Disposable vs Reusable PPE: What Kenyan Businesses Should Consider
🧤 Disposable vs Reusable PPE: What Kenyan Businesses Should Consider
Whether you’re running a construction site, healthcare facility, factory, or logistics company in Kenya, providing the right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is critical to keeping workers safe—and operations compliant.
One question that many Kenyan businesses ask is:
Should we invest in reusable PPE, or go with disposable options?
Each has its pros and cons. The right choice depends on your industry, work environment, budget, and frequency of use.
In this guide, we break down the differences between disposable and reusable PPE, the advantages of each, and which option may be best suited for your business.
🔍 What is Disposable PPE?
Disposable PPE is designed for single-use only. After one shift or task, it must be discarded.
Examples:
- Surgical masks
- Nitrile or latex gloves
- Disposable overalls or gowns
- Shoe covers
- Hairnets
- Certain respirators
This type of PPE is commonly used in healthcare, food processing, lab work, and hazardous material cleanup.
♻️ What is Reusable PPE?
Reusable PPE is made from durable materials designed for multiple uses. It can be cleaned, maintained, and reused over time.
Examples:
- Safety boots
- Helmets
- Reusable face shields or goggles
- Work gloves (leather, cut-resistant, rubber)
- Reusable coveralls
- High-visibility reflective jackets
Reusable PPE is common in construction, manufacturing, mechanical workshops, and transport sectors in Kenya.
âś… Pros & Cons of Disposable PPE
✔️ Advantages
- Hygienic: Reduces risk of contamination (important in hospitals and food handling)
- Convenient: No need to wash or sanitize
- Lightweight: Easy to wear, especially in hot weather
- Cost-effective short term: Lower upfront cost
❌ Disadvantages
- Recurring cost: Must be replaced often
- Environmental waste: Contributes to pollution if not disposed of properly
- Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks: Less durable protection
âś… Pros & Cons of Reusable PPE
✔️ Advantages
- Cost-effective long term: Especially for large teams and frequent use
- Durable: Built to withstand tough environments
- Eco-friendly: Reduces plastic waste
- Customizable: Can be branded with company logos
❌ Disadvantages
- Requires cleaning/maintenance: Adds management work
- Higher upfront cost: Investment needed at the start
- Can wear out over time: Needs inspection and proper storage
🏠Industry Use Cases in Kenya
Here’s how different sectors in Kenya typically approach PPE usage:
| Industry | Preferred PPE Type | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | Disposable | Infection control, patient safety |
| Construction | Reusable | Heavy-duty tasks, long-term use |
| Food Processing | Disposable | Hygiene, contamination control |
| Factories/Industrial | Reusable | Cost-effective over time |
| Agriculture | Mix of both | Gloves (reusable), masks (disposable) |
| Transport & Logistics | Reusable | Reflective jackets, boots, helmets |
đź’° Which is More Cost-Effective in Kenya?
Let’s compare the cost of disposable vs reusable PPE using current market prices in Kenya:
| PPE Item | Disposable | Reusable |
|---|---|---|
| Face mask | Ksh 5–10 per unit | N/A |
| Gloves | Ksh 10–20 per pair | Leather gloves: Ksh 200–400 |
| Coveralls | Ksh 300–500 | Reusable: Ksh 800–1,200 |
| Safety boots | N/A | Ksh 2,000–4,500 |
| Reflective jacket | Ksh 150–250 (cheap fabric) | Ksh 400–1,000 (durable, branded) |
Over a month, disposable PPE can become more expensive, especially if you’re outfitting large teams.
If you’re a contractor with 30 workers using 2 pairs of gloves a day, that’s over Ksh 36,000/month—versus Ksh 9,000 once for durable gloves.
⚠️ Compliance & Safety Considerations in Kenya
The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) in Kenya requires employers to:
- Provide adequate PPE
- Train workers on how to use PPE
- Ensure PPE is suitable for the task
- Replace PPE when damaged or expired
If you’re using reusable PPE, make sure it’s inspected regularly and cleaned properly. If you’re using disposable PPE, ensure proper storage and disposal protocols are in place.
Bansi Safety Gear only stocks KEBS-compliant PPE and offers advice on managing inventory for both types.
đź›’ Where to Buy Disposable & Reusable PPE in Kenya
Whether you’re in Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, Kisumu, or any major town in Kenya, look for suppliers who offer:
âś… Bulk ordering options
âś… KEBS-certified products
âś… Expert advice on PPE management
âś… Quick delivery for urgent needs
âś… Options for both disposable and reusable PPE
đź“Ť Shop with Bansi Safety Gear
We provide affordable PPE solutions for companies across all industries in Kenya. From disposable face masks to high-quality reusable boots and helmets, we help businesses choose the right combination for safety, compliance, and cost-efficiency.
Need help building a PPE plan for your team? We offer free consultations and bulk pricing.
🧠Final Thoughts: Choose What Fits Your Industry & Budget
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the disposable vs reusable PPE question. It depends on your:
- Work environment
- Exposure risk
- Team size
- Available budget
- Need for hygiene or durability
For short-term tasks or sensitive environments, disposable PPE is often the best.
For long-term operations, reusable PPE is usually more practical and affordable.
The good news? With the right supplier, you don’t have to choose blindly.
đź“ž Need Expert Help Choosing PPE?
Contact Bansi Safety Gear for guidance on the best PPE for your business. Whether you’re in healthcare, construction, food production, or logistics—we’ve got your team covered.
🛍️ Visit us in Nairobi or DM us for quotes and nationwide delivery!