In 2025, while smartphones and laptops dominate our daily lives, the classic desktop computer remains the powerhouse for serious work, creativity, and gaming in Kenya. For anyone running a business, editing videos, designing graphics, or diving into competitive gaming, the performance, upgradability, and sheer value for money that a desktop offers are simply unmatched.
From the bustling SME hubs in Nairobi to home offices in Nakuru and creative studios across the country, choosing the right desktop is a crucial investment. But with so many options available, what should you get, and what is a fair price to pay?
This guide breaks down the desktop computer market in Kenya, covering available brands, custom builds, and the latest prices to help you make a smart decision.
The Main Players: Branded Desktops in Kenya
The Kenyan market is led by globally recognized brands known for their reliability and support.1
1. Dell Desktops in Kenya
A favourite in the corporate world, Dell is synonymous with reliability and professional performance.Dell has recently announced a major rebranding of its desktop and laptop product lines, moving away from its long-standing brands like Inspiron, OptiPlex, and Precision.1 This new structure is designed to be more intuitive and is centered around three main tiers, in addition to its gaming brand.
- Here are the main desktop series in Dell’s new product lineup:
- 1. Dell Desktops
- This is the new home for Dell’s consumer-focused desktops, including what were previously the Inspiron and XPS series.2 This line is designed for everyday use, schoolwork, and creative tasks. It offers a diverse portfolio with various form factors, from traditional towers to all-in-one PCs, and focuses on versatility and a balance of features.
- 2. Dell Pro Desktops
- The Dell Pro series is for professional and business-grade products that are managed within an IT environment.3 This line replaces the well-known OptiPlex and Vostro series.4 These desktops are built for reliability, security, and easy management, making them ideal for corporate, government, and education sectors.
- 3. Dell Pro Max Desktops
- This is the top-tier line for users who require maximum performance.5 It replaces the Precision series of workstations.6 Dell Pro Max desktops are engineered for demanding professional workflows, such as AI development, 3D rendering, video editing, and complex data analysis.7 They feature high-end components like professional-grade GPUs and advanced memory options.8
- 4. Alienware
- Dell’s Alienware brand remains its dedicated product line for gaming.9 These desktops are known for their high-performance components, unique designs, and advanced cooling systems, all tailored to meet the needs of serious gamers.10
2. HP (Hewlett-Packard) Desktops in Kenya
HP is a household name in Kenya, offering a fantastic blend of style, performance, and value.
- For SMEs (HP ProDesk & EliteDesk): These are HP’s reliable and secure business lines, perfect for handling everything from accounting to customer management.3
- For Everyday Use (HP Pavilion): The Pavilion line is ideal for home offices and general use, often featuring modern designs and the latest processors with AI capabilities for enhanced performance.4
- For Gaming (HP Victus & Omen): The Victus line is a popular entry point for gamers, offering great 1080p performance. The Omen series is for enthusiasts who demand higher frame rates and premium build quality.5
3. Lenovo Desktops in Kenya
Known for their robust engineering, Lenovo desktops are a durable and innovative choice.
- Lenovo’s ThinkCentre desktops are a series of business-oriented PCs known for their reliability, security, and performance.1 The primary series within the ThinkCentre line includes the M series and the Neo series, each available in a variety of form factors.
🖥️ ThinkCentre M Series
The M Series is the traditional workhorse of the ThinkCentre line, offering a wide range of options for businesses of all sizes. They are known for being robust, manageable, and secure.2 This series is broken down by form factor:
M Tower Series: These are full-size desktop towers that offer maximum performance, expandability, and storage capacity.3 They’re ideal for users who require more power and a lot of room for upgrades.
M Small Form Factor (SFF) Series: These desktops offer a balance of performance and a compact design.4 They’re great for office environments where space is at a premium but some internal expansion is still desired.
M Tiny Series: Lenovo’s Tiny series are ultra-compact desktops that are incredibly small, often less than one liter in volume.5 They’re perfect for tight spaces or for mounting behind a monitor with a VESA mount, creating a clean, clutter-free workspace.
M All-in-One (AIO) Series: These models integrate the computer components into the monitor, reducing cable clutter and saving desk space. They’re designed for a clean, professional appearance.
💻 ThinkCentre Neo Series
The Neo Series is a newer addition to the ThinkCentre family, focusing on modern design, energy efficiency, and sustainability. They are often equipped with the latest processors and features, including AI capabilities.6 This series is also available in different form factors:
Neo Tower: Similar to the M series towers but with a renewed focus on a sleek design and eco-friendly features.
Neo SFF: A small form factor version with a focus on a modern aesthetic and energy-efficient performance.
Neo Tiny: The ultra-compact models of the Neo series.7
Neo AIO: All-in-one models with a modern design and features tailored for today’s hybrid work environments, including enhanced video conferencing tools.8
Maximum Power for Your Shilling: Custom-Built PCs
For those who need performance tailored to a specific task, nothing beats a custom-built PC. This is the preferred route for gamers, video editors, architects, and developers.
- The Advantage: You select every single component—processor, graphics card, RAM, storage, and cooling—ensuring you only pay for what you need. This often results in more performance for your money compared to a pre-built machine.
- Where to Get Them: Reputable computer shops in Nairobi, like Buytec.co.ke, specialize in building custom PCs. Their experts can help you choose the best parts for your budget and assemble the machine for you.
The Budget-Friendly Choice: Refurbished Desktops
For students, startups, or anyone on a tight budget, refurbished ex-corporate desktops offer unbeatable value. These are typically Dell OptiPlex or HP ProDesk models that are 2-4 years old but still powerful enough for most office and school tasks.
Desktop Price Guide in Kenya – 2025
Prices vary based on specifications, brand, and warranty. Here are the typical price ranges you can expect in Kenyan Shillings (KSh).
1. Basic Use & Entry-Level Desktops
- Best For: Students, browsing, Microsoft Office, online learning, cyber cafes.
- Typical Specs: Intel Core i3 / Core i5 (4th-6th Gen Refurbished), 8GB RAM, 256GB/512GB SSD.
- Price Range: KSh 10,000 – KSh 55,000
2. Mid-Range Office & Productivity Desktops
- Best For: SMEs, heavy multitasking, accounting, professionals working from home.
- Typical Specs: Intel Core i5 / AMD Ryzen 5 (Newer Generations), 8GB or 16GB RAM, 512GB NVMe SSD.
- Price Range: KSh 60,000 – KSh 100,000
3. High-Performance Professional Workstations
- Best For: Video editors, graphic designers, architects, software developers.
- Typical Specs: Intel Core i7 / AMD Ryzen 7, 16GB or 32GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, Entry-Level Professional Graphics (e.g., NVIDIA RTX 3060/4060).
- Price Range: KSh 110,000 – KSh 220,000+
4. Gaming Desktops
This category is highly dependent on the graphics card (GPU).
- Entry-Level Gaming PC (1080p)
- Specs: Core i3/i5 or Ryzen 5, 16GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 / GTX 1660 Super.
- Price Range: KSh 85,000 – KSh 130,000
- Mid-Range Gaming PC (Excellent 1080p / Good 1440p)
- Specs: Core i5 or Ryzen 5, 16GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060.
- Price Range: KSh 140,000 – KSh 190,000
- High-End Gaming PC (Smooth 1440p / 4K)
- Specs: Core i7/i9 or Ryzen 7, 16GB/32GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 or higher.
- Price Range: KSh 200,000 and well upwards
Here is a pricelist of Desktop Computers available at Buytec Stores in Kenya
| 12UD00BVUM | Lenovo ThinkCentre neo 50t Gen 5 Tower, Intel Core i3 13100, 8GB DDR5 4800 (Up to 64GB Support), 512GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0×4 NVMe, No OS, No ODD, WLAN + Bluetooth (Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201, 802.11ax 2×2 + BT5.2), 2W Speakers, USB Calliope Keyboard & Mouse, Black, 3 Year Warranty No Monitor | Ksh50,000.00 |
| 12JD0094UM | Lenovo ThinkCentre neo 50t Gen 4 Tower, Intel Core i5 12400, 8GB DDR4 3200 (Up to 64GB Support), 512GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0×4 NVMe Opal 2.0, No OS, DVD±RW, 2W Speakers, USB Calliope Keyboard & Mouse, Black, 1 Year Warranty No Monitor | Ksh56,000.00 |
| 12UD0061UM | Lenovo ThinkCentre neo 50t Gen 5 Tower, Intel Core i5 13400, 8GB DDR5 4800 (Up to 64GB Support), 512GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0×4 NVMe Opal 2.0, No OS, DVD±RW, 2W Speakers, USB Calliope Keyboard & Mouse, Black, 1 Year Warranty No Monitor | Ksh62,000.00 |
| 12UD007YUM | Lenovo ThinkCentre neo 50t Gen 5 Tower, Intel Core i7 13700, 8GB DDR5 5600 (Up to 64GB Support), 512GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0×4 NVMe Opal 2.0, No OS, DVD±RW, 2W Speakers, USB Calliope Keyboard & Mouse, Black, 1 Year Warranty No Monitor | Ksh88,000.00 |
| 12UD008SUM | Lenovo ThinkCentre neo 50t Gen 5 Tower, Intel Core i7 13700, 8GB DDR5 5600 (Up to 64GB Support), 512GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0×4 NVMe Opal 2.0, No OS, No ODD, WLAN + Bluetooth (Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201, 802.11ax 2×2 + BT5.2), 2W Speakers, USB Calliope Keyboard & Mouse, Black, 3 Year Warranty No Monitor | Ksh90,000.00 |
| 12U80080UM | Lenovo ThinkCentre M70s Gen 5 SFF, Intel Core i7 13700, 8GB DDR5 5600 (Up to 64GB Support), 512GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0×4 NVMe Opal 2.0, No OS, No ODD, Intel vPro Enterprise, WLAN + Bluetooth (Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211, 802.11ax 2×2 + BT5.3), 1W Speakers, USB Traditional Keyboard & Calliope Mouse, Black, 3 Year Warranty No Monitor | |
| 12XD005LUM | Lenovo ThinkCentre neo 50s Gen 5 SFF, Intel Core i7 14700, 8GB DDR5 5600 (Up to 64GB Support), 512GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0×4 NVMe Opal 2.0, No OS, No ODD, WLAN + Bluetooth (Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201, 802.11ax 2×2 + BT5.2), 1W Speakers, USB Calliope Keyboard & Mouse, Black, 3 Year Warranty No Monitor | |
| N2002VDT3030MTEMEA | Dell Vostro 3030 MT, Intel Core i3 14100, 8GB DDR5 4800, 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD, Ubuntu, No ODD, Wired Keyboard and Mouse, Black, 1 Year Warranty No Monitor | |
| N009O7020MTPEMEA | Dell OptiPlex 7020 Plus MT, Intel Core i7 14700, 8GB DDR5 5600, 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD, Ubuntu, DVD±RW, USB Wired Keyboard and Mouse, Black, 1 Year Warranty No Monitor | Ksh95,000.00 |
| 12UD00BYUM | Lenovov ThinkCenter Neo 50t G5,TWR, ,i5-14400,8GB DDR5,512GB SSD M.2 2280 NVMe G4 QLC,Integrated,No OS,No DVD, ,Intel AX201 2x2AX+BT,3-in-1 Card Reader, , , , , , Internal Speaker,2-in-1 CPU fan, ,USB CLP UK-ENG,USB CLP MOUSE,PUB_POL/POR/ENG,1Yr Carry-in, , 3Y Carry-in | Ksh69,000.00 |
| 2U6003PUM | Lenovo ThinkCenter M70t G5,TWR, ,i7-14700,8GB DDR5,512GB SSD M.2 2280 NVMe G4,Integrated,No OS,No DVD, ,Intel AX211 2x2AX_6E+BT, , , , , , ,Internal Speaker, , , USB TRD UK-ENG,USB CLP MOUSE,PUB_POL/POR/ENG,1Yr Carry-in, , 3Y Carry-in | Ksh90,000.00 |
| N2006VDT3030MTEMEA01 | DELL VOSTRO 3030 MT SYSTEM (CI5-14400/8GB/512GB/UBUNTU)no monitor | Ksh60,000.00 |
| N6004VDT3030MTEMEA01 | DELL VOSTRO 3030 MT SYSTEM (CI5-12400/8GB/512GB/UBUNTU)no monitor | Ksh58,000.00 |
| N6007VDT3030MTEMEA01 | DELL VOSTRO 3030 MT SYSTEM (CI7-12700/8GB/512GB/UBUNTU)no monitor | Ksh88,000.00 |
| N008O7020MTEMEA_VP | DELL OPTIPLEX 7020 MT SYSTEM (CI5-14500/8GB/512GB/DVDRW/UBUNTU)/no monitor) | Ksh70,000.00 |
| DLS7020-16 | DELL OPTIPLEX 7020 SFF SYSTEM (CI5-14500/16GB/512GB/WIN11P /DELL 20 MONITOR E2020H – 49.5 CM (19.5″) BLACK) | Ksh110,000.00 |
| A54XGET | HP Pro Tower 290 G9 Desktop PC, Intel Core i5 13500, 8GB DDR4 3200, 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD, FreeDOS, No ODD, Realtek Wi-Fi 6 RTL8852BE (2×2) and Bluetooth® 5.3 wireless card, HP 125 Wired Keyboard & Mouse, Black, 1 Year Warranty No Monitor | Ksh62,000.00 |
| B70SCAT | HP Pro Tower 290 G9 Desktop PC, Intel Core i7 13700, 8GB DDR4 3200, 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD, FreeDOS, HP 9.5 mm Slim DVD-Writer, HP 125 Wired Keyboard & Mouse, Black, 1 Year Warranty, HP Series 3 Pro 21.45″ FHD Monitor | Ksh92,000.00 |
| 8T2G6ES | HP Pro SFF 290 G9 Desktop PC, Intel Core i5 13400, 8GB DDR4 3200, 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD, FreeDOS, No ODD, HP 125 Wired Keyboard & Mouse, Black, 1 Year Warranty No Monitor | Ksh65,000.00 |
| A1HV4ES | HP Pro Mini 400 G9 Desktop PC, Intel Core i5 14500T, 8GB DDR5 4800, 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD, FreeDOS, No ODD, Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 (2×2) and Bluetooth 5.2 wireless card (supporting gigabit data rate), HP 125 Wired Keyboard & Mouse, Black, 1 Year Warranty No Monitor | Ksh72,000.00 |
| A54X6ET | HP Pro Mini 400 G9 Desktop PC, Intel Core i7 14700T, 8GB DDR5 4800, 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD, FreeDOS, No ODD, Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 (2×2) and Bluetooth 5.3 wireless card (supporting gigabit data rate), HP 125 Wired Keyboard & Mouse, Black, 1 Year Warranty,No Monitor | Ksh92,000.00 |
Why you should Buy Your Desktop at Buytec Stores in Kenya
- Expert Advice, Custom Power. Buytec is your trusted Nairobi-based partner for both top-brand computers (Dell, HP, Lenovo) and professionally custom-built PCs tailored perfectly to your work, gaming, or creative needs.
- By understanding your needs and matching them to these price brackets, you can confidently invest in a desktop that will serve you reliably for years to come.