Buying door locks in Kenya is easier when you start from the door, not the price tag. The lock that keeps your main gate secure is the wrong lock for a bedroom, and the cheap handle that suits an office door will not survive on an outside steel door. Below is a simple breakdown — the lock type, the door it suits, a typical price to budget for, and why — using the genuine Union and Viro locks we carry at Shabbiri Hardware.
Prices move with brand, size and finish, so treat the figures below as a guide to budget by, not a fixed quote. For today's exact price on any lock, just send us a WhatsApp — we'll confirm what's in stock at Ongata Rongai and Tuala.
Door lock types, prices and what each suits
| Lock type | Best for | Typical price | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cylindrical / tubular lockset | Bedrooms, offices and interior doors | from KSH 1,000 | Quick to fit and affordable — privacy where you don't need heavy security. |
| Mortice lockset (Union) | Main doors, exterior and security doors | KSH 4,500 – 15,000 | Lock body sits inside the door edge; latch, deadbolt and handle in one strong unit. |
| Rim lock / night latch | Back doors and as a second lock on a main door | from KSH 1,500 | Surface-mounted and easy to fit; pairs well with a mortice for extra security. |
| Deadbolt / deadlock | Steel doors and high-security entries | from KSH 2,500 | Throws a solid bolt deep into the frame — hard to force or jemmy open. |
| Padlock (Viro / Union) | Gates, stores, grilles and shutters | from KSH 500 | Hardened shackle resists cutting; choose a bigger body for outdoor gates. |
Prices are a guide only and change with brand and spec. WhatsApp 0745 554 008 for today's exact price and stock.
Quick tips before you buy
- For a main door, don't rely on one lock. Pair a mortice lockset with a rim night latch or deadbolt for real security.
- Buy genuine. A real Union or Viro lock resists picking and rough handling; cheap copies jam or snap within months.
- Match the backset and door thickness before you buy, so the lock fits your door without extra cutting.
- For gates and stores, choose a padlock with a hardened, shrouded shackle — it's much harder to cut.
- Steel doors take a deadbolt or a purpose-made steel-door lock, not a timber-door lockset.
- Keep at least two spare keys and note the key code, so replacements are easy later.
Union vs Viro — which brand?
| Brand | Known for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Union (Assa Abloy) | Mortice locksets and door hardware for main doors | A trusted name on Kenyan doors — strong, serviceable and widely keyed. |
| Viro | Padlocks, rim locks and security fittings | Italian-made hardened padlocks — a solid pick for gates, grilles and stores. |
Door locks we stock
Our Doors, Locks & Hardware department carries 66+ items in stock — genuine Union mortice locksets, Viro padlocks, cylindrical locks, deadbolts, hinges, door closers and handles — at both branches, ready for collection or countrywide delivery.
Why buy from Shabbiri Hardware
- Trading since 1990 — a name Kenyan builders, landlords and fundis trust.
- Genuine Union and Viro locks, not cheap copies that fail or get picked.
- Two branches: Ongata Rongai on Magadi Road and Tuala — plus countrywide delivery.
- Honest advice on which lock suits your door and budget.
- Easy ordering on WhatsApp and quick payment via Paybill 542542.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a door lock cost in Kenya?
It depends on the type. A basic cylindrical lockset for a bedroom starts from about KSH 1,000, while a heavy-duty mortice lock for a main door runs from around KSH 4,500 up to KSH 15,000 for premium security models. Padlocks start from about KSH 500. WhatsApp us on 0745 554 008 for today's exact price.
Which lock is best for a main door?
Use a mortice lockset — the lock body sits inside the door edge and is far stronger than a surface-mounted lock. A genuine Union mortice lock gives you a latch, deadbolt and handle in one robust unit, ideal for exterior and security doors.
What is the difference between a mortice and a cylindrical lock?
A mortice lock is fitted inside the edge of the door and is stronger and more secure — best for main doors. A cylindrical (tubular) lock is quicker to fit and cheaper, and is fine for bedroom and interior doors where privacy matters more than heavy security.
Are Union and Viro locks genuine at Shabbiri Hardware?
Yes. We stock genuine Union (Assa Abloy) and Viro locks and padlocks — not cheap imitations that jam or get picked. Buy from our Ongata Rongai or Tuala branch, or order for countrywide delivery.
Do you deliver door locks countrywide?
Yes. Shabbiri Hardware delivers countrywide from our Ongata Rongai and Tuala branches. Order on WhatsApp 0745 554 008 and pay via Paybill 542542.