[2] The Aberdare cisticola is 12–15 cm (4.7–5.9 in) in length, and weighs 18–24 g (0.63–0.85 oz).

It is a large and stocky cisticola with a heavy bill, plain face, boldly striped upperparts, and a medium-long graduated tail.

[2] It feeds on beetles and flies, foraging for them by searching through vegetation and on the ground.

[3] The Aberdare cisticola is believed to be monogamous, solitary and territorial.

It breeds from January through May and August through November, building a nest out of a flimsy ball of branches and leaves.