- Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the decay of uranium in soil and rock, which can accumulate to harmful concentrations in buildings.
- Long-term radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer globally after cigarette smoking.
- Certain geological areas of Kenya — particularly volcanic highland regions — have elevated natural radon emission potential.
- Professional radon testing uses passive electret detectors or electronic monitors placed inside buildings to measure radon concentrations over time.
- Testing is recommended before property purchase, after significant renovation, and for buildings in geological areas with known radon potential.
- Bestcare Facilities Management provides professional radon testing services for residential and commercial properties across Nairobi and Kenya.
Radon is invisible, odourless, and tasteless — making it impossible to detect without specialist measurement equipment. It is produced naturally wherever uranium-bearing rocks and soils occur, seeping up through the ground and entering buildings through cracks in foundations, gaps around service pipes, and permeable building materials. In low-lying, well-ventilated outdoor environments, radon disperses harmlessly. But in enclosed buildings — particularly on lower floors and in basements — it can accumulate over time to concentrations that significantly increase the risk of lung cancer through exposure to its radioactive decay products.
Kenya’s geology, particularly in the Central Highlands, Rift Valley, and volcanic regions where uranium-bearing rocks are prevalent, creates elevated radon emission potential in some areas. Building types with concrete slab or rubble foundations, limited subfloor ventilation, and poor air exchange are at greatest risk of radon accumulation. Professional radon testing is the only way to determine whether a specific building has elevated indoor radon levels and whether remedial action is necessary.
Types of Radon Testing Services
Short-Term Radon Testing uses activated charcoal canisters or electret ion chambers placed in the lowest occupied level of a building for a period of 2 to 7 days to provide an initial screening measurement of radon concentrations.
Long-Term Radon Testing places passive alpha track detectors in the building for a period of 3 to 12 months, providing a time-averaged measurement that accounts for seasonal variation in radon levels and gives a more accurate picture of annual exposure.
Multi-Point Building Survey places multiple detectors at different levels and locations within a building to map radon distribution and identify entry points and high-accumulation zones.
Post-Mitigation Verification Testing is conducted after radon mitigation works have been installed, confirming that radon concentrations have been successfully reduced below the action level.
Pre-Purchase Radon Testing provides prospective buyers with an independent measurement of radon levels in a property before purchase, informing decisions on price, mitigation requirements, and property suitability.
Estimated Cost of Radon Testing Services in Kenya
| Service | Unit | Estimated Cost (KES) |
|---|---|---|
| Short-term radon test (single location) | Per test | 10,000 – 25,000 |
| Long-term radon test (single location) | Per test | 15,000 – 40,000 |
| Multi-point building radon survey | Per property | 30,000 – 100,000 |
| Pre-purchase radon test | Per property | 12,000 – 30,000 |
| Post-mitigation verification test | Per test | 10,000 – 25,000 |
| Radon testing report and interpretation | Per report | 5,000 – 15,000 |
Note: Costs are estimates and depend on the number of test points and test duration. Contact Bestcare Facilities Management for a site-specific quotation.
Contact Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Bestcare Facilities Management |
| Phone | 0709 004 600 |
| Address | Mpaka Plaza, Westlands, Nairobi |
| info@bestcareservices.co.ke | |
| Website | www.bestcareservices.co.ke |
Contact us today for professional radon testing services.