HousePlans Kenya

2 Bedroom House Plans in Kenya: Simple, Modern and Low Cost Two Bedroom House Designs

By the HousePlans Kenya design team · 1 October 2026 · 12 min read

2 Bedroom Flat Roof Bungalow design in Kenya: the Amani, exterior photo

2 bedroom house plans in Kenya are the smartest entry point into home ownership. A two bedroom house costs the least to design and build. It fits on small plots. Furthermore, it works as a first home, a retirement home, a rental cottage or an Airbnb.

In this guide, we walk through the best 2 bedroom house designs in Kenya. We compare simple and modern layouts, flat and pitched roofs, and bungalow and maisonette options. Additionally, we share real drawing prices, building costs and location tips for Nairobi, Kiambu, Nakuru, Kisumu, Mombasa and upcountry Kenya. For room sizes and layouts, read our guide to 2 bedroom house floor plans.

Talk to an architect today

Call 0725 310 112 or chat with us on WhatsApp. Send your plot size, county and the number of bedrooms, and we will reply with a quote the same day.

Who Should Build a 2 Bedroom House?

A two bedroom home suits more people than you might think. For instance, young couples often start with two bedrooms and extend later. Similarly, retirees in Nyeri, Meru and Nanyuki prefer a small, easy-to-clean home with no stairs.

Investors also love 2 bedroom designs. In fact, two bedroom units are the most rented homes in Kenya's towns. They appeal to young families in Ruiru, Juja, Thika and Kitengela who work in Nairobi. Likewise, in Eldoret, Nakuru and Kisumu, they attract teachers, nurses and civil servants.

Moreover, a 2 bedroom cottage is ideal for short stays. Airbnb hosts in Naivasha, Nanyuki and Diani earn strong returns from compact two bedroom cottages. Our Naivasha A-frame cabin and Sunbird cottage were designed for exactly this market.

Finally, the diaspora often builds a 2 bedroom house upcountry as a first project. It gives a comfortable base for visits home. Later, the family can add a larger main house on the same plot.

Here are photos of our most popular two bedroom house plans. Each one comes with full floor plans, elevations and 3D renders.

Simple 2 Bedroom House Plans

A simple 2 bedroom house uses a rectangular footprint and a mabati hip or gable roof. As a result, it needs fewer corners, less steel and less timber. This is the cheapest way to build a decent home in Kenya.

Our Zawadi bungalow is the best example. At 72 m², it has two bedrooms, a shared bathroom, a living and dining room, and a pantry. It also includes rainwater harvesting and a water tank stand. It fits easily on a 40×80 plot, with space for a vegetable garden.

Simple designs suit rural areas in Kakamega, Bungoma, Machakos, Kitui and Murang'a. They also suit first-time builders who want to move in quickly and upgrade later.

Modern 2 Bedroom Flat Roof House Plans

Modern Kenyan homes use flat roofs with parapet walls. They look sharp, and the roof slab can carry tanks and solar panels. Furthermore, you can add a rooftop terrace or even a second floor later.

Our best-selling Amani bungalow is a modern 2 bedroom flat roof design of 88 m². It has an open-plan kitchen, a master ensuite and a covered front terrace. Therefore, it feels larger than its size. See more modern options in our flat roof house plans.

2 Bedroom Maisonettes and Duplexes

On very small plots, a 2 bedroom maisonette can make sense. The living space sits downstairs and the bedrooms upstairs. Consequently, you keep more of the plot free for parking.

However, for most families, a 2 bedroom bungalow is cheaper and more practical. We usually recommend a maisonette only when the plot is narrow or the view is upstairs.

2 Bedroom Rental Units

Many investors build several 2 bedroom units on one plot. For example, a 50×100 plot can hold a block of two bedroom apartments over three floors. Our Umoja apartment block has 12 two bedroom units on a 50×100 plot.

Similarly, the Eldoret apartments mix one and two bedroom units on a 40×80 plot. Browse our apartment and rental plans for more.

What a Good 2 Bedroom Layout Includes

A small house must work hard. Therefore, every square metre needs a purpose. These are the design rules we follow for 2 bedroom house plans in Kenya.

An Open Living, Dining and Kitchen Area

Combining the living room, dining area and kitchen removes corridors and walls. As a result, the space feels bigger and brighter. If you cook with a lot of smoke, we add a sliding door or a small outdoor kitchen.

A Master Ensuite Where Possible

Most clients want at least one ensuite, even in a small house. It adds privacy and value. However, in very low cost designs, one shared bathroom keeps the budget down. We design both, so you can choose.

Built-In Storage

Small homes run out of space fast. For that reason, we add built-in wardrobes, a pantry and a store. Similarly, a covered laundry area keeps washing out of the living space.

Room to Grow

A 2 bedroom house should be ready to expand. Therefore, we plan where a third bedroom or a second floor could go. If you want a future upper floor, we design the foundation and columns for it from day one.

Talk to an architect today

Call 0725 310 112 or chat with us on WhatsApp. Send your plot size, county and the number of bedrooms, and we will reply with a quote the same day.

How Much Do 2 Bedroom House Plans Cost in Kenya?

Our 2 bedroom bungalow drawings start at KSh 25,000. Most two bedroom bungalows fall between 70 and 100 m², so they sit at or near the bottom of our bungalow price band.

2 bedroom designTypical sizeArchitectural drawings
Simple 2 bedroom bungalow65 – 80 m²KSh 25,000
Modern 2 bedroom flat roof bungalow85 – 100 m²KSh 25,000
2 bedroom cottage or Airbnb75 – 90 m²from KSh 34,000

Every design includes free 3D renders, a walkthrough video, interior design, plumbing and electrical drawings, and a landscape plan. Structural drawings are priced by our engineer after the architectural drawings are final. See our pricing page for full details.

What About Free 2 Bedroom House Plans PDF?

Many people search for a free 2 bedroom house plan PDF. These are fine for ideas. However, they rarely meet county requirements. They lack structural drawings, a registered architect's stamp and a site plan for your plot. Consequently, the county will reject them, and your fundi will have to guess. A proper design costs little compared to the risk.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a 2 Bedroom House in Kenya?

Here are the 2026 guide costs for an 85 m² two bedroom bungalow:

FinishCost per m²Estimated total
Basic (mabati roof, ceramic tiles)about KSh 32,000KSh 2.4M – 3.0M
Standard (flat roof, porcelain tiles)about KSh 45,000KSh 3.4M – 4.3M
Premium (imported finishes)about KSh 65,000KSh 5.0M – 6.2M

A very simple 70 m² rural house with local materials can come in lower. For instance, building with burnt clay bricks in Western Kenya or stone in Machakos saves on walling. Try your own figures in our building cost calculator.

Building a 2 Bedroom House to Rent Out

Many Kenyans build two bedroom units purely for income. If that is your plan, the design changes slightly.

First, location matters more than finishes. For instance, a simple 2 bedroom unit near JKUAT in Juja or near Kenyatta University in Kahawa will always find tenants. Likewise, units near hospitals and county offices in Nakuru, Eldoret and Kisumu rent quickly.

Second, durability beats luxury. Therefore, we specify hard-wearing floor tiles, solid doors and simple fittings that are cheap to replace. Tenants also value secure parking, reliable water and prepaid electricity meters for each unit.

Third, think about density. A single 2 bedroom bungalow on a 50×100 plot wastes land in a busy town. Conversely, a block of six or twelve units on the same plot multiplies the rent. Our guide to apartment and rental plans explains the options.

Choosing Materials for a 2 Bedroom House

Materials make up most of the cost of a small house. Therefore, smart choices here save real money.

For walls, machine-cut stone is the standard around Nairobi, Juja and Machakos. It is strong and fairly quick to lay. Meanwhile, burnt clay bricks are cheaper in Western Kenya and around Lake Victoria. Concrete blocks work well almost anywhere, especially where stone is scarce.

Interlocking stabilised soil blocks are another option. They use local soil, need less mortar and suit rural sites in Machakos, Kitui and Makueni. However, they need a skilled crew and proper curing.

For the roof, pre-painted mabati is affordable and fast. Conversely, a concrete slab costs more but adds a usable rooftop. Finally, for floors, ceramic tiles are cheap and durable, while porcelain looks better and lasts longer. Discuss each option with your architect early, so the drawings and the BQ match your choice.

Mistakes to Avoid With a 2 Bedroom House

Making the Bedrooms Too Small

A bedroom smaller than about 3 by 3 metres struggles to fit a bed and a wardrobe. Consequently, it feels cramped and hurts resale value. We size every bedroom for real furniture.

Forgetting Storage

Small houses fill up quickly. Without a store, a pantry and wardrobes, clutter takes over. Therefore, plan storage from the first sketch.

Ignoring Natural Light and Airflow

Small rooms with small windows feel dark and stuffy. In hot areas such as Mombasa, Kisumu and Garissa, poor airflow makes the house uncomfortable. As a result, we design cross-ventilation and generous windows in every plan.

Building Without Approval

Some owners skip approval for a small house. However, counties can still issue stop orders and fines. Moreover, an unapproved house is hard to sell or use as loan security.

2 Bedroom House Plans for Different Parts of Kenya

Nairobi and Its Satellite Towns

In Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos and Kajiado, land is costly. Therefore, 2 bedroom houses here are usually rental units or starter homes on 40×80 plots. Popular areas include Juja, Ruiru, Kitengela and Ongata Rongai. Black cotton soil is common, so plan a soil test.

Central Kenya and the Mt Kenya Region

Nyeri, Meru, Embu and Murang'a have cool, wet climates. As a result, 2 bedroom homes here benefit from a fireplace, a well-insulated roof and big windows facing the sun. See house plans in Nyeri and Meru.

The Rift Valley

Nakuru, Naivasha and Nanyuki are hotspots for Airbnb cottages. For example, a 2 bedroom A-frame near Lake Naivasha or with a view of Mt Kenya rents well on weekends. Explore house plans in Naivasha and Nanyuki.

The Coast

In Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale, 2 bedroom cottages serve both families and holiday guests. Coastal designs need cross-ventilation, high ceilings and salt-resistant fittings. See house plans in Diani and Mombasa.

Western Kenya and the Lake Region

In Kisumu, Kakamega and Bungoma, 2 bedroom homes are popular for rural family plots. Heat around Lake Victoria calls for shaded verandas and screened windows. See house plans in Kakamega and Kisumu.

Our Services for 2 Bedroom House Plans in Kenya

2 Bedroom Architectural Drawings Across Kenya

Our architects design 2 bedroom homes for every county. We start with a site visit, from KSh 5,000 in Nairobi and its environs.

Afterwards, we draw floor plans, elevations, sections and a site plan. You review them and request changes. Drawings start at KSh 25,000.

Adapting a Ready-Made 2 Bedroom Plan

Love the Amani or the Zawadi but need changes? We adjust any ready plan to suit your plot and your family.

For example, we can add a study, flip the layout for better sun, or change the roof. This keeps the cost low and the timeline short.

Structural Drawings for Small Homes

Even a small house needs proper structural drawings. They show your fundi the size of the foundation, the columns, the ring beam and the slab.

This matters most for flat roofs and future upper floors. Moreover, the county will not approve plans without them.

Free Plumbing and Electrical Layouts

Every 2 bedroom design includes plumbing, drainage and electrical drawings. Therefore, your plumber and electrician know exactly what to install.

We also plan a septic tank or sewer connection, a water tank and solar water heating where needed.

Bill of Quantities for Budget Control

A BQ lists every bag of cement and every length of steel. As a result, you can compare quotes and avoid inflated contractor prices.

It also helps with bank and SACCO loans. Learn more on our financing page.

County Approval and Submission

We submit your 2 bedroom plans to the county and follow up until approval. Small homes usually move faster through the system.

For a full explanation, read our guide to getting building plans approved in Kenya.

3D Renders, Interiors and Landscaping

Every design comes with 3D exterior renders and a walkthrough video. In addition, we design your interiors and your garden.

Consequently, you can share the renders with family, your bank and your contractor before you build.

Talk to an architect today

Call 0725 310 112 or chat with us on WhatsApp. Send your plot size, county and the number of bedrooms, and we will reply with a quote the same day.

Tips for Building a 2 Bedroom House on a Budget

Start with a simple shape. A rectangle is the cheapest footprint to build. Next, choose a mabati roof if your budget is tight. It costs less than a concrete slab.

Additionally, buy materials in bulk and supervise deliveries. Use local materials where you can, such as Machakos stone or Western Kenya bricks. Finally, build in phases. Complete the structure first, then finish the interiors as money comes in.

It also pays to visit a few finished 2 bedroom homes before you decide. For example, walk through show houses in Kitengela, Juja or Nakuru. You will quickly see which room sizes feel right and which finishes hold up. Then share those notes with your architect at the site visit.

Ready to build? Browse all 2 bedroom house plans, see our low cost house plans, or order your plan today. You can also call 0725 310 112.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a 2 bedroom house plan cost in Kenya?+

Our 2 bedroom bungalow drawings start at KSh 25,000, which includes free 3D renders, interior design and plumbing and electrical drawings. Structural drawings are priced separately by our engineer.

How much does it cost to build a 2 bedroom house in Kenya?+

An 85 m² two bedroom bungalow costs about KSh 2.4M to 3.0M with basic finishes. With standard finishes, budget about KSh 3.4M to 4.3M.

Can I get a 2 bedroom house plan PDF?+

Yes. We deliver all drawings as PDF and CAD files, ready to print and submit. Unlike free online PDFs, our plans are drawn for your plot and signed by registered professionals.

Will a 2 bedroom house fit on a 40×80 plot?+

Yes, easily. A 2 bedroom bungalow of 70 to 90 m² fits on a 40×80 plot with room for parking, a garden and a water tank.

Can I add a floor to my 2 bedroom house later?+

Yes, if you plan for it now. We design the foundation, columns and roof slab to carry a future floor. Without that, adding a floor later may not be safe.

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Ready to build your dream home?

Architectural drawings from KSh 25,000. Book a site visit from KSh 5,000, pay 50% at the visit, and the balance when the drawings are done. Bank financing is available.