SikaRapid-2 KE 5L Concrete Accelerator & Hardening Admixture — Chloride-Free, KEBS Approved | Nairobi, Kenya
SikaRapid-2 KE Concrete Accelerator & Hardening Admixture — 5 Litres
Chloride-free liquid hardening accelerator for precast concrete, slip-forming, cold-weather concreting and fast formwork turnaround. Speeds up early strength gain without reducing final strength. In stock at both Shabbiri Hardware branches on Magadi Road, Nairobi.
What is SikaRapid-2 KE?
SikaRapid-2 KE is a ready-to-use liquid concrete accelerator and hardening admixture manufactured in Kenya by Sika. Added to the concrete mixing water, it speeds up cement hydration so concrete sets and gains strength far earlier than an untreated mix — without the chlorides that corrode reinforcement steel.
⚡Why contractors use it
Faster formwork turnaround
Strip and re-use shutters, moulds and props the same day or the next morning.
Higher precast output
More castings per mould per day — blocks, kerbs, culverts, cabro, fencing posts and slabs.
Earlier prestressing & handling
Reach demoulding and transfer strength sooner, so the line keeps moving.
No chloride attack
Safe for reinforced and prestressed concrete, unlike calcium-chloride accelerators.
🏗️Typical applications
Full Technical Specifications
Product data as declared on the Kenyan 5 L pack, plus typical values for the SikaRapid hardening-accelerator range. Always confirm against the current Sika Kenya Product Data Sheet (PDS) for your batch before use on a structural job.
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product name | SikaRapid-2 KE |
| Product type | Concrete accelerator and hardening admixture (liquid, ready to use) |
| Manufacturer | Sika Kenya Limited — Made in Kenya |
| Certification | KEBS Standardisation Mark, SM# 2829 |
| Appearance / form | Liquid admixture, light brown to brownish in colour |
| Chloride content | Chloride-free (< 0.1%) — safe for reinforced and prestressed concrete |
| Density | Approx. 1.10 – 1.25 kg/litre at 20 °C (confirm on current PDS) |
| pH value | Approx. 7 – 10 |
| Dosage | 1.0 – 2.0% by weight of cement (0.5 – 1.0 litre per 50 kg bag) |
| Packaging | 5 litre jerrycan (also commonly supplied in 20 L and 200 L drums) |
| Batch marking | Batch number, MNF and EXP dates printed on every pack label |
| Shelf life | 12 months from manufacture in the original, unopened, undamaged container |
| Storage conditions | Store dry and shaded, approx. +5 °C to +35 °C. Protect from direct sunlight and frost. Reseal opened containers immediately. |
| Point of addition | Into the mixing water or the wet concrete during mixing — never onto dry cement or dry aggregate |
| Effect on final strength | No reduction in 28-day compressive strength at recommended dosage with correct curing |
| Compatibility | Ordinary Portland cement (OPC), Portland-pozzolana (PPC) and blended cements |
| Best used with | Sika ViscoCrete / Plastiment superplasticisers for low w/c ratio, high early strength mixes |
How to Use SikaRapid-2 KE — Step by Step
Follow the standard rules of good concrete production and placing exactly as you would for an untreated mix. SikaRapid-2 KE accelerates the concrete; it does not replace good batching, compaction or curing.
Design your mix and run a trial batch
Choose a dosage between 1.0% and 2.0% of cement weight based on the early strength you need and the ambient temperature. Cold conditions and very early demoulding call for the higher end. Always test a trial batch — cement type, aggregate moisture and temperature all affect the result.
Measure the accelerator accurately
Work out the quantity from the cement in the batch, not from the water. Per 50 kg bag of cement: 1.0% = 500 ml · 1.5% = 750 ml · 2.0% = 1,000 ml. Use a calibrated measuring jug or a dosing pump — never pour "by eye".
Add it to the mixing water
Pour the measured SikaRapid-2 KE into the gauging (mixing) water and stir, or add it to the wet concrete during mixing. Never pour it onto dry cement or dry aggregates, and never mix it neat with a superplasticiser in one undiluted container — add each admixture to the mix separately.
Deduct the admixture from the mixing water
SikaRapid-2 KE is a liquid, so subtract the volume you added from the total mixing water to keep the water/cement ratio under control. Adding extra water afterwards cancels out the early strength benefit.
Mix thoroughly
Mix for at least 60 seconds after the admixture goes in — long enough for uniform dispersion through the whole batch. Uneven dosing gives uneven setting across the pour.
Place and compact without delay
The mix sets faster, so plan the pour before you batch. Have shutters, reinforcement, pump lines and vibrators ready, transport promptly and compact fully. Working time is shorter, particularly in hot weather.
Finish, cure — then strip
Cure properly with curing compound, polythene sheeting or wet hessian. Strip formwork only after checking strength on site-cured trial cubes — never on a stopwatch alone.
Reseal and store the balance
Close the jerrycan tightly straight after use, store it in a cool shaded store, and use the balance within the 12-month shelf life shown by the MNF/EXP dates on the label.
Dosage & Coverage Quick Reference
Quantities are based on the weight of cement in the mix. Use these figures to work out how many 5 L jerrycans your pour needs.
| Cement in the mix | At 1.0% | At 1.5% | At 2.0% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bag (50 kg) | 500 ml | 750 ml | 1.0 litre |
| 5 bags (250 kg) | 2.5 litres | 3.75 litres | 5.0 litres |
| 10 bags (500 kg) | 5.0 litres | 7.5 litres | 10 litres |
| 1 m³ concrete @ 350 kg cement | 3.5 litres | 5.25 litres | 7.0 litres |
| 1 m³ concrete @ 400 kg cement | 4.0 litres | 6.0 litres | 8.0 litres |
| One 5 L jerrycan treats | 10 bags ≈ 1.4 m³ | 6.6 bags ≈ 0.95 m³ | 5 bags ≈ 0.7 m³ |
Where It Works Best
Precast yards
Blocks, cabro, kerbs, culverts, fencing posts, manhole covers and panels — turn moulds around faster and lift daily output without buying more moulds.
Slip-forming
Continuous casting of walls, cores, silos and channels where the concrete must hold its shape as the form climbs.
Cold & rainy season pours
Keeps early strength development moving when temperatures drop at night or during the long rains in the highlands.
Fast formwork cycles
Columns, beams, slabs and staircases where shutters and props are needed back on the next lift quickly.
Repairs & patching
Floors, ramps, loading bays and roads that must be returned to traffic or service the same day.
Industrial screeds
Toppings and screeds in warehouses and workshops where early foot traffic and follow-on trades cannot wait.
Safety, Handling & Storage
🧤 Handling precautions
- Wear gloves, eye protection and suitable protective clothing.
- Avoid contact with skin and eyes. On eye contact, rinse with plenty of clean water and seek medical advice.
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling and before eating.
- Keep out of reach of children and away from foodstuffs.
- Do not empty into drains, watercourses or soil. Dispose of residue and containers per local regulations.
- Consult the Sika Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before use — available on request.
📦 Storage
- Shelf life: 12 months from manufacture, original unopened undamaged container.
- Store in a dry, shaded store, ideally between +5 °C and +35 °C.
- Protect from direct sunlight, frost and extreme heat.
- Reseal partly used jerrycans immediately and use that balance first on the next pour.
- Check the MNF and EXP dates printed on the label before use.
- Stir gently before use if the product has been standing a long period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SikaRapid-2 KE used for?
SikaRapid-2 KE is a chloride-free liquid concrete accelerator and hardening admixture. It is added to the mixing water to speed up early strength development, so precast items can be demoulded sooner, slip-forming can continue, formwork can be stripped faster, and concrete keeps hardening properly in cold weather.
What is the correct dosage for SikaRapid-2 KE?
1.0% to 2.0% by weight of cement — that is 500 ml to 1,000 ml per 50 kg bag of cement. Start at the lower end and increase only as far as your trial mixes justify. Never exceed 2.0%.
How many bags of cement does a 5 litre jerrycan cover?
A 5 L jerrycan treats about 10 bags of cement at 1.0% dosage, roughly 6–7 bags at 1.5%, and 5 bags at 2.0% — approximately 0.7 to 1.4 m³ of concrete depending on dosage and mix design.
Does SikaRapid-2 KE contain chlorides?
No. It is a chloride-free accelerator, which is why it suits reinforced and prestressed concrete. Calcium-chloride type accelerators can corrode reinforcement steel over time; this product is formulated to avoid that risk.
Will it reduce the final strength of my concrete?
Used at the recommended dosage with correct batching and proper curing, it does not reduce the final 28-day compressive strength. It changes how quickly the concrete gets there, not where it ends up. Overdosing or adding extra water can affect results, so always run a trial mix.
Can it be used together with a superplasticiser?
Yes, and that is how it works best. Combining SikaRapid-2 KE with a superplasticiser such as Sika ViscoCrete or Plastiment lets you keep the water/cement ratio low while maintaining workability, giving the highest early strength. Add each admixture to the mix separately — do not mix them neat together in one container.
Is SikaRapid-2 KE KEBS approved?
Yes. The pack carries the KEBS Standardisation Mark, SM# 2829, and the product is manufactured in Kenya by Sika.
How long does it keep in store?
12 months from the date of manufacture in the original, unopened container, stored dry and shaded away from direct sunlight and frost. The MNF and EXP dates are printed on every label.
What is the price of SikaRapid-2 KE 5L in Kenya?
Prices move with supply, so we quote on request. WhatsApp or call Shabbiri Hardware on 0741 042484 or 0745 554008 for today's price on the 5 L jerrycan, and for trade rates on carton and drum quantities.
Where can I buy SikaRapid-2 KE in Nairobi?
At Shabbiri Hardware, Magadi Road — our Ongata Rongai branch is opposite Hashi Petrol Station, and our Tuala branch is past Nazarene University. We supply Sika construction chemicals across Nairobi, Kajiado, Ngong, Kiserian, Kitengela, Karen and countrywide.
Do you deliver?
Yes. We arrange delivery across Nairobi and upcountry. Note that Shabbiri Hardware is a supply-only merchant — we do not carry out concreting or application works, but we can share contacts of independent contractors on request.
Stop the leak before the rains do more damage
Leaking roof? Damp walls? Water seeping into the basement or bathroom? Our waterproofing range has just been expanded — and whatever your problem area, we have something that works for it.
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Silicone, PU and acrylic sealants for expansion joints, windows and sanitaryware.
Shabbiri Hardware Kenya Ltd — building materials & construction chemicals since 1990 · info@shabbirihardware.co.ke · www.shabbirihardware.co.ke
Buy SikaRapid-2 KE — Visit or Call Us
Two branches on Magadi Road, Nairobi. Delivery arranged across Nairobi and upcountry.
📍 Ongata Rongai Branch
Magadi Road, Ongata Rongai — opposite Hashi Petrol Station, Nairobi, Kenya.
📞 0741 042484Open in Google Maps
📍 Tuala Branch
Magadi Road, Tuala — past Nazarene University, Nairobi, Kenya.
📞 0745 554008Open in Google Maps
Shabbiri Hardware Kenya Limited — supplying building materials and construction chemicals in Nairobi since 1990. Supply only: we do not undertake installation or application works, but we can share contacts of independent contractors on request.
Technical data is given in good faith from the product label and typical Sika values. Always refer to the current Sika Kenya Product Data Sheet and Safety Data Sheet before use. Sika and SikaRapid are trademarks of Sika AG.
Specifications
| Brand | Sika |
| Model | sikarapid- 2 ke |
| Category | Waterproofing & Sealants |
| Availability | In stock |
| Sourced by | Shabbiri Hardware Kenya Limited |
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