Choosing adhesives and glues in Kenya is really about matching the glue to the surface and the conditions. A wood glue that is perfect for furniture is useless on a PVC pipe; a fast adhesive that fixes a plastic clip will not hold a skirting board. Below is the same quick reference we use at our counters in Ongata Rongai and Tuala.
What to use where
| The job | Reach for | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Furniture & joinery | Ponal Professional wood glue | Strong PVA bond, short clamp time, cleans up with water |
| Laminates, MDF, damp-prone wood | Fevicol Marine Plus | High-strength and water-resistant where PVA would let go |
| Quick repair (plastic, ceramic, rubber) | Akfix 705 Universal Fast Adhesive | Activator sets awkward joints in seconds |
| Skirting, cornices, panels, trims | Akfix High Tack, Montage or 610 | Mounts without nails; grabs instantly |
| PVC & ABS pipe joints | Tangit solvent cement | Welds a waterproof, pressure-tight joint for plumbing |
| Mirrors on walls | Akfix Mirror Silicone 900N | Holds the mirror without blackening the silver backing |
| Windows, sinks, showers, moving gaps | Akfix Silicone Sealant | Stays flexible and weatherproof; will not crack |
| Gaps round frames / insulation | Akfix PU Foam, Fire-Rated Foam or DLC Foam | Fills, fixes and insulates cavities in one go |
Tips that make the bond hold
- Clean and dry the surface first. Dust, oil or damp is the number one reason a glue lets go.
- Match the glue to the material — wood glue for wood, solvent cement for PVC pipes, silicone for wet gaps. One glue does not do everything.
- Clamp or press wood joints and give them time — most PVA glues want 20–30 minutes of pressure and full strength overnight.
- With PU foam, fill only half the gap — it expands to fill the rest, then trim once cured.
- Not sure? Send a photo of the two surfaces on WhatsApp 0745 554 008 and we will tell you exactly which glue to buy.
Shop by brand
Shabbiri Hardware stocks genuine Akfix, Ponal, Fevicol and Tangit adhesives, sealants and foams — for pickup in Ongata Rongai and Tuala or delivery countrywide.
Why buy adhesives from Shabbiri Hardware
- Genuine Akfix, Ponal, Fevicol and Tangit — not fake glue that dries out or never sets.
- Trusted since 1990, with two branches in Ongata Rongai and Tuala and honest advice on the right product for your job.
- Countrywide delivery from Nairobi. Order on WhatsApp and pay by M-Pesa Paybill 542542 or card.
Frequently asked questions
Which glue is best for wood in Kenya?
For furniture and joinery use a PVA wood glue like Ponal Professional. For laminates, veneers, MDF or where damp is a risk, use Fevicol Marine Plus. For a quick wood repair, Akfix 705 with its activator grabs in seconds.
What can I use instead of nails to fix skirting or panels?
Use a mounting adhesive like Akfix High Tack, Akfix Montage or Akfix 610 PU Express. They grab instantly and hold skirting, cornices, panels and fittings without drilling.
Which glue joins PVC pipes?
Use Tangit PVC solvent cement. It welds PVC and ABS pipe joints into a flexible, waterproof, pressure-tight bond — the right choice for plumbing, not an ordinary glue.
How much do adhesives cost in Kenya?
At Shabbiri Hardware, Akfix Montage starts from about KSh 500, Akfix 705 fast adhesive is about KSh 750, wood glues from around KSh 500 to 650, PU foam from about KSh 850, and fire-rated foam about KSh 2,800. Prices vary by size — WhatsApp 0745 554 008 to confirm.
Do you deliver adhesives countrywide?
Yes. Shabbiri Hardware stocks genuine Akfix, Ponal, Fevicol and Tangit in Ongata Rongai and Tuala and delivers countrywide. Order on WhatsApp 0745 554 008 and pay via Paybill 542542 or card.