Choosing a tile supplier is as important as choosing the tile itself. It is a long-term investment in your property's quality, appearance, and value. The Kenyan market has many options, from large manufacturers to specialized retailers, and knowing where to go can make a significant difference.
This is our expert guide which provides a clear overview of the leading tile suppliers in 2026. We will explain what to look for in a quality supplier and review the major players in the market to help you make an informed decision.
What Defines a "Best" Tile Supplier in Kenya?
Before looking at specific company names, it is important to have a clear framework for what makes a tile supplier a good choice. Price is only one factor. A truly great supplier delivers on four key areas that ensure you get a product that is both beautiful and built to last.
1. Quality Assurance and Testing
Not all tiles are created equal, even if they look similar. A reputable supplier has a process for vetting their products to ensure they meet established quality standards.
This is the single most important factor for a long-lasting installation. Key indicators of quality include:
- Consistent Sizing (Calibration): Quality tiles are consistent in size and straightness. This allows an installer to use thin, even grout lines for a clean, professional finish. Poorly calibrated tiles force the use of thick, uneven grout lines, which can ruin the final look.
- Durability (PEI Rating): For floor tiles, durability is measured by a PEI rating, which indicates resistance to wear from foot traffic. A good supplier can tell you the PEI rating of their floor tiles and recommend the right one for your specific area, from a low-traffic bedroom to a busy commercial entryway.
- Water Absorption: For wet areas like bathrooms or kitchens, the tile's water absorption rate is critical. Porcelain tiles should have an absorption rate of 0.5% or less, making them virtually waterproof. A knowledgeable supplier will be able to confirm these technical specifications.
2. Range of Selection and Style
A good selection does not just mean having thousands of options. It means having a well-thought-out range of modern, relevant styles that cater to today's homes. A strong supplier will offer a good variety across different categories:
- Materials: A clear selection of both porcelain and ceramic tiles for different applications.
- Styles: A collection that includes timeless designs, popular wood-look planks, and contemporary patterned tiles.
- Applications: A range that covers the needs of the entire home, from durable floor tiles to decorative wall tiles and outdoor-rated options.
3. Transparent Pricing and Value
The cheapest tile is rarely the best value. True value is a fair price for a quality product that will not need to be replaced prematurely. A trustworthy supplier provides clear, upfront pricing per square metre, without hidden costs. They should be able to explain why one tile costs more than another based on its material, finish, and technical qualities.
4. Expertise and Customer Support
Buying tiles involves technical decisions. A reliable supplier has a knowledgeable team that can provide practical advice. They should be able to help you accurately calculate the quantity you need (including wastage), recommend the correct type of adhesive and grout, and answer questions about installation and long-term care.
Top Tile Suppliers in Kenya for 2026
Several established companies serve the Kenyan tile market. Each has a different business model and caters to slightly different customer needs. Understanding their strengths will help you determine where to begin your search.
CTM Kenya
Known For: A large, big-box retail footprint and an extensive inventory.
CTM is often one of the first stops for many homeowners because of their wide variety of products. Their large showrooms display a massive range of tiles alongside sanitaryware, taps, and other home improvement goods.
Their business model is based on providing a one-stop-shop experience with options at nearly every price point. This makes them a good choice if you are in the early stages of a project and want to browse a large number of different styles at once.
Saj Ceramics
Known For: Being a major local manufacturer with a wide distribution network.
Saj Ceramics is a well-known name in Kenya, with a long history of manufacturing tiles locally. Their primary strength is their production capacity and ability to supply large-scale projects, from housing developments to commercial buildings.
Customers and contractors often turn to Saj for standard, reliable, and readily available floor and wall tiles that are produced within the country.
Twyford Tiles
Known For: A strong international brand reputation for durability.
Twyford is a global brand with a significant presence in Kenya, often associated with high-performance products. While also known for sanitaryware, their tiles are frequently specified by architects and developers for commercial projects like malls, offices, and hospitals.
Their reputation is built on producing tiles that can withstand heavy foot traffic and demanding conditions over many years.
Ideal Ceramics
Known For: Established showrooms with a mix of imported and local tiles.
Ideal Ceramics has been a fixture in the Kenyan market for years, operating showrooms in major cities. They serve both individual homeowners and larger construction projects.
Their business model involves sourcing tiles from various international and local manufacturers, offering customers a curated selection of products that they have chosen for the market.
TilesMarket.co.ke
Known For: A curated online selection with a focus on vetted quality and value.
TilesMarket.co.ke operates primarily as an online retailer with a focus on efficiency. Their key difference is a strict curation process.
Instead of stocking thousands of options, their team pre-selects and tests tiles from various top manufacturers for quality, durability, and modern design. This model is designed for customers who want a guarantee of quality at a competitive price, without having to sort through countless low-grade products.
Tiles Supplier Comparison Table
To simplify your decision, this table provides a direct comparison of the main tile suppliers based on what they are best known for. Your choice will depend on what you value most for your specific project.
| Supplier | Best For | Expert Take |
|---|---|---|
| CTM Kenya | Browsing the widest possible variety of products in one place. | A good starting point for initial ideas, but the huge selection can be overwhelming to navigate. |
| Saj Ceramics | Sourcing standard, locally-manufactured tiles, often for large projects. | A reliable and well-established choice for basic, functional tiles produced in Kenya. |
| Twyford Tiles | High-traffic commercial projects where brand reputation for durability is key. | An excellent, heavy-duty product, often focused on performance over aesthetic variety. |
| TilesMarket.co.ke | Homeowners and professionals who want guaranteed quality and modern style. | The best choice for a pre-vetted, high-quality tile at a competitive price point. |
Expert Take on the Best Supplier for Tiles in Kenya 2026
The best place to buy tiles in Kenya ultimately depends on your project's priorities. Each supplier offers a different kind of value.
If your main goal is to see the largest possible inventory in person, a large-format retailer like CTM is a logical starting point. If you need a standard, locally-made product for a large-scale development, a manufacturer like Saj Ceramics is a strong contender. For commercial projects where durability is the primary concern, a brand like Twyford has a proven track record.
However, if your priority is to get a high-quality, modern tile that has already been tested for performance and is offered at a great value, a curated approach is better.
We built TilesMarket.co.ke on the principle of quality curation. Our team does the vetting for you, ensuring that any tile you choose from our collection is a sound investment for your home.
Explore our tiles collection to see the difference this approach makes.
