Network Switch Prices in Kenya

Network Switch Prices in Kenya: 2026 Price Guide

Network Switch Prices in Kenya vary considerably depending on the brand, number of Ethernet ports, network speed, PoE capability, management features, fibre connectivity and intended application. A small unmanaged desktop switch can cost only a few thousand Kenya shillings, while a high-capacity managed switch with PoE, SFP+ or 10 Gigabit connectivity can cost tens or even hundreds of thousands of shillings.

For buyers in Kenya, comparing switches purely by price can be misleading. Two switches may both have 24 Ethernet ports but be designed for completely different networks. One may be a basic unmanaged Fast Ethernet switch, while another could provide 24 Gigabit PoE+ ports, VLAN management, SFP uplinks, stacking features and a large PoE power budget.

This Network Switch Prices in Kenya guide explains the main price categories, popular switch sizes, PoE options, managed and unmanaged switches, leading brands and the important specifications you should compare before buying. Whether you are building a home network, office LAN, CCTV system, hotel network, school, enterprise installation or ISP infrastructure, understanding the differences can help you select a switch that fits both your technical requirements and budget.

Price note: Prices in this guide are indicative. Network equipment pricing in Kenya changes because of stock availability, import costs, exchange rates, promotions and model revisions. Always request the current price for the exact model before purchasing.

Network Switch Prices in Kenya Overview

The cost of a switch depends heavily on its specifications.

Here is a practical way to understand the market:

Switch CategoryTypical ApplicationGeneral Price Position5-Port UnmanagedHome, small officeEntry level8-Port UnmanagedHome, shop, small officeEntry level16-Port SwitchOffice, CCTVLow to mid-range24-Port SwitchBusiness, school, CCTVMid-range48-Port SwitchEnterprise, campusMid to highPoE SwitchCCTV, Wi-Fi, VoIPHigher than non-PoEManaged SwitchBusiness, enterpriseMid to high10G/Fibre SwitchISP, data centreHighLayer 3 SwitchEnterprise/core networkHigh

A buyer should therefore ask more than simply, “How much is a network switch?”

A better question is:

What switch specifications does my network require?

Once that is established, comparing prices becomes much easier.

Current Network Switch Prices in Kenya

Current Kenyan listings illustrate how broad the market can be.

For example, Tawa currently lists the D-Link DES-1016D 16-Port Desktop Switch at KES 3,800, the D-Link DES-1024D 24-Port Desktop Switch at KES 5,000, the D-Link DGS-F1010P-E 8-Port PoE Switch at KES 9,000, and the D-Link DGS-1210-28P 28-Port Gigabit PoE Switch at KES 35,000.

MikroTik switching equipment occupies another section of the market. Current published examples include the CRS305-1G-4S+IN at KES 18,000, CRS310-8G+2S+IN at KES 30,000, CRS326-24G-2S+RM at KES 35,000, CRS317-1G-16S+RM at KES 62,000, and larger models such as the CRS354-48P-4S+2Q+RM at KES 110,000.

These examples show why an exact model number is important when comparing network switch prices in Kenya.

5-Port Network Switch Price in Kenya

Five-port switches are among the smallest and most affordable network switches available.

They are commonly used for:

• Home networks

• Small office desks

• Smart TVs

• Network printers

• Gaming devices

• Small CCTV systems

• Expanding router Ethernet ports

Most buyers choosing a new 5-port switch should consider Gigabit Ethernet unless a slower Fast Ethernet model is required for a very basic installation.

What affects a 5-port switch price?

The price can differ according to:

• 10/100 Mbps vs Gigabit

• Plastic vs metal enclosure

• Managed vs unmanaged

• PoE capability

• Brand

• Warranty

A basic unmanaged 5-port switch is normally one of the cheapest ways to add Ethernet ports to a network.

8-Port Network Switch Price in Kenya

An 8-port switch is popular because it provides enough capacity for a small office, home, shop or CCTV installation while remaining compact.

Typical applications include:

• Small offices

• Home networks

• POS systems

• CCTV cameras

• Wireless access points

• Printers

• Smart TVs

The price of an 8-port switch increases significantly when PoE is added.

For example, a basic unmanaged 8-port switch and an 8-port PoE+ managed switch are not directly comparable even though they have the same number of physical ports.

Tawa currently lists a D-Link 8-port PoE model at approximately KES 9,000, illustrating the premium buyers can expect for PoE capability compared with basic non-PoE switches.

16-Port Network Switch Price in Kenya

Sixteen-port switches are suitable for growing networks that require more ports without moving immediately to a 24-port platform.

Typical users include:

• Offices

• Shops

• Schools

• Small hotels

• CCTV installations

• Restaurants

• Warehouses

A basic unmanaged 16-port switch can be relatively inexpensive.

For example, Tawa currently lists the D-Link DES-1016D 16-Port Desktop Switch at KES 3,800.

However, a 16-port Gigabit PoE managed switch can cost considerably more.

Always check whether the quoted price is for:

• Fast Ethernet or Gigabit

• PoE or non-PoE

• Managed or unmanaged

• Desktop or rack-mounted equipment

24-Port Network Switch Price in Kenya

The 24-port network switch is one of the most common sizes used in business networking.

Twenty-four ports work well with structured cabling installations because standard patch panels are frequently available in similar port counts.

Applications include:

• Offices

• Schools

• Hospitals

• Hotels

• Apartment buildings

• CCTV projects

• Business Wi-Fi

• ISP installations

Current pricing varies dramatically depending on specifications.

A basic 24-port desktop switch can cost only a few thousand shillings. Tawa currently lists the D-Link DES-1024D at KES 5,000.

By comparison, MikroTik's CRS326-24G-2S+RM, which provides 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports plus SFP+ connectivity and more advanced switching functionality, is currently listed at KES 35,000 on MikroTik Kenya.

This comparison shows why port count alone does not determine the price.

48-Port Network Switch Price in Kenya

A 48-port switch is designed for larger networks where high port density is important.

Typical deployments include:

• Corporate offices

• Universities

• Hotels

• Hospitals

• Data centres

• Large schools

• ISPs

• Enterprise CCTV installations

Forty-eight-port switches can range from basic Gigabit access switches to sophisticated PoE+, Layer 3 and multi-Gigabit systems.

A larger PoE switch also requires a substantial power supply.

For example, MikroTik Kenya currently lists the CRS354-48P-4S+2Q+RM at KES 110,000. This is a much more sophisticated platform than a basic unmanaged 48-port Ethernet switch.

When comparing 48-port switches, look closely at:

• PoE budget

• Port speed

• SFP+ interfaces

• QSFP+ interfaces

• Management system

• Switching capacity

• Rack requirements

• Redundant power options

PoE Switch Prices in Kenya

PoE switches normally cost more than equivalent non-PoE switches.

PoE stands for Power over Ethernet.

A compatible PoE switch can send data and electrical power through the same Ethernet cable.

This is particularly useful for:

• IP CCTV cameras

• Wireless access points

• VoIP phones

• Intercoms

• Access-control equipment

Why are PoE switches more expensive?

A PoE switch requires additional power-delivery hardware.

Its internal power supply must also provide sufficient wattage to operate attached devices.

For example, a switch may offer 24 PoE-capable ports but have a total PoE budget lower than the combined maximum requirements of 24 high-powered devices.

This is why buyers should compare both:

Number of PoE ports

and

Total PoE power budget

PoE standards to check

Common standards include:

• IEEE 802.3af — PoE

• IEEE 802.3at — PoE+

• IEEE 802.3bt — higher-power PoE variants

Do not assume that every PoE switch can power every PoE device.

Confirm compatibility before installation.

Managed Switch Prices in Kenya

Managed switches are normally more expensive than unmanaged switches because they provide greater control over network traffic.

Features may include:

• VLANs

• Spanning Tree

• Link aggregation

• Port isolation

• Quality of Service

• SNMP

• Port monitoring

• Access-control features

• Network statistics

• Centralised management

Managed switches are useful for:

• Businesses

• Hotels

• Schools

• Universities

• ISPs

• Hospitals

• Enterprise networks

The extra cost is often worthwhile when network segmentation, monitoring and scalability are important.

Unmanaged Switch Prices in Kenya

Unmanaged switches are simpler devices.

They normally require little or no configuration.

Simply connect Ethernet cables and the switch automatically begins forwarding network traffic.

They are suitable for:

• Homes

• Small businesses

• Basic CCTV installations

• Workstations

• Printers

• Entertainment systems

Unmanaged switches are generally cheaper than managed switches with the same approximate port count and speed.

However, they offer fewer controls.

If you anticipate needing VLANs or more sophisticated traffic management later, consider whether buying a managed switch now could avoid replacing equipment later.

Gigabit Switch Price in Kenya

A Gigabit Ethernet switch supports speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps per compatible port.

This is generally a better choice for new installations than older 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet switches.

Gigabit switching is useful for:

• Fibre internet

• Starlink

• Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 access points

• Servers

• NAS systems

• Large file transfers

• IP cameras

• Office workstations

Although Fast Ethernet switches remain available, the price difference between basic Fast Ethernet and Gigabit equipment has narrowed in many product categories.

For new business networks, Gigabit switching is normally worth considering.

TP-Link Switch Prices in Kenya

TP-Link has one of the broadest switch ranges available to Kenyan buyers.

Products include:

• 5-port switches

• 8-port switches

• 16-port switches

• 24-port switches

• 48-port switches

• PoE switches

• Smart switches

• JetStream managed switches

• Omada switches

• Multi-Gigabit switches

According to Orbitlink Solutions, TP-Link pricing varies significantly because the range spans small unmanaged switches through to enterprise PoE, 2.5G and 10G models.

Businesses already using Omada access points and controllers may particularly benefit from considering Omada-compatible switches.

Visit Orbitlink Solutions for additional TP-Link networking options and current project quotations.

MikroTik Switch Prices in Kenya

MikroTik is widely used by:

• ISPs

• WISPs

• Network administrators

• Data centres

• Enterprise networks

• Fibre installations

Popular MikroTik switching families include:

• CSS

• CRS

• netPower

• Cloud Router Switch

Current published September 2026 examples include:

MikroTik ModelPublished PriceCRS305-1G-4S+INKES 18,000CRS310-8G+2S+INKES 30,000CRS326-24G-2S+RMKES 35,000CRS309-1G-8S+INKES 38,000CRS317-1G-16S+RMKES 62,000CRS326-24S+2Q+RMKES 65,000CRS312-4C+8XG-RMKES 83,000CRS354-48P-4S+2Q+RMKES 110,000CRS510-8XS-2XQ-INKES 115,000

These published examples were checked in September 2026 and may change with stock and supplier pricing.

For additional MikroTik products and switch information, visit MikroTik Kenya.

D-Link Switch Prices in Kenya

D-Link provides networking equipment across both entry-level and business categories.

Popular switch types include:

• Desktop switches

• Gigabit switches

• PoE switches

• Smart managed switches

• Rack-mount switches

Current Tawa listings include several useful pricing references:

• D-Link DES-1016D 16-Port Desktop Switch — KES 3,800

• D-Link DES-1024D 24-Port Desktop Switch — KES 5,000

• D-Link DGS-F1010P-E 8-Port PoE Switch — KES 9,000

• D-Link DGS-1210-28P 28-Port Gigabit PoE Switch — KES 35,000

Prices and availability can change, so confirm before purchase.

You can also explore networking equipment at Tawa.

Ubiquiti Switch Prices in Kenya

Ubiquiti's UniFi switches are popular for professionally managed Wi-Fi and business networks.

They work particularly well in environments already using:

• UniFi access points

• UniFi gateways

• UniFi Cloud Gateways

• UniFi controllers

• UniFi Protect equipment

Depending on the model, features can include:

• PoE+

• PoE++

• VLAN support

• SFP+

• Multi-Gigabit Ethernet

• Centralised UniFi management

Ubiquiti switch pricing should always be checked by exact model number because models with similar port counts can have very different capabilities.

What Determines Network Switch Prices in Kenya?

Several factors determine how much a network switch costs.

1. Number of Ports

More Ethernet ports normally increase the price.

Common configurations include:

• 5 ports

• 8 ports

• 16 ports

• 24 ports

• 48 ports

However, port count is only one factor.

2. Ethernet Speed

Switches can support:

• 10/100 Mbps

• 1 Gigabit

• 2.5 Gigabit

• 5 Gigabit

• 10 Gigabit

• 25 Gigabit

• 40 Gigabit

• 100 Gigabit and above

Higher-speed networking generally increases cost.

3. PoE Capability

PoE switches cost more because they contain additional power-management circuitry and larger power supplies.

4. PoE Budget

Two 24-port PoE switches can have dramatically different prices if one provides substantially more total PoE wattage.

5. Management Features

Fully managed switches tend to cost more than unmanaged switches.

6. Fibre Ports

SFP, SFP+, SFP28 and QSFP interfaces add flexibility and can increase price.

7. Switching Capacity

Enterprise and data-centre equipment is designed to process much higher amounts of network traffic.

8. Brand

Pricing also varies across manufacturers.

9. Warranty and Support

Equipment supplied with reliable local warranty and technical support can provide better long-term value than an undocumented grey-market unit.

10. Exchange Rates and Import Costs

Most networking equipment sold in Kenya is imported.

Changes in:

• Currency exchange

• Freight

• Taxes

• Supplier costs

can affect retail pricing.

Network Switch Prices for CCTV in Kenya

CCTV systems frequently require PoE switches.

For example, an installation may contain:

• 8 IP cameras

• 16 IP cameras

• 24 IP cameras

• 32 IP cameras

• 48 IP cameras

The required switch depends on:

• Number of cameras

• Camera power consumption

• Camera bitrate

• Cable distances

• Number of uplinks

• NVR location

• Network architecture

Do not automatically choose a switch based purely on camera count.

For example, sixteen cameras do not necessarily mean you should purchase exactly one 16-port switch. You may also need ports for the NVR, uplink, router or other network equipment.

Leave capacity for expansion.

Network Switch Prices for Offices in Kenya

Office networks vary significantly.

A small business might use:

Router → 8-Port Gigabit Switch → PCs, Printer and Access Point

A larger office could use:

Firewall → 24/48-Port Managed Switch → Access Points, PCs, IP Phones, Printers and Servers

Large offices may also require separate switches for:

• Access network

• CCTV

• Servers

• VoIP

• Wi-Fi

• Core switching

The larger and more structured the network becomes, the more important managed switching becomes.

Network Switch Prices for ISPs in Kenya

ISPs generally have more demanding switching requirements.

Features may include:

• VLANs

• SFP+

• 10GbE

• 25GbE

• 40GbE

• 100GbE

• Link aggregation

• Redundant links

• Network monitoring

• High packet-processing performance

MikroTik is commonly considered for ISP networks because its CRS portfolio includes equipment with fibre and high-speed Ethernet interfaces.

ISPs that also require subscriber and hotspot management can explore Tajira for ISP and hotspot billing solutions.

Should You Buy the Cheapest Network Switch?

Not necessarily.

Buying the lowest-priced switch can sometimes save money, but it can also result in:

• Insufficient bandwidth

• Too few ports

• Inadequate PoE power

• Lack of VLAN support

• No fibre uplinks

• Poor expansion options

The objective should be to purchase the lowest-cost switch that correctly meets your technical requirements, rather than simply purchasing the lowest-priced device available.

How to Choose a Network Switch in Kenya

Before requesting a quotation, identify these requirements:

1. Number of Ethernet devices

2. Required port count

3. Gigabit or multi-Gigabit speed

4. PoE requirements

5. Total PoE wattage

6. Managed or unmanaged operation

7. VLAN requirements

8. Fibre uplinks

9. Rack or desktop installation

10. Future expansion

This information will make it significantly easier for a supplier to recommend the correct model.

Network Switch Kenya: Example Buying Scenarios

Small Home Network

Possible requirements:

• 5 or 8 Gigabit ports

• Unmanaged

• No PoE

Small Office

Possible requirements:

• 8 or 16 Gigabit ports

• Optional PoE

• Basic management

Medium Office

Possible requirements:

• 24 Gigabit ports

• Managed

• VLAN support

• SFP uplinks

CCTV System

Possible requirements:

• 8, 16 or 24 PoE ports

• Adequate PoE power budget

• Gigabit uplink

Hotel Wi-Fi

Possible requirements:

• 24 or 48 ports

• PoE+

• VLANs

• Managed switching

• SFP/SFP+ uplinks

ISP

Possible requirements:

• Managed switching

• VLANs

• 10GbE or faster

• SFP+

• High switching capacity

• Redundancy

Where to Buy Network Switches in Kenya

When comparing suppliers, do not look at price alone.

Confirm:

• Exact model number

• New or refurbished condition

• Warranty

• Technical specifications

• Accessories

• PoE power budget

• Stock availability

• Delivery options

• Technical support

At Network Switch Kenya, the objective is to help buyers compare switches according to real networking requirements.

You can also explore complementary networking solutions through:

MikroTik Kenya for MikroTik switches, routers and networking products.

Orbitlink Solutions for network equipment, installations and project solutions.

Tawa for networking equipment, switches, fibre products and related hardware.

Tajira for ISP and hotspot billing solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Network Switch Prices in Kenya

How much does a network switch cost in Kenya?

Network switch prices in Kenya range from a few thousand shillings for simple unmanaged desktop switches to more than KES 100,000 for advanced PoE, fibre and enterprise switches. Exact pricing depends on the model and specifications.

How much is an 8-port switch in Kenya?

The price depends on whether it is Fast Ethernet, Gigabit, managed or PoE. Basic unmanaged models are cheaper, while PoE and managed models cost more.

How much is a 24-port network switch in Kenya?

A basic unmanaged 24-port switch can cost only a few thousand shillings, while managed Gigabit, PoE and fibre-capable 24-port switches can cost tens of thousands. Current Kenyan examples range from approximately KES 5,000 for a basic D-Link desktop model to KES 35,000 for more advanced models such as the MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S+RM.

Why are PoE switches more expensive?

PoE switches include hardware that provides electrical power over Ethernet. Larger PoE budgets require more powerful internal power supplies, increasing manufacturing cost.

What is the best network switch to buy in Kenya?

The right switch depends on the project. A small home network may need an unmanaged Gigabit switch, while a business, CCTV installation, hotel or ISP may require managed PoE switching with VLANs and fibre uplinks.

Is TP-Link or MikroTik better?

The two manufacturers serve overlapping but different use cases. TP-Link offers extensive unmanaged, JetStream and Omada switching options, while MikroTik provides CRS and CSS equipment particularly popular in advanced routing, fibre, enterprise and ISP environments. Choose according to the required features rather than brand alone.

Get the Right Network Switch at the Right Price

Understanding Network Switch Prices in Kenya becomes much easier once you identify the specifications your network requires.

A cheap 8-port unmanaged switch may be ideal for a small office. A 24-port PoE managed switch may be better for CCTV or Wi-Fi. A business network may need 48 Gigabit ports, VLAN support and fibre uplinks, while an ISP may require 10G, 25G, 40G or higher-speed switching.

Always compare:

• Port count

• Ethernet speed

• PoE capability

• PoE power budget

• Management features

• Fibre interfaces

• Warranty

• Current stock

• Total project requirements

Avoid purchasing based only on headline price.

For current quotations, product comparisons and switch selection, Network Switch Kenya can help you identify the appropriate switch for your home, office, CCTV installation, hotel, school, enterprise network or ISP infrastructure.