How Much Does a Crate of Soda Cost in Kenya?
Many homes, restaurants, and stores in Kenya have crates of soda. It is a cheap and easy way to buy and move soda bottles. If you’re planning a family get-together, stocking up for your business, or just like having a lot of soft drinks on hand, it’s important to know how much a soda crate costs.
We will look at the size and brand of the bottles, the deposit charge, and the retail prices of individual bottles in this article to see how they affect the price of a crate of soda in Kenya. We’ll also talk about recent price changes, ways to buy things, and tips for making smart purchases.
The Size of the Bottles
In Kenya, a crate of soda usually has glass bottles that hold either 300ml or 500ml. One of the most important things that affects the price of a crate is the size of the bottles.
300ml Bottles
These are the most common sizes for families and individuals. Most crates can hold 24 bottles.
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Average price (not including the deposit): KES 750 to 850
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KES 35 to 45 per bottle at the store
500ml Bottles
Businesses like restaurants, bars, and event caterers like these bigger bottles.
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Average price (not including the deposit): KES 1,100–1,300
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The price for one bottle at the store is KES 50–60
Prices may be a little different depending on where you live. For example, prices are usually higher in cities like Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu than in rural areas.
Soda Brand
Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, and Pepsi are the most popular soda brands in Kenya. The price of the crate changes depending on the brand you choose because of differences in popularity, supply chains, and brand positioning.
Coca-Cola Products (Coca-Cola, Fanta, and Sprite)
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Usually more expensive because people know the brand and in high demand
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A crate of 300ml Coca-Cola costs between KES 800 and KES 850
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The price of a crate of 500ml bottles is between KES 1,200 and KES 1,300
Pepsi and Other Brands (Pepsi, Mirinda, Mountain Dew)
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A little cheaper, especially when bought in bulk or at a grocery store
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People usually pay between KES 750 and 800 for crates of 300ml
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Between KES 1,100 and 1,200 for crates of 500ml
Some local bottling companies also sell less popular brands, which are often cheaper. This makes them a good choice for people who want to buy a lot or for events with a limited budget.
Deposit Fee
Along with the cost of the soda, you have to pay a refundable deposit fee for the crate. This fee pays for the plastic crate and the glass bottles, which you can return after using them.
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Deposit for each crate (bottles and plastic crate):
From KES 450 to KES 600
If you bring an empty crate with bottles to exchange, you won’t have to pay this fee.
This deposit system is common in Kenya and helps the environment by encouraging people to return and reuse packaging materials.
Prices for Single Bottles at Retail Stores
Here are some things to expect if you buy soda bottles one at a time instead of by the crate:
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KES 35–45 for a 300ml bottle
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KES 50–60 for a 500ml bottle
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PET plastic bottles (500ml to 1.25L): KES 60 to 150, depending on the size and brand
Buying a whole crate is cheaper, especially for businesses or events, because buying individual items at a store costs more.
Other Things That Affect Price
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Location: Prices are usually higher in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Nakuru than in rural towns because of transportation and demand.
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Seasonality: Prices can go up during holidays, national holidays, or school breaks when demand is high.
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Type of Vendor: Supermarkets may have better prices for bulk items than smaller kiosks or stores in rural areas.
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Promotions: Keep an eye out for deals from manufacturers, especially Coca-Cola or PepsiCo, who sometimes offer crates with free items or discounts.
Choices for Buying
There are many ways to buy soda crates:
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Local distributors – the most efficient and may let you trade
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Supermarkets – great for buying things with cash and picking things out
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Wholesale stores – give you a discount when you buy a lot of something
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Online stores (like Jumia or Naivas online) – Some deliver crates, but they might not let you trade bottles
If you run a business or buy things often, it’s a good idea to get to know a local distributor. They can give you better prices and make sure you always have what you need.
Dimensions and Storage of Crates
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A standard crate can hold 24 bottles
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Because they can be stacked and are strong, crates are great for moving and storing things
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If you want to sell them again, you’ll need to store them in a cool, dry place to keep them from going bad or the labels from wearing off
The Bottom Line
The price of a crate of soda in Kenya varies based on a number of things, such as the size of the bottles, the brand, the deposit fee, and the location of the vendor. By the middle of 2025:
Type | Price (Crate Only) | Deposit | Total |
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300ml (Coca-Cola) | KES 800–850 | KES 450–500 | KES 1,250–1,350 |
500ml (Coca-Cola) | KES 1,200–1,300 | KES 450–500 | KES 1,650–1,800 |
300ml (Pepsi) | KES 750–800 | KES 450–500 | KES 1,200–1,300 |
500ml (Pepsi) | KES 1,100–1,200 | KES 450–500 | KES 1,550–1,700 |
When you buy something, always check to see if the prices include or don’t include the deposit fee.