MINISTRY OF ROADS AND TRANSPORT

STATE DEPARTMENT FOR ROADS

COST ESTIMATION
MANUAL 2025
FOR ROAD CONSTRUCTION AND
MAINTENANCE WORKS

FIFTH EDITION

CENTRAL REGION
 Cost Estimation Manual
for Road Construction and Maintenance Works
Central Region
Fifth Edition | June 2025
COST ESTIMATION MANUAL
FOR ROAD CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE WORKS

© Government of Kenya

First Edition, 2011

Second Edition, 2017
Third Edition, 2019
Fourth Edition, 2022/2023
Fifth Edition, 2025
Nairobi
Contents
Contents ................................................................................................................................................. i
Foreword ............................................................................................................................................... ii
Acknowledgement ................................................................................................................................ iii
Abbreviations and Acronyms ............................................................................................................... iv
Glossary of Terms .................................................................................................................................. v
1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1. Purpose of the Manual ..........................................................................................................................1
1.2. Application of the Manual .....................................................................................................................1
2. Contents of the Manual ............................................................................................................... 2
2.1. Work items and coding.........................................................................................................................2
2.2. Cost configuration ................................................................................................................................2
2.3. Input Prices ...........................................................................................................................................3
2.4. Haulage cost .........................................................................................................................................6
2.5. Unit quantity and productivity ..............................................................................................................7
2.6. Indirect work costs ...............................................................................................................................7
2.7. Overheads and Profit............................................................................................................................7
2.8. Revision Highlights ................................................................................................................................8
3. List of Unit Rates and Work Descriptions ................................................................................... 10
3.1. Central Region ................................................................................................................................... 11
Appendix 1: Price List – Labour, Machinery and Material (Central Region) .................................... 34

Cost Estimation Manual for Road Construction and Maintenance Works | 2025 i
Foreword
Kenya’s long-term development blueprint, Vision 2030, aims to transform the country into a newly
industrializing, middle-income nation providing a high quality of life to all its citizens. A critical enabler in this
transformation journey is the development and maintenance of a robust and efficient road network.

One of the key initiatives contributing to Vision 2030 is the containment of escalating costs in road construction
and maintenance. In response, the Government initiated the development of a standardized framework for
accurate cost estimation in the Roads Sub-Sector. This led to the formulation and initial publication of the Cost
Estimation Manual (CEM) for road maintenance works in 2011 by the Ministry responsible for roads, with
technical support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The manual guides Road Agencies
in preparing reliable cost estimates during project planning and provides a reference point for Contractors and
Practitioners in generating unit rates during project bidding.

Since its first publication in 2011, the CEM has evolved through multiple revisions — 2017, 2019, and 2022/2023
— to reflect advancements in construction technology and changing economic dynamics. In 2020, Kenya Roads
Board (KRB) was officially appointed as the administrator of the cost estimation system, with the responsibility
of ensuring the manual’s timely revision and alignment with evolving fiscal, technical, and sectoral conditions. In
line with this mandate, the Board has developed the Cost Estimation Manual 2025.

Notably, earlier versions of the manual provided rates under two broad geographical categories: cities and
other areas. However, growing recognition of regional cost disparities led to a breakthrough in the 4th edition
with the introduction of eight (8) region-specific manuals and a concise popular version for broader use. Building
on these achievements, the CEM 2025 marks a significant leap forward. The manual has been updated to include
ten (10) regional manuals, offering even more refined and location-sensitive cost estimates.

The CEM is a dynamic document, subject to biennial updates to incorporate changing work methodologies,
market trends, and policy priorities. This 2025 edition was prepared through a collaborative and consultative
process involving a wide range of stakeholders, including the Ministry of Roads and Transport (State
Department for Roads), Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA),
Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), National Construction Authority (NCA),
Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA), Kenya Institute of Highways & Building Technology (KIHBT),
Materials Testing & Research Division (MTRD), County Governments, and the consultant (ITEC Engineering
Limited).

It is my hope that the effective use of this manual will foster greater cost-effectiveness in the maintenance,
rehabilitation, and development of our road network and accelerate Kenya’s progress toward achieving the
aspirations of Vision 2030.

Rashid Mohamed, MBS

DIRECTOR GENERAL

Cost Estimation Manual for Road Construction and Maintenance Works | 2025 ii
Acknowledgement
The Kenya Roads Board (KRB), through the Director General, Mr. Rashid Mohamed, MBS, wishes to express
its sincere appreciation to the Inter-Agency Cost Estimation Task Force for its initiative and commitment
towards the update and publication of the Cost Estimation Manual (CEM) 2025.

We especially acknowledge the efforts of the KRB Project Implementation Team, led by the Director Policy
and Planning, Eng. Tom Omai, supported by the Project Manager, Eng. Victor Odula; Deputy Project Manager,
Mr. Thomas Bundi; and team members Eng. Billy Kimko, Mr. Joseph Kolani, and Eng. Tabitha Kariuki.

We further extend our gratitude to the various Road Agencies and partner organisations that actively
participated in the CEM 2025 validation workshop. These include:

• Chief Engineer Roads, State Department for Roads

• Chief Engineer, Material Testing and Research Division

• Chief Mechanical Engineer, Mechanical and Transport Division

• Council of Governors - County Governments

• Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA)

• Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA)

• Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA)

• Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)

• Kenya Roads Board (KRB) Regional Offices

• Kenya Institute of Highways and Building Technology (KIHBT)

• Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA)

• Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS)

Finally, this Manual would not have been realised without the dedication and technical expertise provided by
the Consultant, M/s ITEC Engineering Ltd. Their valuable support throughout the process is appreciated.

Cost Estimation Manual for Road Construction and Maintenance Works | 2025 iii
Abbreviations and Acronyms
AASHTO American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
AC Asphalt Concrete
CBR California Bearing Ratio
CEM Cost Estimation Manual
CES Cost Estimation System
IWC Indirect Work Cost
JICA Japan International Cooperation Authority
KeNHA Kenya National Highways Authority
KeRRA Kenya Rural Roads Authority
KIHBT Kenya Institute of Higways and Building Technology
KNBS Kenya National Bureau of Statistics
KRB Kenya Roads Board
KURA Kenya Urban Roads Authority
KWS Kenya Wildlife Service
MDD Maximum Dry Density
MoRT Ministry of Roads and Transport
MTD Mechanical and Transport Division
MTRD Materials Testing and Research Department
PPRA Public Procurement Regulatory Authority
PVC Polyvinyl Chloride
RAs Road Agencies / Authorities
RMS Road Management System
VAT Value-added Tax

Cost Estimation Manual for Road Construction and Maintenance Works | 2025 iv
Glossary of Terms
Abutment Structure support to bridge deck and retains the road embankment.
Adhesion Sticking quality, for example, holding aggregate to the binder in chip sealing.
Aggregate Crushed local rock or stone.
Apron Floor of concrete, masonry or stone at the inlet or outlet of a culvert or
waterway to prevent scour.
Asphalt Concrete Road construction material usually comprising a mixture of bitumen and
aggregate, also known as hot-mix or hot-rolled asphalt.
Base Course The main structural element of the pavement, between the surface course
and subbase.
Benching A stepped platform cut in an embankment to prevent earth slipping and
improve slope stability. Can also be used as a stepping to provide a level base
for additional fill material.
Berm A low ridge or bund of soil to collect or redirect surface water.
Binder An adhesive material, usually bitumen or bitumen emulsion, used to seal the
road surface, also providing a waterproof layer to receive and hold aggregate.
The most common binders are bitumen based. A binder is also used to hold
aggregate together in bituminous mixtures.
Binder Course The layer forms part of the bituminous surfacing immediately below the
wearing course.
Bitumen Bitumen (called asphalt cement in the US) is a black to dark brown sticky
material composed principally of high-molecular-weight hydrocarbons. Most
bitumen is derived from the distillation of crude oil. Bitumen is a
thermoplastic material that gradually liquefies when heated.
Borrow Pit An excavation outside the road limits from which suitable material is
obtained, usually for earthwork or re-gravelling operations.
Box Culvert A culvert of rectangular cross-section, usually constructed in reinforced
concrete.
Bridge A structure with a span of 6 metres or more providing a means of transit above
land and/or water or above an obstruction, whether natural or artificial.
Camber (Cross Fall) The transverse slope applied to the carriageway on a section of straight
alignment.
Carriageway The part of the road used by vehicular traffic.
Catch pit A covered, accessible chamber with a sump for collection of silt forming part
of the drainage system and permitting inspection and maintenance of

Cost Estimation Manual for Road Construction and Maintenance Works | 2025 v
 Glossary of Terms

underground drainage pipes.

Catchment Area The area from which water runs off by gravity to a collecting point.
Causeway Low-level structure constructed across streams or rivers with openings to
permit water to pass below road level.
Centre-line The middle of the carriageway, normally marked with a yellow dashed line
on a paved road.
Compaction Compacting embankment by roller to increase the density of soil what
composes embankment body. It causes to improve mechanical properties of
soil.
Cross-fall The transverse gradient or fall across a formation or pavement.
Cross-section Section through the road construction at right angles to the centre-line.
Crown The highest part of a cambered surface, usually on or near the centre-line.
Culvert A duct, usually rectangular or circular, for carrying surface water under the
road.
Cut (Cutting) Excavation in natural ground usually with graded slopes.
Cut Slope A soil plane constructed at an angle to the horizontal.
Cut-off Drain A drain cut to intercept surface water flowing from adjacent land and to
prevent it reaching a pavement or other prepared surface.
Cycleway The track which is mainly used for bicycle traffic. The track is separated with
other parts of road by kerb stone or its similar structures.
Direct Cost Actual input costs required for the execution of each activity, including
materials, labour, and equipment.
Ditch (Drain) A long narrow excavation designed or intended to collect and drain off
surface water.
Drainage The interception and removal of ground and surface water by artificial or
natural means.
Drainage Channel A waterway or gutter to carry away surface water.
Drift or Ford A stream or river crossing at bed level over which the stream or river water
can flow.
Earthworks General term of construction works involving soil and rocks (e.g. excavation,
loading, hauling, spreading and compaction).
Embankment Slope An artificially constructed soil plane at an angle to the horizontal.

vi Cost Estimation Manual for Road Construction and Maintenance Works | 2025
 Glossary of Terms

Fill (Embankment) Earthworks constructed below the pavement raising the road above the
surrounding natural ground level.
Footbridge The overpass bridge crossing carriageway/railway to ensure the safety of
pedestrian and smooth vehicle traffic.
Footpath The track which is mainly used for pedestrian. The track is separated with
other parts of road by kerb stone or its similar structures.
Gabion The steel mesh cage filled with cobble stone or crushed stone. This is mainly
used for revetment and foot protection.
Gravel A non-cohesive, coarse granular material, resulting from natural
disintegration of rock with or without finer material. In general, the particles
are irregular or flaky. It is used as material of surface course and to correct
loss of shape, ruts, potholes and erosion gullies.
Guardrail A safety barrier on embankment or river crossing
Gutter A shallow waterway provided at the edge of the road to carry surface water
longitudinally.
Headwalls The walls located on the top of outlet/inlet of culvert. The walls of inlet direct
the flow into the culvert, while the walls of outlet provide a transition from
the culvert to the outlet channel. Headwalls also protect the embankment
from erosion by flood waters.
Indirect Cost Administration, management, and logistical support cost required to execute
a unit of work.
Inlet The point at which surface water enters a pipe culvert or box culvert.
Invert The lowest point of the internal cross section of a ditch or culvert.
Lane The width of carriageway required to accommodate one line of traffic.
Manhole Accessible chamber with a cover forming part of the drainage system and
permitting inspection and maintenance of underground drainage pipes.
Mitre Drain Short, open, skew ditches used to remove water from the roadside ditches
or gutters. Use of this reduces the necessary size of the side ditches and
minimizes the velocity of water and thereby the risk of erosion.
Original Ground Level Line of natural ground.
Outfall The point at which water discharges from a pipe or box culvert.
Paved Road For the purpose of this manual a paved road is a road with a concrete surface,
concrete block, bituminous surface or surface dressing.
Pavement The road structure above the formation, designed to spread the loading over
the base and subbase.
Pipe Culvert A culvert of circular cross-section, usually constructed in pre-cast concrete.

Cost Estimation Manual for Road Construction and Maintenance Works | 2025 vii
 Glossary of Terms

Premix Premix is a paving material manufactured by mixing aggregates, filler and

bitumen. Most premix is mixed and placed hot. Premix is used in the
construction of wearing course, binder courses and base courses.
Prime Coat A coating of low viscosity binder applied to a surface of stabilised or naturally
compacted soil before sealing or paving.
Road Furniture Road or street furniture e.g., traffic sign, traffic board, traffic signal, lane
marking, guardrail, street light, etc.
Road Reserve (Right- The area within the road limits over which members of the public have the
of-way) right to pass and re-pass.
Roadway The portion of a road including shoulders for vehicular use.
Scour Checks The structures to prevent scouring of drains. Simple scour checks may be
constructed of wood pegs or stones. All scour checks should have an apron
downstream built of stones or grass turves pinned to the ditch invert with
wooden pegs.
Shoulder Paved or unpaved part of the road next to the outer edge of the pavement.
The shoulder provides side support for the pavement and allows vehicles to
stop or pass in an emergency.
Side Drain Drain beyond the shoulders, parallel to the centre-line, to take the run- off
from the road surface.
Slope A natural or artificially constructed soil plane at an angle to the horizontal.
Sub-base The layer of material between the base course and the subgrade.
Subgrade Upper layer of the soil that supports the pavement
Superelevation Raising outside edge level of the road above the inner edge level on curves to
reduce the effect of centrifugal forces and minimize sliding, skidding, tipping
and rolling over of vehicles through curves.
Surface Dressing A sprayed or hand-applied film of bitumen followed by the application of a
layer of stone chippings, which is then rolled.
Surfacing Top layer of the pavement. Consists of wearing course, and sometimes a base
course or binder course.
Tack Coat Asphalt material to bond lower layer (asphalt material or cement) and upper
layer (asphalt mixture). It is sprayed on surface of lower layer.
Traffic Lane The portion of the carriageway defined by road marking for the movement
of a single line of vehicles.
Transverse Joint Joint at right angles to the road centre-line.
Transverse Joint Taper Slope or ramp of asphalt mix at the end of a freshly laid asphalt course.
Unit Cost Total expense to produce a single, measurable unit of work, combining all

viii Cost Estimation Manual for Road Construction and Maintenance Works | 2025
 Glossary of Terms

direct and indirect costs.

Unpaved Road For the purpose of this manual an unpaved road is a road with a gravel or
earth surface.
Wearing Course The part of the road surface in contact with traffic wheels.
Wing-wall Retaining wall at a bridge abutment to retain and protect the embankment fill
behind the abutment.
Work Category Grouping of construction activities defined by their shared requirements for
materials, equipment, labour, and technological processes
Work Item A measurable task that serves as the basis for payment.

Cost Estimation Manual for Road Construction and Maintenance Works | 2025 ix
 Glossary of Terms

Cross Section
The typical cross sections of paved, unpaved and urban roads are as follows:

Paved Road

Unpaved Road

1. Roadway 2. Carriageway 3. Shoulder 4. Surfacing 5. Base

6. Sub-base 7. Camber (Cross Fall) 8. Cut 9. Embankment 10. Subgrade
11. Cut Slope 12. Embankment Slope 13. Berm 14. Side Ditch 15. Benching
16. Natural Ground 17. Centre-line 18. Marking 19. Gravel 20. Footpath
Level
21. Road Reserve 22. Pavement 23. Side Ditch 24. Boundary Stone

x Cost Estimation Manual for Road Construction and Maintenance Works | 2025
1. Introduction
The Kenya Vision 2030 is the long-term vision which aspires that Kenya becomes a globally competitive and
prosperous country by the year 2030. The plan is anchored on three pillars: The Economic, the Social and the
Political. Infrastructure is considered one of the foundations and enablers of macroeconomic stability to support
the three main pillars. The 2025 edition of the Cost Estimation Manual (CEM) for Road Maintenance Works
builds upon Kenya’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure development as outlined in the Kenya Vision
2030 and the ongoing Fourth Medium Term Plan (MTP IV) 2023–2027. As infrastructure continues to serve as
a key enabler of economic growth and social transformation, the roads sub-sector plays a central role.

Originally developed in 2011 by the Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing, Urban Development and
Public Works (MoTIHUD&PW) with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the CEM
has undergone several revisions—in 2017, 2019, and most recently in 2022—to align with technological
advancements, market trends, and evolving construction practices. The 2025 edition consolidates these updates
and introduces refinements to ensure the manual remains responsive to current industry needs, while
promoting transparency, efficiency, and value for money in road maintenance investments.

1.1. Purpose of the Manual

The 2025 CEM is intended to provide a standardized, transparent, and data-driven approach to estimating the
cost of road maintenance works in Kenya. By promoting consistency and predictability in cost estimation, the
manual helps improve accountability and decision-making in the roads sector. It serves as a practical guide for
engineers, contractors, road agencies, and procurement entities by:
1. Defining cost elements and unit rates based on realistic inputs and methodologies.
2. Supporting the preparation of consistent, accurate, and defensible estimates.
3. Facilitating fair competition during procurement through reliable benchmarking.
4. Informing the planning and budgeting of maintenance works at national and county levels.

1.2. Application of the Manual

The manual is to be used throughout the project cycle, with specific application in the following areas:
1. Preparation of Engineer’s Estimates for tendering by procurement entities, serving as a baseline for
evaluating bids.
2. Development of annual and medium-term maintenance plans by Road Agencies and County
Governments.
3. Project auditing and monitoring using benchmarking costs for ongoing and completed works to assess
value for money and compliance.
4. Bidding support for contractors and consultants to prepare competitive bids aligned with sector-wide
cost standards.

Cost Estimation Manual for Road Construction and Maintenance Works | 2025 1
2. Contents of the Manual
2.1. Work items and coding

The work items covered in this manual are listed in Appendix 1. These represent the common categories of
activities frequently encountered in road maintenance works across Kenya. Each work item has been structured
to reflect standardised practices and operational realities in the sector.

The coding of work items follows the Road Management System (RMS) and is aligned with the classification in
the Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction (1986).

2.2. Cost configuration

Road works consist of a combination of individual work items that are aggregated into work packages. The total
cost of any work package is structured in the formula shown in Figure 2-1 below which incorporates all direct
and indirect cost elements.

Unit Quantity

Material Cost
Direct Work Cost
Material Unit Cost

Unit Work Cost

Productivity Ratio
Indirect Work Cost (Ratio)
[IWC] 20% Labour Cost
[TC]
Total Cost Labour Unit Cost
Unit Haulage Cost
(Total Haulage cost/
Overheads & Profit (Ratio)
Quantity)
[OP] 10% Productivity Ratio

Machinery Cost

Machinery Unit
VAT
Cost (hire)
[VAT] 16%

Figure 2-1 Cost configuration

Cost Estimation Manual for Road Construction and Maintenance Works | 2025 2
 Contents of the Manual

TC = ∑ (Q × UP) × (1 + IWC) × (1 + OP) × (1 + VAT)

Where:
Q = Quantity of each work item
UP = Unit Price (combination of Unit Work Price and Unit Haulage Price)
IWC = Indirect Work Cost ratio (%)
OP = Overheads and Profit ratio (%)
VAT = Value Added Tax as per prevailing tax laws (%)

Direct Work Costs represent the actual input costs required for the execution of each activity, including
materials, labour, and equipment. These are computed as the product of the quantity and the unit cos. Unit
Price comprises the Unit Work Price (assuming all resources are on-site) and the Unit Haulage Price, which
accounts for transportation.

Indirect Work Costs cover the administration, management, and logistical support required to execute the
works and are applied as a percentage of Direct Work Costs.

Overheads and Profits are also expressed as a ratio of Direct Work Costs, while VAT is applied as per prevailing
statutory rates.

2.3. Input Prices

Input prices for materials, labour, and machinery were determined via a market survey supplemented by official
government prices. They are reflective of regional average market conditions. These are regularly reviewed
and made publicly accessible. The key sources include:
1. Material Prices: Prices from market surveys supplemented with data from Kenya National Bureau of
Statistics.
2. Labour Rates: Prices from market surveys and government regulations on wages
3. Machinery Hire Costs: Prices from market surveys and equipment hire prices issued by the Mechanical
and Transport Division (MTD) under the Ministry of Roads and Transport (MoRT)

In this 2025 CEM revision, work unit prices were regionally disaggregated into ten (10) geographical zones to
account for cost variations across the country.

Official prices are updated periodically, and ad-hoc adjustments may be made in response to significant market
shifts such as inflation spikes, supply disruptions, or policy changes. In cases where official prices are outdated
or unavailable, market surveys or comparable benchmarks may be used to derive provisional estimates. These
are to be revised as soon as official data becomes available.

All prices and rate components are codified using the RMS coding system to ensure uniformity in cost estimation
and project reporting. Details of current unit prices and their respective sources are provided in the appendices.

3 Cost Estimation Manual for Road Construction and Maintenance Works | 2025
 Contents of the Manual

Market Survey Locations

For the development of the 2025 Cost Estimation Manual (CEM), survey areas were strategically selected to
ensure comprehensive national coverage and representation of diverse geographic, economic, and
infrastructural conditions. A total of ten (10) regions were identified jointly by the Consultant and the Kenya
Roads Board (KRB) team.
These regions reflect Kenya’s key road maintenance zones and were used to capture variations in material
availability, labour costs, equipment access, terrain, and climatic conditions.
In total, seventy (70) towns and cities across the ten regions were surveyed. This broad and balanced selection
provides a reliable data foundation for deriving regionalised unit rates, ensuring that the manual reflects actual
market conditions and supports realistic and equitable budgeting.

Figure 2-2 Figure 2 2: Market Survey Locations

Cost Estimation Manual for Road Construction and Maintenance Works | 2025 4
 Contents of the Manual

Survey Methods
To ensure the reliability and accuracy of the 2025 Cost Estimation Manual (CEM), both primary and secondary
data collection methods were employed. The approach was designed to capture prevailing market conditions
while incorporating official benchmarks for national consistency.
Primary Data Collection
In each of the selected cities/towns, information was gathered through visits to: wholesale suppliers, major
hardware shops, warehouses, road contractors, items manufacturers etc.
Additionally, online market surveys were carried out using publicly available price lists. These were verified
during field visits to ensure consistency with actual market prices.
Secondary Data Collection
Recognised official sources were used to supplement and validate the field data. These sources provided
baseline rates to be used where market data was inconsistent, outdated, or unavailable.
Unit Price Analysis
Labour

Contractors were selected based on prior road agency project experience. Labour unit rates were primarily
obtained from these contractors. However, where market rates were lower than the government-mandated
minimums, the Regulation of Wages (General) (Amendment) Order, 2024 was applied to ensure compliance.

Priority Survey Data Source Target Trade

1. Contractor Road Construction
2. Documented Labour Law Building and Construction
Material

Suppliers were selected randomly, based on material availability and accessibility. Data collection was
conducted through field visits, phone interviews, emails, internet research, and recommendations from
contractors and Road Agencies.
The procedure to determine the unit price is as follows:
1. Market survey prices were prioritised.
2. Prices were collected from at least three suppliers and averaged.
3. Outlier prices (too low or too high) were excluded from the average.
4. If the item was unavailable in the current market, the 2022 rate was adjusted and used.

Priority Source of Data

1. Market Survey
2. Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS)
3. Road Authorities e.g. KeNHA, KURA, KeRRA

5 Cost Estimation Manual for Road Construction and Maintenance Works | 2025
 Contents of the Manual

Equipment
Suppliers of equipment hire services were identified through online research and recommendations from Road
Agency regional offices and contractors. Market survey rates were prioritised, but official rates from the
Mechanical and Transport Division (MTD) were used where necessary.

Priority Source of Data

1. Market Survey
2. Mechanical and Transport Division (MTD)

2.4. Haulage cost

The location of a project site significantly influences the unit cost of work due to transportation expenses.
Accordingly, haulage costs must be carefully estimated as they form a key component of the total cost.

In this manual, haulage costs are calculated using a standardized approach as outlined in Table 2-1, which
considers the operating costs of transport vehicles (both dry hire and fuel), driver and turn boy wages, distance,
and number of trips.
The total haulage cost is divided by the quantity of the material or equipment transported and added to the unit
work price, forming the complete unit cost of the work item. Where a verifiable and current haulage quotation
is available, it may be used in place of the manual’s estimation formula.
Table 2-1: Estimation of Haulage Price

Type of Vehicle: (specify)

Vehicle price per hour (or dry hire rate) = A Ksh/hr
Fuel price per hour, B = C/D*E Ksh/hr
Fuel cost per litre = C Ksh/litre
Fuel consumption rate = D km/litre
Average speed during transport = E km/hr
Driver wage per hour, F = G/8hr Ksh/hr
Wage per day = G Ksh/day
Turn boy wage per hour, H = I/8hr Ksh/hr
Wage per day = I Ksh/day
Total price per hour of transport, J = A+B+F+H Ksh/hr
Distance of transport (one way) = K km
Frequency of transport (no. of round trip) = L times
Distance of transport (by round trip), M = 2*K km
Total Distance of transport, N = L*M km
Total time of Transport, O = N/E hr
Total Haulage Price, P = J*O Ksh

Cost Estimation Manual for Road Construction and Maintenance Works | 2025 6
 Contents of the Manual

2.5. Unit quantity and productivity

To compute accurate cost estimates, unit quantities and productivity rates for materials, labour, and machinery
must be clearly defined:
• Unit quantity refers to the amount of material required per unit of work.
• Labour productivity is the amount of labour effort (e.g., person-hours) needed per unit of work.
• Machinery productivity is the operational time (e.g., machine-hours or days) required per unit of work.
The sources used to determine these quantities and productivity benchmarks include:
• The Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction (1986) by the Ministry of Transport and
Communications;
• Official standard drawings; and,
• Average rates obtained from site surveys and past engineering experience.

2.6. Indirect work costs

Indirect work costs represent expenses that are not directly attributable to specific work items but are
essential to project execution. These include:
• Human Resource Management costs (recruitment, welfare, insurance, transport, uniforms);
• Site staff allowances;
• Site-level management and administration (office setup, utilities, communication);
• Implementation of occupational safety and health measures; and,
• Social charges (local taxes, public fees, staff welfare costs).

These costs are incorporated as a ratio of direct work costs in the cost configuration model.

2.7. Overheads and Profit

Overheads and profit reflect costs incurred at the organizational level, as well as the contractor's expected
return. These include:
• Head office salaries and allowances;
• Corporate administration and support services;
• Company-level social charges (insurance, taxes, and staff welfare);
• Research, development, and innovation;
• Marketing and publicity activities;
• Depreciation of company assets and facilities; and,
• Profit margin (bonuses, shareholder dividends, and retained earnings).
Given the variability and complexity in estimating these figures precisely, a standardised ratio to the total
direct work cost is applied to account for these elements in the overall cost estimation.

7 Cost Estimation Manual for Road Construction and Maintenance Works | 2025
 Contents of the Manual

2.8. Revision Highlights

2011
1. Developed and published using Japanese productivity rates for labour, machinery and materials
multiplied by a factor.
2. Unit rates used are for only two regions i.e. Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu as one region and “all
other areas” as the other.
3. Unit prices were obtained from the Kenyan market.
2017
1. Update of Unit prices for Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu and All other areas.
2. Update of quantities for the following work items:
− Gabion Installation; and,
− Pothole Repair.
3. Miscellaneous costs are adjusted as follows:
− 20% for Concrete works, Structural Works and complicated street furniture works reduced
to 10%; and,
− 10% for Clearing, cleaning, earthwork, base and surfacing works and simple street furniture
works reduced to 5%.
2019
1. Update of unit prices for Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu.
2. Update of unit rate calculation tables for the following:
− Labour-based works: Ditch cleaning (Manual) and culvert cleaning;
− On-carriageway works including pothole repair, headwall repair, re-gravelling and road
marking; and,
− Cement/ lime mixing.
3. Addition of guardrail repair.
4. Indirect costs were reduced from 30% to 20%.
2022
1. Update of unit prices collected from eight (8) regions (19 towns and 3 cities) i.e. Nairobi/ Central,
Coast, Nyanza/Western, North Rift, South Rift, Upper Eastern, Lower Eastern and North Eastern.
2. Update of productivity rates for the following equipment:
− Water tanker;
− Motor grader; and,
− Pneumatic roller.
2025
1. Update of unit prices collected from ten (10) regions (5 cities and 65 towns) i.e. Nairobi, Central,
Coast, Nyanza, Western, North Rift, South Rift, Upper Eastern, Lower Eastern and North Eastern.

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 Contents of the Manual

Figure 2-3 CEM 2025 Regions

9 Cost Estimation Manual for Road Construction and Maintenance Works | 2025
3. List of Unit Rates and Work Descriptions
 3.1. Central Region
4. SITE CLEARANCE AND TOPSOIL STRIPPING
Work Items Unit Rate
+ Indirect
No Work Category Code Unit Direct Costs
Work Item Work Description
Cost (Profits &
Overheads)
04.50.001 Mechanical mowing Cut grass by machine along the side of the
1 m2 5 6
road or on slopes.
04.50.002 Grass cutting (manual) Cut grass manually along the side of the road
2 m2 4 5
or on slopes.
04.50.003 Heavy bush clearing Cut, remove and dispose bushes along the
3 m2 18 23
side of the road, slopes or alongside ditches.
04.50.004 Light bush clearing Cut grass by hand from shoulders, slopes,
4 inlet ditches, and side ditches including back m2 10 13
slopes, turnouts and culvert outlet.
04.50.005 Pruning of tree branches Cut, remove and dispose branches of trees
Bush Clearing
5 along the side of the road, slopes or alongside m2 97 128
ditches.
04.50.006 Tree cutting and stump removal Cut, remove and dispose whole trees of 200 -
(200 -450 mm) 450mm in girth including their stumps along
6 No 215 284
the side of the road, slopes or alongside
ditches.
04.50.007 Tree cutting and stump removal Cut, remove and dispose whole trees of
(>450 mm) above 450mm in girth including their stumps
7 No 1,118 1,476
along the side of the road, slopes or alongside
ditches.
04.50.008 Clearing obstructions Mechanically clear any obstruction including
8 m2 39 51
Site Clearing and (mechanical) boulders and debris out of road reserve.
Backfill 04.50.008a Clearing obstructions (manual) Manually clear any obstruction including
9 m3 263 347
boulders and debris out of road reserve.

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 List of Unit Rates and Work Descriptions : Central Region

4. SITE CLEARANCE AND TOPSOIL STRIPPING

Work Items Unit Rate
+ Indirect
No Work Category Code Unit Direct Costs
Work Item Work Description
Cost (Profits &
Overheads)
04.50.009 Stripping and grubbing Clear site on road reserve mechanically by
10 m2 109 144
(mechanical) stripping and grubbing roots.
04.50.009a Stripping and grubbing (manual) Clear site on road reserve manually by
11 m2 178 235
stripping and grubbing roots.
04.60.001 Clearing trees, hedges, bushes, Clear site on road reserve mechanically by
12 vegetation and deleterious removal of trees, hedges, bushes, vegetation m2 84 111
materials (mechanical) and other deleterious materials.
04.60.001a Clearing trees, hedges, bushes, Clear site on road reserve manually by
13 vegetation and deleterious removal of trees, hedges, bushes, vegetation m2 80 106
materials (manual) and other deleterious materials.
04.50.010 Excavate remove & disposal of Demolish reinforced or mass concrete
Concrete
14 concrete structures structures and cart to spoil or stockpile for m3 1,020 1,346
Demolition
re-use.
Top Soil 04.80.002 Removal of overburden Remove topsoil to a maximum depth of
15 m3 277 366
Stripping 200mm.
04.60.005 Removal of cracked small pipe Excavate, remove and dispose cracked pipe
16 m 380 502
Pipe Culvert culverts below 600mm culverts below 600mm in diameter.
Removal 04.60.005a Removal of cracked large pipe Excavate, remove and dispose cracked pipe
17 m 572 755
culverts above 600mm culverts above 600mm in diameter.

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 List of Unit Rates and Work Descriptions : Central Region

5. EARTH WORKS
Work Items Unit Rate
+ Indirect
No Work Category Code Unit Direct Costs
Work Item Work Description
Cost (Profits &
Overheads)
05.50.006 Fill in soft material and compact Provide, place and compact soft patching
material to surface defects or gravel road. It is
18 m3 508 671
assumed that soil to be filled is on the site or
provided from cut area.
05.50.006a Fill in soft material and compact Provide, place and compact soft purchased
19 (soil purchased) patching material to surface defects or gravel m3 2,243 2,961
road.
Material Filling
05.50.007 Fill in hard material and Provide, place and compact hard patching
compact material to surface defects or gravel road. It is
20 m3 609 804
assumed that soil to be filled is on the site or
provided from cut area.
05.50.007a Fill in hard material and Provide, place and compact hard purchased
21 compact (soil purchased) patching material to surface defects or gravel m3 2,445 3,227
road.
22 05.50.008 Cut to spoil in soft Cut manually soft material to spoil m3 478 631
23 05.50.008a Cut to spoil in soft (mechanical) Cut mechanically soft material to spoil m3 230 304
24 Material Cutting 05.50.009 Cut to spoil in hard Cut manually hard material to spoil m3 966 1,275
05.50.009a Cut to spoil in hard Cut mechanically hard material to spoil
25 m3 461 609
(mechanical)
26 05.50.012 Rock fill to swamp Manually provide and place rock fill to swamp m3 2,795 3,689
Concrete
05.50.125 Rock fill to embankment Manually provide and place rock fill to
27 Demolition m3 3,071 4,054
construction construct embankment.
05.50.014 Grassing Plant grass on the slope and inverts of ditches
28 Planting to reduce scour effects, or on slopes to m2 906 1,196
reduce soil erosion and to improve stability.
29 Pipe Culvert 05.60.012 Compaction of subgrade in cut Trim and compact. m2 38 50
30 Replacement 05.60.014 Compaction of subgrade in fill Compaction of subgrade in fill. m3 3,023 3,990
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 List of Unit Rates and Work Descriptions : Central Region

5. EARTH WORKS
Work Items Unit Rate
+ Indirect
No Work Category Code Unit Direct Costs
Work Item Work Description
Cost (Profits &
Overheads)
05.60.016 Compaction of original ground Compact the top 150 mm layer of existing
31 level ground below fills and cuts to 95% MDD m3 42 55
(AASHTO T99)
05.60.016a Compaction of the 300 mm Compaction of the top 300mm below
31a below formation level in cutting formation level in cuts and fills (subgrade) to m3 1,467 1,936
to 100% MDD (AASHTO T99) 100% MDD

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 List of Unit Rates and Work Descriptions : Central Region

7. EXCAVATION AND FILLING FOR STRUCTURE

Work Items Unit Rate
+ Indirect
No Work Category Code Unit Direct Costs
Work Item Work Description
Cost (Profits &
Overheads)
07.50.001 Excavate for structure in soft Excavate manually soft material for
32 m3 478 631
material (manual) structures.
07.50.001a Excavate for structure in soft Excavate mechanically soft material for
33 Material m3 230 304
material (mechanical) structures.
Excavation for
07.50.002 Excavate for structure in hard Excavate manually in hard material for
34 Structures m3 966 1,275
material (manual) structures.
07.50.002a Excavate for structure in hard Excavate mechanically in hard material for
35 m3 461 609
material (mechanical) structures.
07.70.004 Gabion Installation Provide and place Macaferri or equivalent
36 m2 398 525
Gabion gabion boxes (2m * 1m * 1m).
37 07.70.005 Rock fill to Gabions Provide and place rock fill to gabions. m3 6,107 8,061
07.70.001 Stone pitching Provide stone pitching including grouting of
38 Stone Pitching m2 2,419 3,193
ratio 1:4 cement to mortar.

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 List of Unit Rates and Work Descriptions : Central Region

8. CULVERTS AND DRAINAGE WORKS

Work Items Unit Rate
+ Indirect
No Work Category Code Unit Direct Costs
Work Item Work Description
Cost (Profits &
Overheads)
08.50.002a Ditch cleaning - mechanical Mechanically desilt, shape inlets outfalls, side
39 m 26 34
drains to free flow conditions
Ditch Cleaning
08.50.002 Ditch cleaning - manual Manually desilt, shape inlets outfalls, side
40 m 17 23
drains to free flow conditions.
08.60.002 Small culvert cleaning-partially Clean culverts of below 450mm in diameter
41 m 426 562
blocked-below 450mm to free flow conditions
08.60.003 Medium culvert cleaning- Clean culverts of 600mm in diameter to free
42 m 324 428
partially blocked-600mm flow conditions
08.60.004 Large culvert cleaning-partially Clean culverts of 900mm and above in
43 m 223 294
blocked-900 mm and above diameter to free flow conditions
08.50.025 Manhole cleaning Remove all silt and debris and wash out
44 No 723 954
manhole to free flow conditions.
08.50.016 Gulley pot cleaning Clean siltation and debris from gulley pot to
45 No 144 190
good impoundment conditions.
Culvert Cleaning
08.50.009 Covered (slotted) lined drain Remove all silt and debris and wash out
46 m 88 116
cleaning covered lined drain to free flow conditions
08.50.005a Ditch/mitre drain excavation in Excavate mechanically for inlet, outfall, mitre
47 m3 261 345
soft (mechanical) and catchwater drains in soft material
08.50.005 Ditch/mitre drain excavation in Excavate manualy for inlet, outfall, mitre and
48 m3 280 370
soft (manual) catchwater drains in soft material
08.50.005b Ditch/mitre drain excavation in Excavate mechanically in hard material for
49 m3 473 624
hard (mechanical) inlet, outfall, mitre and catchwater drains.
08.50.005c Ditch/mitre drain excavation in Excavate manually in hard material for inlet,
50 m3 1,371 1,810
hard (manual) outfall, mitre and catchwater drains
08.60.021 Culvert installation-300mm Provide, lay and joint pipe culvert of 300mm
51 m 6,014 7,938
with surround in diameter with surround

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 List of Unit Rates and Work Descriptions : Central Region

8. CULVERTS AND DRAINAGE WORKS

Work Items Unit Rate
+ Indirect
No Work Category Code Unit Direct Costs
Work Item Work Description
Cost (Profits &
Overheads)
08.60.020 Culvert installation-300mm Provide, lay and joint unhounched pipe
52 without surround culvert of 300mm in diameter without m 2,153 2,842
surround
08.60.023 Culvert installation-450mm Provide, lay and joint pipe culvert of 450mm
53 m 8,522 11,249
with surround in diameter with surround.
08.60.022 Culvert installation-450mm Provide, lay and joint pipe culvert of 450mm
54 m 3,012 3,976
without surround in diameter without surround.
08.60.025 Culvert installation-600mm Provide, lay and joint pipe culvert of 600mm
55 m 13,229 17,462
with surround in diameter with surround
08.60.024 Culvert installation-600mm Provide, lay and joint pipe culvert of 600mm
56 m 3,794 5,008
without surround in diameter without surround
Pipe Culvert
08.60.027 Culvert installation-900mm Provide, lay and joint pipe culvert of 900mm
57 Installation m 16,446 21,709
with surround in diameter with surround.
08.60.026 Culvert installation-900mm Provide, lay and joint pipe culvert of 900mm
58 m 5,964 7,872
without surround in diameter without surround
08.60.028 Culvert installation-1200mm Provide, lay and joint pipe culvert of 1200mm
59 m 29,282 38,652
with surround in diameter with surround
08.60.029 Culvert installation-1200mm Provide, lay and joint culvert of 1200mm in
60 m 12,203 16,108
without surround diameter without surround
08.60.030 Excavate in soft material for Excavation manually in soft material for
61 m3 280 370
culverts culvert in any size.
08.60.031 Excavate in hard material for Excavation manually in hard material for
62 m3 1,371 1,810
culverts culvert in any size.
08.60.019 Headwall construction for Reconstruct or repair damaged headwall
Headwall
63 450mm pipe culvert (wingwall and apron) for 450mm pipe culvert No 22,066 29,127
Construction
to prevent the collapse and the potential

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 List of Unit Rates and Work Descriptions : Central Region

8. CULVERTS AND DRAINAGE WORKS

Work Items Unit Rate
+ Indirect
No Work Category Code Unit Direct Costs
Work Item Work Description
Cost (Profits &
Overheads)
slippage of the material and pavement above
the culvert.
08.60.019a Headwall construction for Reconstruct or repair damaged headwall
600mm pipe culvert (wingwall and apron) for 600mm pipe culvert
64 to prevent the collapse and the potential slip No 25,785 34,037
of the material and pavement above the
culvert.
08.60.019b Headwall construction for Reconstruct or repair damaged headwall
900mm pipe culvert (wingwall and apron) for 900mm pipe culvert
65 to prevent the collapse and the potential slip No 33,722 44,513
of the material and pavement above the
culvert.
08.60.019c Headwall construction for Reconstruct or repair damaged headwall
1200mm pipe culvert (wingwall and apron) for 1200mm pipe
66 culvert to prevent the collapse and the No 45,210 59,677
potential slip of the material and pavement
above the culvert.
08.50.024 Manhole construction less than Install new small manhole of less than 1m in
67 No 31,051 40,987
Manhole 1m depth (900-1200mm in inner diameter)
installation 08.50.024a Manhole construction more Install new large manhole of more than 1m in
68 No 51,373 67,812
than 1m depth (900-1200mm in inner diameter)
08.50.015 Gulley pot construction Provide and place gulley pots including grating
Gulley Pot
69 (H=900mm) for inlet structures as directed No 10,651 14,059
installation
by the Engineer.
08.50.032 Lay drain lining with concrete Place concrete lining to the slopes and invert
70 Drain Lining m2 2,191 2,892
of the ditch to prevent the scour.

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 List of Unit Rates and Work Descriptions : Central Region

8. CULVERTS AND DRAINAGE WORKS

Work Items Unit Rate
+ Indirect
No Work Category Code Unit Direct Costs
Work Item Work Description
Cost (Profits &
Overheads)
08.50.022a Laying of dressed stones Place dressed stone lining to the slopes and
71 m2 3,265 4,310
invert of the ditch to prevent the scour.
08.50.022 Laying of side slabs Place side slab lining to the slopes and invert
72 m2 2,836 3,744
of the ditch to prevent the scour.
08.70.036 Laying of 300mm invert block Provide, lay and joint invert block drain of
73 m 1,466 1,935
drain 300mm in diameter
08.70.037 Laying of 750mm invert block Provide, lay and joint invert block drain of
74 m 1,683 2,222
drain 750mm in width

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 List of Unit Rates and Work Descriptions : Central Region

9. PASSAGE OF TRAFFIC
Work Items Unit Rate
+ Indirect
No Work Category Code Unit Direct Costs
Work Item Work Description
Cost (Profits &
Overheads)
09.50.004 Traffic Control Place warning signs, barriers and cones
around the working lane on the carriageway
75 Day 1,895 2,501
and guide the passage of traffic through the
works
Traffic Control
76 09.50.005 Watchman Provide watchman for all round surveillance. No 1,826 2,410
09.50.006 Watering Sprinkle water to control dust for passage of
77 traffic through the works or compaction at m2 12 16
earth works

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 List of Unit Rates and Work Descriptions : Central Region

10. GRADING AND GRAVELLING WORKS

Work Items Unit Rate
+ Indirect
No Work Category Code Unit Direct Costs
Work Item Work Description
Cost (Profits &
Overheads)
10.50.001 Heavy grading without watering Trim with Motor Grader or heavy towed
or compaction grader existing carriageway surface to
78 m2 6 7
camber, including slopes and ditches without
providing watering and compaction
10.50.002 Heavy grading with watering Trim with Motor Grader or heavy towed
and compaction grader existing carriageway surface to
79 m2 9 12
camber, including slopes and ditches
Grading providing watering and compaction
10.50.003 Light grading Trim with motor grader existing carriageway
80 m2 4 6
to camber, including slopes and ditches.
10.50.004 Reshaping Restore manually the camber on earth or
81 gravel roads by returning material from road m2 15 19
sides and shoulder toward road centre.
10.50.005 Dragging Remove manually loose material from the
82 m2 15 19
surface to delay the formation of corrugations
10.60.001 Regravelling Prepare for road formation and provide,
83 place spread, shape and compact with m3 3,179 4,196
watering gravel of not less than CBR 20%
Gravelling
10.60.001a Regravelling without watering Prepare for road formation and provide,
84 place spread, shape and compact without m3 3,166 4,179
watering gravel of not less than CBR 20%

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 List of Unit Rates and Work Descriptions : Central Region

11. PAVED ROADS - SHOULDER MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS

Work Items Unit Rate
+ Indirect
No Work Category Code Unit Direct Costs
Work Item Work Description
Cost (Profits &
Overheads)
Shoulder 11.50.002 Shoulder repairing Prepare surface of existing shoulders, accesses
86 m2 3 4
Rebuilding and bus bays, water process and compact
11.50.003 Shoulder gravelling with natural Provide, place, spread, shape and compact
87 gravel 150mm of natural gravel of CBR 30% to m3 3,202 4,227
Shoulder
shoulders, accesses and bus bays
Gravelling
11.50.003a Shoulder gravelling with quarry Provide, place and compact quarry waste
88 m3 1,893 2,499
waste material to shoulders, accesses and bus bays

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 List of Unit Rates and Work Descriptions : Central Region

12. NATURAL MATERIAL BASE AND SUBBASE

Work Items Unit Rate
+ Indirect
No Work Category Code Unit Direct Costs
Work Item Work Description
Cost (Profits &
Overheads)
Pavement 12.70.001 Scarify existing pavement to Break or scarify mechanically the existing
89 m3 943 1,245
Removal form subbase pavement layer, and compact.
12.50.001 Handpacked stone paving Provide, lay, and compact hand packed stone
90 material including filling of voids with stone m3 3,933 5,192
dust
12.50.002 Provide, place and compact Provide, spread, shape and compact
Subbase/Base
91 quarry waste approved quarry waste of CBR 30% and m3 5,242 6,919
Rebuilding
above for 5cm in thickness.
12.50.003 Provide, place, spread and Provide, spread, shape and compact
92 compact natural gravel approved natural gravel of CBR 30% and m3 3,200 4,224
above for 15cm in thickness.

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 List of Unit Rates and Work Descriptions : Central Region

13. GRADED CRUSHED STONE BASE AND SUBBASE

Work Items Unit Rate
+ Indirect
No Work Category Code Unit Direct Costs
Work Item Work Description
Cost (Profits &
Overheads)
13.50.001 Graded Crushed Stone for Provide, place and spread approved graded
93 m3 3,048 4,023
Graded Crushed subbase crushed stone for subbase.
Stone 13.60.001 Graded Crushed Stone for base Provide, place and spread approved graded
94 m3 3,048 4,023
crushed stone for base.

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 List of Unit Rates and Work Descriptions : Central Region

14. CEMENT AND LIME TREATED SUBGRADE, SUBBASE AND BASE

Work Items Unit Rate
+ Indirect
No Work Category Code Unit Direct Costs
Work Item Work Description
Cost (Profits &
Overheads)
14.50.001 Provision of Cement for Provide, spread cement on natural gravel or
95 ton 14,807 19,545
treatment of material graded crushed stone
14.50.002 Provision of Lime for treatment Provide, spread lime on natural gravel or
96 ton 28,695 37,877
Cement/Lime of material graded crushed stone
Stabilization 14.50.003 Cement/lime mixing Mixing in cement/lime into natural gravel or
97 m3 87 115
graded crushed stone
14.50.004 Curing and protection of Cure and protect layers treated with cement
98 m2 200 264
treated layers or lime stabilizers

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 List of Unit Rates and Work Descriptions : Central Region

15. BITUMINOUS SURFACE TREATMENT & SURFACE DRESSING

Work Items Unit Rate
+ Indirect
No Work Category Code Unit Direct Costs
Work Item Work Description
Cost (Profits &
Overheads)
15.50.002 Prime Coat (MC-30 cutback Prepare surface of carriageway, bus bays and
bitumen) repair areas, provide and spray MC-30
99 Prime Coat litre 187 247
cutback bitumen at a rate of 0.8-1.2 litre/m2
as prime coat
15.50.003 Tack Coat (grade bitumen Prepare surface of carriageway and bus bays,
cutback) provide and spray 80/100 penetration grade
100 bitumen cut back using 5-15% kerosene as litre 184 243
tack coat for asphalt concrete wearing course
Tack Coat at a spray rate of 0.5-0.7 litre/m2
15.50.003a Tack Coat (bitumen emulsion) Prepare surface of repair areas provide and
spray K1-60 bitumen emulsion as tack coat or
101 litre 157 207
seal to repair areas at a spray rate of 0.8-1.0
litre/m2
15.70.001 Resealing Reseal a bituminous surface dressed or an
asphaltic concrete carriageway or shoulder
using chippings and bitumen emulsion to
102 m2 152 201
improve skid resistance and eliminate the
effects of wear, oxidation, ravelling, fretting,
stripping and bleeding.
15.60.002 Construct surface dressing Treat worn surface with graded aggregates of
Surface Dressing
using 3/6 mm precoated 3 to 6mm precoated with bitumen to
103 m2 102 135
chippings and 80/100 recover adequate surface texture
penetration grade bitumen.
15.60.003 Construct surface dressing Treat worn surface with graded aggregates of
using 6/10 mm precoated 6 to 10mm precoated with bitumen to
104 m2 165 218
chippings and 80/100 recover adequate surface texture
penetration grade bitumen.
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 List of Unit Rates and Work Descriptions : Central Region

15. BITUMINOUS SURFACE TREATMENT & SURFACE DRESSING

Work Items Unit Rate
+ Indirect
No Work Category Code Unit Direct Costs
Work Item Work Description
Cost (Profits &
Overheads)
15.60.004 Construct surface dressing Treat worn surface with graded aggregates of
using 10/14 mm precoated 10 to 14mm precoated with bitumen to
105 m2 219 289
chippings and 80/100 recover adequate surface texture
penetration grade bitumen.
15.60.005 Construct surface dressing Treat worn surface with graded aggregates of
using 14/20 mm precoated 14 to 20mm precoated with bitumen to
106 m2 241 318
chippings and 80/100 recover adequate surface texture
penetration grade bitumen.

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 List of Unit Rates and Work Descriptions : Central Region

16. BITUMINOUS MIXES

Work Items Unit Rate
+ Indirect
No Work Category Code Unit Direct Costs
Work Item Work Description
Cost (Profits &
Overheads)
107a 16.50.001a Pothole Cutting and Cleaning Trim, cut and clean failed bituminous surface m3 2,453 3,238
16.50.001 Pothole patching - hot mix Provide, place and compact asphaltic
107 concrete to repair areas and for regulation to m3 40,873 53,952
carriageway
16.50.002 Pothole patching - cold mix Repair defects on bituminous surface by cold
108 m3 72,871 96,190
Pavement bituminous mixture
Repairing 16.50.004 Crack sealing Repair transverse or longitudinal cracking on
109 m 203 268
surface dressed or asphalt concrete
16.60.001 Asphalt concrete for surfacing - Overlay or continuously repave surface by
110 m3 41,684 55,023
hot mix. hot bituminous mixture
16.70.001 Base repair - Dense Bitumen Place dense bitumen macadam for base
111 m3 41,740 55,097
Macadam (DBM) material and roll
16.80.010 Milling the existing bituminous Mill mechanically the existing bituminous layer
112 m3 3,403 4,492
Milling and layer to spoil to spoil
Paving 16.80.015 Milling the existing bituminous Mill mechanically the existing bituminous layer
113 m3 13,386 17,670
layer for reuse and stockpile for reuse or recycle

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 List of Unit Rates and Work Descriptions : Central Region

17. CONCRETE WORKS

Work Items Unit Rate
+ Indirect
No Work Category Code Unit Direct Costs
Work Item Work Description
Cost (Profits &
Overheads)
17.60.001 Concrete work (class 15/20) Provide, place and compact class 15/20
114 m3 14,385 18,988
conrete mixture for blinding.
17.60.002 Concrete work (class 20/20) Provide, place and compact class 20/20
115 Concrete Work m3 15,369 20,287
concrete mixture.
17.60.002a Concrete work (class 25/20) Provide, place and compact class 25/20
116 m3 16,795 22,169
concrete mixture.
17.60.003 Vertical formwork class F2 Provide and erect formwork of class F2 finish
117 m2 1,259 1,662
finish to the vertical direction
Formwork
17.60.004 Horizontal formwork class F2 Provide and erect formwork of class F2 finish
118 m2 1,180 1,558
finish to the horizontal direction
17.80.004 Reinforcement work (below Provide, cut bend and fix into position high
119 ton 140,414 185,346
16mm) yield reinforcement bar below 16mm
Reinforcement
17.80.005 Reinforcement work (above Provide, cut bend and fix into position high
120 ton 143,806 189,824
16mm) yield reinforcement bar above 16mm

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 List of Unit Rates and Work Descriptions : Central Region

20. ROAD FURNITURE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE

Work Items Unit Rate
+ Indirect
No Work Category Code Unit Direct Costs
Work Item Work Description
Cost (Profits &
Overheads)
20.50.001 Road reserve boundary posts Provide and erect road reserve boundary
121 No 2,704 3,569
Boundary posts posts (size 1.2 x 0.2 x 0.2)
122 20.50.004 Edge marker posts Provide and erect edge marker posts No 3,718 4,908
20.50.007 Roads markings - white paint Provide reflectorized white paint for road
123 m2 1,098 1,449
markings (w = 10cm)
20.70.011 Road markings - white Renew faded or missing white road markings
124 m2 1,380 1,822
thermoplastic material (w = 10cm) with thermoplastic material
20.70.011a Road markings on surface Renew faded or missing white road markings
124a dressed pavement- white on surface dressed pavement (w = 10cm) m2 1,527 2,016
thermoplastic material with thermoplastic material
20.50.006 Road markings - yellow paint Provide reflectorized yellow paint for road
125 m2 1,098 1,449
Road Marking markings (w = 10cm)
20.70.010 Road markings - yellow Upgrade faded or missing yellow road
126 thermoplastic material markings (w = 10cm) with thermoplastic m2 1,404 1,853
material
20.70.010a Road markings on surface Renew faded or missing yellow road markings
126a dressed pavement- yellow on surface dressed pavement (w = 10cm) m2 1,561 2,061
thermoplastic material with thermoplastic material
20.50.107 Road marking black paint Provide reflectorized black paint for road
127 m2 1,087 1,435
markings (w = 10cm)
20.70.002 Warning signs Provide and erect priority, prohibitory or
128 No 3,715 4,904
mandatory signs
20.70.005 Priority, prohibitory or Priority, prohibitory or mandatory signs
129 Road Sign No 18,810 24,829
mandatory signs
Erection
130 20.70.004 Standard informatory signs Provide and erect informatory signs No 23,165 30,578
20.70.006 Non-standard informatory signs Provide and erect non-standard informatoty
131 No 35,101 46,333
signs < 2m2
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 List of Unit Rates and Work Descriptions : Central Region

20. ROAD FURNITURE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE

Work Items Unit Rate
+ Indirect
No Work Category Code Unit Direct Costs
Work Item Work Description
Cost (Profits &
Overheads)
20.70.006b Non-standard informatory signs Provide and erect non-standard informatoty
131b No 69,604 91,877
(2-5m2) signs (2-5m2)
20.70.006c Non-standard informatory signs Provide and erect non-standard informatoty
131c No 132,203 174,508
(5-8m2) signs (5-8m2)
20.50.012 Kerbs Provide lay and joint concrete class 20/20
132 Kerb Installation kerbs in support to carriageway, bus bays and m 1,705 2,251
junctions
Kilometre 20.50.013 Kilometre marker posts Kilometre marker post Installation.
133 marker post No 8,475 11,187
Installation
20.50.017 Concrete bollards Concrete bollard Installation (diameter 0.2m,
134 No 3,193 4,215
length 0.9m, embedded depth 0.45m)
Bollard 20.50.021 Steel bollards Place and provide gauge 16 steel pipe Bollards
Installation of diameter 150 mm and 1.05m above above
135 No 1,957 2,583
the ground embedded to a depth of 0.45m at
place
Reflective Stud 20.50.019 Reflective studs Install reflective studs along the centre line
136 No 1,362 1,798
Installation
20.60.002 Microtunneling for a 150mm Conduct microtunneling with a 150mm dia
137 diameter PVC (polyvinyl PVC duct (under silt or sand condition) m 64,425 85,041
Microtunneling chloride) duct
20.60.002a Horizontal drilling Conduct horizontal drilling for 150mm hole in
138 m 31,703 41,848
diameter (under gravel condtion)
20.60.017 Street lighting pole (7.6m) Provide and install 7.6m street lighting pole
139 No 57,140 75,425
Street light including cables accessories and lamp.
Installation 20.60.018 Street lighting pole (10m) Provide and install 10.0m street lighting pole
140 No 120,339 158,847
including cables accessories and lamp.
Cost Estimation Manual for Road Construction and Maintenance Works | 2025 31
 List of Unit Rates and Work Descriptions : Central Region

20. ROAD FURNITURE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE

Work Items Unit Rate
+ Indirect
No Work Category Code Unit Direct Costs
Work Item Work Description
Cost (Profits &
Overheads)
20.60.016 Street lighting control panel Provide and install 10.0m street lighting pole
141 No 58,284 76,935
including cables accessories and lamp.
20.60.315 Electric cable Provide and install supply cables between the
142 m 352 465
street lighting poles.
20.70.023a Guardrail Repair Level 1 Removal of damaged guardrail and
143 m 1,240 1,636
replacement with straightened beam
20.70.023b Guardrail Repair Level 2 Removal of damaged guardrail, replacement
144 with a straightened beam and realignment of m 2,162 2,854
Guardrail Repair
posts
20.70.023c Guardrail Repair Level 3 Complete removal of damaged guardrail
145 beam and installation with new beam, posts m 10,296 13,591
and spacers

Cost Estimation Manual for Road Construction and Maintenance Works | 2025 32
 List of Unit Rates and Work Descriptions : Central Region

23. CONCRETE PAVING BLOCKS

Work Items Unit Rate
+ Indirect
No Work Category Code Unit Direct Costs
Work Item Work Description
Cost (Profits &
Overheads)
23.70.001 Interlocking - Heavy duty - plain Provide and lay 60mm Interlocking - Heavy
146 m2 1,325 1,749
Concrete Paving (Deformed) 60mm duty - plain (Deformed) paving blocks
Blocks 23.70.002 Interlocking - Heavy duty - plain Provide and lay 80mm Interlocking - Heavy
147 m2 1,623 2,142
(Deformed) 80mm duty - plain (Deformed) paving blocks

Cost Estimation Manual for Road Construction and Maintenance Works | 2025 33
APPENDIX
Appendix 1: Price List – Labour, Machinery
and Material (Central Region)
Unit Price
Item Code Name Type Unit
2025
22.50.001
Support Staff Person Day 775
22.50.002
Unskilled labour Person Day 775
Labour 22.50.005
Artisans G2 Person Day 1,316
22.50.007
Skilled Labour: Overseer Person Day 1,448
22.50.101
Skilled Labour: Operator Person Day 1,838
Truck Flat bed : 2.5 - 5
22.61.101 Hour 1,990
Tonnes
22.61.102 Truck with crane 4t Hour 2,500
Water Tanker : 6000 -
22.62.015 Hour 1,828
8000 Lt.
Motor Grader (e.g. CAT
22.63.012 Hour 4,891
112F): 100 - 130 HP
22.63.101 Bulldozer BD65EX Hour 8,000
22.63.102 Excavator 130-150hp Hour 6,828
22.63.103 Backhoe loader 130-150hp Hour 4,063
Pedestrian Roller : 700 -
22.64.001 Hour 1,542
1000 Kg.
Single drum steel Vibrator
22.64.004 Hour 3,013
roller: 9-10T, 130 HP
Pneumatic Roller: 10T,
22.64.005 Hour 2,700
130HP
22.65.008 Road Marking Machine Hour 1,000
Machinery 22.65.101 Melting pod (for paint) 200 - 350kg Hour 1,975
22.67.001 Grass cutter 150cm, 35hp Hour 150
Bitumen Sprayer 200L
22.67.004 Hour 749
H/Operated
22.67.004b Bitumen Distributor 7000 litres Hour 5,000
22.67.005 Vibrator P/Tamper Hour 450
22.67.005a Plate compactor Hour 300
22.67.005b Block cutter Hour 100
22.67.101 Milling machine 197hp Hour 2,594
22.67.102 Resurface machine 120hp Hour 33,264
22.67.103 Road heater 63hp Hour 28,281
22.67.104 Asphalt finisher 37H Hour 6,566
22.67.105 Power suction car 4t Hour 6,931
Muddy water processing
22.67.106 Day 53,224
machine
22.67.107 Boring machine 81kw Day 55,466
22.67.108 Air compressor 150CFM, 4250LPM Day 9,120

Cost Estimation Manual for Road Construction and Maintenance Works | 2025 34
Appendix 1: Price List – Labour, Machinery and Material (Central Region)

Unit Price
Item Code Name Type Unit
2025
22.67.109 Asphalt/Bitumen cutter Hour 1,564
22.67.110 Chip spreader Hour 250
22.69.009 Fine aggregates(sand) m3 3,048
22.70.001 Fine aggregates(stone dust) m3 2,995
22.70.002 Graded aggregates (ballast) m3 3,159
22.70.003 water m3 260
22.70.004 Cement (ordinary portland) Kg 13
22.70.006 Hydrated lime Kg 26
22.71.012 Square twisted bars 16mm t 107,752
Deformed reinforcement
22.71.012b t 108,182
bar 12mm
Precast concrete culvert -
22.72.001 m 2,036
450mm
Precast concrete culvert -
22.72.002 m 2,578
600mm
Precast concrete culvert -
22.72.003 m 4,224
900mm
Precast concrete culvert -
22.72.004 m 9,559
1200mm
Coarse
22.72.016 aggregates(chippings) - m3 2,391
3/6mm
Coarse
22.72.017 aggregates(chippings) - m3 2,386
Material 6/10mm
Coarse
22.72.018 aggregates(chippings) - m3 2,823
10/14mm
Coarse
22.72.019 aggregates(chippings) - m3 3,152
14/20mm
22.72.020 Stone dust m3 2,433
22.72.021 Gravel material (murram) m3 2,373
22.72.022 Hardcore m3 1,550
Crusher run material
22.72.023 m3 2,252
(Graded crushed stone)
22.72.024 Quarry waste material m3 1,261
Precast concrete culvert -
22.72.101 m 1,354
300mm
22.72.102 Stone m3 4,418
22.72.103 Gully pot with grating Set 12,868
22.72.104 Invert block drain 600*330*355 No. 466
22.72.105 Invert block drain 600*760*190 No. 466
22.72.106 Side Slab concrete block 3''*9''*24'' No. 226
22.72.107 Manhole cover slab 1220*150 No. 5,690
22.72.108 Soil (soft) m3 1,376

35 Cost Estimation Manual for Road Construction and Maintenance Works | 2025
 Appendix 1: Price List – Labour, Machinery and Material (Central Region)

Unit Price
Item Code Name Type Unit
2025
22.72.109 Soil (hard) m3 1,457
22.73.002 Premix - AC Type I (cold) m3 59,783
22.73.003 Premix - AC Type I (hot) m3 32,608
22.73.004 Dense Bitumen Macadam m3 32,657
22.73.006 Bituminous sealant (K-160) m3 147,647
22.73.012 MC 30 Bitumen litre 135
22.73.013 80/100 Pen grade bitumen litre 114
22.74.002 Fuel Diesel litre 142
22.77.001 Mesh wire 8' x 4' gauge 18 m2 256
22.77.101 Gabion mesh 2m*1m = 2m2 No. 3,134
22.77.102 Gabion Mattress 10mm m2 3,275
22.77.103 Flat metal plate 1/16-1/18 m2 1,005
22.77.104 Steel pipe 2inch m 799
22.77.105 Bolts with nuts 8cm Set 145
22.77.106 Brackets No 250
22.77.107 Steel angle 125*5mm kg 340
22.77.108 Steel plate 450*3mm kg 146
22.77.109 Steel bollard SGP. 5B. 125A kg 5,172
22.77.110 Mesh wire A142 m2 284
600*450 heavy duty
22.77.111 Cast iron manhole cover with frame No. 3,147

22.78.101 Cypress for fixed deck m3 77,227

22.78.102 Wooden formwork panel m2 834
22.79.003 Road marking paint yellow litre 872
22.79.004 Road marking paint white litre 867
premixed with
22.79.005 Thermoplastic paint yellow primer and glass Kg 191
beads
premixed with
22.79.006 Thermoplastic paint white primer and glass Kg 187
beads
22.79.012 Reflective 'cat' eyes No 1,039
White PVC post
22.79.013 Reflective mark posts No. 3,254
1400
22.79.101 Road marking paint black litre 839
22.79.104 Reflective paint litre 891
22.79.105 White paint litre 692
22.79.106 Black paint litre 692
22.79.107 Road Kerb 12.25*24.5 No. 387
22.79.108 Road channel 9.8*12.25 No. 247
22.79.109 Duct Pipe (PVC150) m 395
Equipment for lead pipe 196kN
22.79.110 Day 16,400
jacking

Cost Estimation Manual for Road Construction and Maintenance Works | 2025 36
Appendix 1: Price List – Labour, Machinery and Material (Central Region)

Unit Price
Item Code Name Type Unit
2025
Equipment for lead pipe
22.79.111 Day 1,100
jacking (fixing part)
Equipment for lead pipe
22.79.112 m 176
jacking (moving part)
Equipment for 196kN
22.79.113 Day 15,750
Underground pipe jacking
Equipment for
22.79.114 Underground pipe jacking Day 15,250
(fixing part)
Equipment for
22.79.115 Underground pipe jacking m 9,503
(moving part)
22.79.116 Water stopper No. 450
22.79.117 Concrete anchor No. 275
22.79.118 Water stop cement Kg 154
22.79.119 Aggregation(jacking) kg 13
22.79.120 Aggregation(washing) kg 13
22.79.121 Shank-rod 90mm No. 297,340
22.79.122 Driving-adapter No. 431
22.79.123 drilling-pipe No. 51,658
22.79.124 Ring-bit No. 101,733
22.79.125 Water-swivel No. 3,850
22.79.126 Cutter-set No. 46,567
22.79.127 Core-tube No. 46,628
22.79.128 Magnifying-bit No. 1,000
22.79.129 Earth bar 10*1500mm No. 428
22.79.130 Lighting pole 7.6m No. 27,168
22.79.131 Lighting pole 10.0m No. 78,484
22.79.132 Cable for light m 216
22.79.133 Accessories for light Set 7,008
22.79.134 Lamp No. 1,822
22.79.135 Control panel No. 37,788
22.79.136 Cable for control panel m 216
22.79.137 Accessories for control panel Set 7,023
22.79.138 Meter No. 5,548
22.79.139 Grass m2 632
22.79.140 Red soil m3 981
22.79.141 Manure m3 2,595
22.79.142 Warning triangular sign 600mm No. 862
22.79.143 Priority triangular sign 600mm No. 14,548
22.79.144 Standard informatory sign No. 18,507
Non-standard informatory less than 1m2
22.79.145 No. 28,454
sign
22.79.150 Guardrail Beam 4m No. 11,776

37 Cost Estimation Manual for Road Construction and Maintenance Works | 2025
 Appendix 1: Price List – Labour, Machinery and Material (Central Region)

Unit Price
Item Code Name Type Unit
2025
22.79.151 Guardrail Post 140 mm dia, 6 gauge m 4,825
Bolts with nuts and washers
22.79.152 No. 153
(short)
Bolts with nuts and washers
22.79.153 No. 318
(long)
22.79.154 Fuel Petrol litre 150
22.79.155 Pick up truck day 7,000
22.79.156 Truck 2 ton day 10,500
22.79.157 Thinner litre 391
22.79.158 Cement (OPC) kg 13
22.79.159 Pulveriser Hour 6,250
22.79.160 Hessian cloth m2 180
22.79.161 K-160 litre 105
22.79.162 Reflecting Glass Beads kg 160
22.79.163 Electricity Kw/h 28
22.79.164 Beam Straightener Hour 10,000
New Geotextiles m2 200
New Reflective 'cat' eyes Adhesive glue No. 66
Interlocking - Heavy
23.70.001 Paving blocks duty - plain m2 922
(Deformed) 60mm
Interlocking - Heavy
23.70.002 Paving blocks duty - plain m2 1138
(Deformed) 80mm

Cost Estimation Manual for Road Construction and Maintenance Works | 2025 38