February 28, 2025
The laundry business in Kenya has grown significantly in recent years, fueled by urbanization, busy lifestyles, and increasing demand for convenient laundry services.
Starting a laundry business can be highly profitable if done right, offering steady revenue streams and scalability.
Whether you’re targeting high-end urban areas or middle-class neighborhoods, this guide will help you establish and run a successful laundry business in Kenya.
Four key factors support the profitability of starting a laundry business in Kenya:
Urban dwellers, students, and professionals often lack time or equipment to do their laundry, creating a growing demand for laundromats and cleaning services.
You can start small with basic equipment and expand into more advanced services, such as dry cleaning and delivery.
Once equipment and overhead costs are covered, most of the revenue is profit due to low operational costs per load.
From residential clients to institutions like hotels and schools, laundry services cater to a wide market.
With these advantages, the laundry business presents an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs in Kenya.
Below is the step-by-step process for starting a laundry business in Kenya:
Before starting your laundry business, research the market to understand demand, competition, and customer preferences.
Key areas that you should research include:
Identify your ideal customers (e.g., working professionals, students, families).
Analyze existing laundry businesses in your area, including pricing and services offered.
Find areas with high foot traffic or residential zones with limited laundry services.
Focus on underserved areas to establish a unique niche and gain loyal customers quickly.
A well-structured business plan will guide your operations and help secure funding if needed.
Key elements that should be part of your business plan include:
Outline your goals and objectives.
Detail the demand and competition in your target area.
Define the range of services, such as washing, ironing, and dry cleaning.
Include a budget, pricing strategy, and profit projections.
Specify how you will attract and retain customers.
Use online templates or consult a business advisor to create a comprehensive plan.
The location of your laundry business plays a critical role in its success.
Choose a location with adequate space for washing machines, ironing areas, and customer waiting rooms.
To operate legally, you must comply with local regulations and obtain the required licenses.
Starting a laundry business entails getting the following licenses:
Issued by your county government.
Ensures your premises meet public health standards.
Register your business with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
Invest in quality equipment to ensure efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Essential equipment to purchase when starting a laundry business include:
Ksh 40,000–100,000 each.
Ksh 50,000–120,000.
Ksh 5,000–10,000.
Detergents, softeners, and packaging: Ksh 5,000–20,000 monthly.
Start with affordable yet reliable machines and upgrade as your business grows.
Pricing should reflect your target market and operational costs while remaining competitive.
Typical pricing categories for a laundry business in Kenya include:
Ksh 100–200 per kilogram.
Ksh 50–100 per kilogram.
Ksh 500–1,000 per item.
Offer discounts for bulk orders or loyalty programs to attract repeat customers.
Effective marketing ensures steady customer flow and business growth.
Viable strategies you can use to market your laundry business include:
Use platforms like Facebook and Instagram to advertise services, share promotions, and interact with customers.
Distribute flyers in residential areas and place posters near your shop.
Encourage satisfied customers to refer others.
Register your business on platforms like Google My Business to enhance visibility.
Partner with local apartment complexes, offices, or hotels for bulk contracts.
Depending on the scope of service offered, the various types of laundry businesses in Kenya include:
Washing and folding clothes.
Ideal for residential clients and students.
Pressing clothes to perfection, often as an add-on to washing services.
Cleaning delicate or high-value garments like suits, wedding dresses, and coats.
Offering home or office collection and delivery for added convenience.
Servicing schools, hotels, and hospitals with bulk laundry needs.
While the laundry business offers great potential, it comes with challenges:
Water and electricity costs can eat into profits.
Use energy-efficient machines and recycle water where possible.
High competition in urban areas can lower prices.
Differentiate your services with exceptional quality and convenience.
Frequent machine breakdowns can disrupt operations.
Schedule regular maintenance and invest in warranties.
Demand may fluctuate, especially during holidays or off-peak times.
Offer seasonal discounts to maintain customer interest.
Estimated startup costs when starting a laundry business include:
Ksh 100,000–300,000.
Ksh 10,000–50,000/month.
Ksh 20,000–50,000.
Ksh 5,000–20,000.
Ksh 150,000–500,000.
Projected earnings from a laundry business in Kenya are provided below:
Ksh 3,000–10,000 (depending on location and customer base).
Ksh 90,000–300,000.
Profit margins for laundry business in Kenya range between 40–60%, depending on operational efficiency.
The laundry business in Kenya is a promising venture for entrepreneurs looking to capitalize on the growing demand for convenient cleaning services.
By choosing the right location, investing in quality equipment, and offering excellent customer service, you can establish a profitable and sustainable business.
While challenges such as high utility bills and competition exist, strategic planning and marketing can help you overcome these hurdles.
If you’re ready to start your laundry business, focus on building a loyal customer base and gradually expand your services to maximize profits.