MS Angles and Tees in Kenya: Sustainable Steel Fabrication for Modern Architecture | BHD

BHD Kenya January 23, 2026 6 min read

Steel fabrication provides the structural backbone for durable, scalable, and resource-efficient buildings.
It enables faster construction, reduced material waste, and adaptable architectural designs suited to Kenya’s urban growth.

From Nairobi’s commercial towers and industrial parks to schools, hospitals, warehouses, and residential developments across counties, fabricated steel components are now integral to Kenyan architecture. Compared to traditional masonry-heavy systems, steel-based construction offers:

Faster build times
Predictable structural performance
Lower long-term maintenance
Easier integration with green building strategies

MS angles and tees are among the most widely used fabricated sections due to their simplicity, versatility, and structural efficiency.

What Are MS Angles and MS Tees?

MS Angles and MS Tees are hot-rolled mild steel sections used extensively in structural framing and fabrication.
They provide strength, connection points, and load distribution while remaining economical and easy to fabricate.

MS Angles

MS angles have an “L-shaped” cross-section and are available as:

Equal angles (both legs same size)
Unequal angles (legs of different sizes)

They are primarily used for:

Bracing
Framing
Connections
Trusses and lattice structures

MS Tees

MS tees have a “T-shaped” cross-section, often produced by splitting I-beams or rolling directly. They are used for:

Secondary beams
Load distribution members
Roof and floor framing support

Together, these sections form the building blocks of many sustainable steel frameworks in Kenya.

How Have MS Angles and Tees Evolved in Kenyan Construction?

The use of MS angles and tees has shifted from purely functional roles to integral components of engineered and sustainable design.
They are now specified with greater precision, documentation, and compliance than in the past.

Early Use

Historically, MS angles were mainly used for:

Simple sheds
Agricultural structures
Light industrial buildings

Designs were often empirical, with limited engineering analysis.

Modern Application

Today, MS angles and tees are:

Engineered using structural software
Integrated into hybrid steel–concrete systems
Designed to meet performance-based codes
Optimized to reduce steel tonnage and carbon footprint

This evolution aligns with Kenya’s shift toward regulated, performance-driven construction.

Why Are MS Angles and Tees Important for Sustainable Architecture?

Sustainable architecture prioritizes material efficiency, durability, adaptability, and reduced environmental impact.
MS angles and tees support these goals through smart structural design and fabrication efficiency.

Material Efficiency

Angles and tees allow engineers to:

Use steel only where required
Reduce oversized members
Achieve high strength with minimal material

Reduced Waste

Fabrication using standardized sections:

Minimizes offcuts
Enables reuse and recycling
Reduces on-site waste compared to cast-in-place methods

Long Service Life

When properly protected against corrosion, MS sections can last decades with minimal intervention.

Adaptability and Reuse

Steel frameworks using angles and tees can be:

Modified
Extended vertically or horizontally
Disassembled and reused

This flexibility supports circular construction principles.

How Do MS Angles Function Structurally?

MS angles primarily resist tensile and compressive forces and provide lateral stability.
They are especially effective in bracing systems and trussed structures.

Structural roles include:

Wind and seismic bracing
Truss members in roofs
Support for stairs and platforms
Connection elements between beams and columns

Angles are particularly valuable in lightweight yet stiff structural systems, making them common in sustainable and modular designs.

How Do MS Tees Contribute to Structural Performance?

MS tees efficiently resist bending and distribute loads across supporting members.
They are often used as secondary structural elements in floors and roofs.

Key functions:

Supporting slabs or decking
Acting as edge beams
Distributing loads from floors to primary beams
Supporting façade systems and sunshades

Tees offer a balance between strength and material economy, aligning well with green building objectives.

Typical Applications in Sustainable Kenyan Architecture

MS angles and tees are used across a wide range of building types and scales.
Their versatility supports both functional and architectural requirements.

Common applications include:

Steel roof trusses for commercial and residential buildings
Bracing systems in multi-story frames
Façade support structures
Walkways, ramps, and staircases
Solar panel mounting frames
Canopies and shading devices

In sustainable designs, these elements are often left exposed, reducing finishing materials and celebrating structural honesty.

Standard Sizes and Specifications Used in Kenya

MS angles and tees are produced in standardized sizes suitable for most structural and fabrication needs.
Selection depends on load requirements, span, and design intent.

Typical MS Angle Sizes

Size (mm)	Approx. Weight (kg/m)	Common Use
25 × 25 × 3	~1.1	Light framing
40 × 40 × 5	~3.0	Trusses, bracing
50 × 50 × 6	~4.5	Structural support
75 × 75 × 6	~6.8	Medium structural roles
100 × 100 × 8	~12.0	Heavy bracing

Typical MS Tee Sizes

Tee Depth (mm)	Approx. Weight (kg/m)	Application
50	~4.0	Light support
75	~6.5	Secondary beams
100	~9.5	Floor and roof framing
150	~14.0	Heavier loads

Actual specifications should always be confirmed against mill certificates and design requirements.

Performance in Kenyan Climate Conditions

MS angles and tees perform reliably across Kenya when corrosion protection matches environmental exposure.
Climate-aware detailing is essential for sustainability and durability.

Nairobi & Central Highlands

Moderate humidity
Painted or primed steel sufficient for most indoor and covered applications

Coastal Regions (Mombasa, Malindi)

High humidity and salt-laden air
Galvanizing or high-performance coatings recommended

Western Kenya & Lake Basin

High rainfall
Emphasis on drainage, protective coatings, and inspection

Good corrosion protection significantly extends service life and reduces replacement-related environmental impact.

Fabrication and Installation Best Practices

Sustainable steel construction depends as much on workmanship as on material choice.
Proper fabrication ensures safety, efficiency, and longevity.

Best practices include:

Accurate cutting and drilling to reduce waste
Certified welding procedures
Proper alignment and bracing during erection
Protection of cut edges with primer or zinc-rich paint
Use of bolted connections where future disassembly is anticipated

Prefabrication off-site further improves quality control and reduces on-site disturbance.

Compliance with Kenyan Regulations (2026)

Structural steel fabrication must comply with national safety, quality, and tax regulations.
Compliance supports sustainability by ensuring performance and accountability.

National Building Code 2024

Emphasizes performance-based structural safety
Requires documented engineering design and material traceability

KEBS Standards Levy 2025

Ensures conformity to quality standards
Applicable to locally manufactured and imported steel products

KRA eTIMS (Effective Jan 1, 2026)

All MS steel purchases must be supported by valid eTIMS invoices
Required for tax deductibility and project audits

Using compliant materials avoids rework, penalties, and safety risks.

Cost and Lifecycle Value of MS Angles and Tees

While MS angles and tees are relatively affordable, their real value lies in lifecycle performance.
Efficient design reduces steel tonnage, labor, and long-term maintenance costs.

Cost factors include:

Section size and weight
Steel grade
Fabrication complexity
Surface protection
Transport and installation

Sustainable projects assess whole-life cost, not just initial material price.

Common Design and Fabrication Mistakes to Avoid

Errors in specification or execution can undermine sustainability goals.
Avoiding common mistakes ensures performance and safety.

Common issues:

Oversizing sections “for safety” (material waste)
Ignoring corrosion environment
Poor welding quality
Inadequate bracing design
Lack of documentation for compliance

Early collaboration between architects, engineers, and fabricators prevents these problems.

The Future of MS Angles and Tees in Kenyan Architecture

MS angles and tees will remain central to Kenya’s sustainable construction landscape.
Their simplicity, adaptability, and recyclability align with future building trends.

Emerging trends include:

Modular steel construction
Hybrid steel–timber systems
Increased reuse of structural steel
Digital fabrication and BIM-driven detailing
Greater emphasis on exposed structural aesthetics

These trends reinforce the relevance of angles and tees as low-waste, high-performance structural elements.

Why MS Angles and Tees Are Essential for Sustainable Kenyan Architecture

MS angles and tees enable efficient, adaptable, and durable structural systems.
They support Kenya’s move toward regulated, environmentally responsible construction.

Their benefits include:

Structural efficiency
Reduced material waste
Long service life
Ease of fabrication and modification
Compatibility with green building strategies

When properly designed and protected, they contribute meaningfully to sustainable architecture across Kenya.

Contact Burhani Hardware Dealers (BHD)

For high-quality MS angles, MS tees, and professional guidance for sustainable construction projects:

Email: burhanihardwaredealers@yahoo.com
Call/WhatsApp: +254 731 217 462 | +254 704 606 131
Visit: BHD, Industrial Area, Funzi Road, Nairobi
Website: https://bhd.co.ke/

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