appearance. As the crown jewel of the home, the roof deserves proper installation. Customers are encouraged to use certified installers. Mabati Rolling Mills frequently trains fundis across the country to build the right competencies and skills.
What long-term cost implications should clients consider when they opt for cheaper roofing products instead of certified premium products?
The costs can be significant. They include full roof replacement, repainting faded roofs that lose their original appearance, and generally shorter lifespans – especially where rusting occurs.
There is a perception that all mabati products are essentially the same. What key manufacturing or coating differences actually determine durability and performance?
Mabati sio mabati (not every mabati product is the same). Aluminium-zinc coating thickness, colour technology, and the correct sheet gauge all play a major role in determining product durability and performance.
What role should architects, engineers, quantity surveyors and contractors play in guiding clients away from substandard roofing choices?
The most important step is continuous training and information for specifiers, including fundis, so they clearly understand the differences between high-quality products and inferior alternatives in the market. This is an initiative that Mabati Rolling Mills undertakes frequently.
From your perspective at Mabati Rolling Mills, how has the market evolved in terms of awareness about roofing quality and lifecycle value?
Recently, the market has seen many new entrants, and it has been a learning curve for customers. We are already seeing many clients coming to the showroom to replace what they once believed was good mabati but which eventually faded because it was simply the most affordable option at the time.
What specific advice would you give to a Kenyan homeowner or developer tempted to save money by buying the cheapest roofing option available?
Trust suppliers who have been in the market for a long time, and always engage professionals for advice before making a purchase decision.
Looking ahead, what industry or regulatory measures could help curb the influx and use of substandard roofing materials in Kenya?
Market leaders and industry players need to work closely with KEBS and actively report non-compliance. At the same time, the regulator must be equipped with the right tools for effective market surveillance to identify violations and shut down manufacturers and sellers of substandard roofing materials.
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this interview are solely those of Mr Samwel Muhingo and do not necessarily reflect the views of Mabati Rolling Mills Ltd.
