February 28, 2025
The phone accessories business in Kenya is one of the most lucrative ventures in the retail sector due to the widespread use of smartphones and other mobile devices.
With the rising demand for affordable and stylish accessories, starting a phone accessories business can generate steady income and allow for growth.
Four key factors favour starting a phone accessories business in Kenya, namely:
Kenya has a large and growing smartphone user base, with most users looking to customize, protect, or enhance their devices.
The business caters to all demographics, including students, professionals, and casual users.
You can start small and expand gradually, making it ideal for entrepreneurs with limited capital.
From protective cases to Bluetooth devices, the variety of accessories allows you to target different customer preferences.
Lets delve into the multi-step process of starting a boutique business in Kenya.
Understanding the phone accessories market is essential for success.
Key research areas when starting a phone accessories business include:
Determine who you want to serve, e.g., budget-conscious students or professionals looking for premium accessories.
Identify high-demand items like phone cases, chargers, screen protectors, and earphones.
Analyze local competitors, their pricing, and product variety.
Decide how you want to operate your phone accessories business.
Mainstream implementations of a phone accessories business in Kenya includes:
Sell accessories directly to customers from a physical location.
Operate an e-commerce platform or leverage social media for sales.
Supply phone accessories to smaller retailers.
Starting with a retail shop is ideal for beginners, but combining retail and online sales maximizes reach.
A well-structured business plan will guide your operations and help secure funding if needed.
Key sections that should be part of your business plan include:
Equipment, stock, and licenses.
Estimate monthly income and expenses.
Strategies to attract and retain customers.
Legal compliance is essential for smooth operations.
Required licenses when starting a phone accessories business in Kenya include:
Register on the eCitizen platform for Ksh 950.
Obtain from your county government (Ksh 5,000–15,000 annually).
Register for a KRA PIN and ensure tax compliance.
The location of your business significantly impacts customer flow.
Choose a location with good visibility and foot traffic to attract customers.
Stocking high-quality and affordable products is crucial for success.
Viable sources for phone accessoriess include:
Locations like Luthuli Avenue in Nairobi offer a wide variety of affordable phone accessories.
Import products from countries like China (through platforms like Alibaba or AliExpress).
Partner with distributors to access quality stock at wholesale prices.
Start with a small inventory and expand as you learn customer preferences.
Offer a variety of popular phone accessories to cater to different customer needs.
Popular phone accessories in Kenya include:
Durable and stylish covers.
Anti-scratch and tempered glass options.
Fast-charging and multi-purpose cables.
Wired and wireless options.
High-capacity models for frequent travelers.
For cars and desks.
Earbuds and portable speakers.
Keep up with the latest trends in smartphone accessories to meet demand.
Your pricing should reflect the quality of your products while remaining affordable.
Pricing examples for popular phone accessories include:
Ksh 300–1,000.
Ksh 200–500.
Ksh 500–2,000.
Ksh 300–1,500.
Ksh 1,000–5,000.
Offer discounts for bulk purchases or bundle deals to attract customers.
Effective marketing ensures visibility and drives sales.
Viable marketing strategies for advertising a phone accessories business in Kenya include:
Use platforms like Facebook and Instagram to showcase products and run promotions.
Use posters and banners near your shop.
List your products on platforms like Jumia and Kilimall.
Encourage satisfied customers to recommend your store.
Use high-quality photos for online listings to attract attention.
Notable challenges experienced by phone accessories business in Kenya include
The phone accessories market is competitive, especially in urban areas.
Solution: Focus on excellent customer service and unique products.
Fake products can damage your reputation.
Solution: Source from reputable suppliers and verify the authenticity of your stock.
Accessories for outdated phone models may stop selling.
Solution: Regularly update inventory to match market trends.
A breakdown of expected startup costs for a phone accessories business is as follows:
Ksh 10,000–30,000/month (depending on location).
Ksh 50,000–200,000.
Ksh 5,000–15,000.
Ksh 10,000–30,000.
Ksh 100,000–300,000.
An overview of projected earnings from a phone accessories business is as follows:
Ksh 2,000–10,000 (depending on location and product range).
Ksh 60,000–300,000.
20–50% of generated revenue.
Key ways of ensuring the success of a phone accessories business include:
Sell durable, high-quality products to build customer loyalty.
Stock a wide range of accessories to meet different customer needs.
Use social media and e-commerce to reach a broader audience.
Keep track of smartphone trends and update your inventory accordingly.
Treat customers well to encourage repeat business and referrals.
Starting a phone accessories business in Kenya is a profitable venture with great potential for growth.
By sourcing quality products, selecting a strategic location, and using effective marketing strategies, you can attract customers and build a successful business.
While challenges like competition and rapidly changing trends exist, focusing on customer needs and staying ahead of the market will help you thrive.
Contact us today to start your journey toward a successful phone accessories business in Kenya!