How to price laundry in Kenya: per kg and per item

Updated 24 October 2026

Price laundry from your costs: add the month’s rent, wages and the machine, divide by the kilos you wash, then add power, water and detergent. For a shop washing 40 kg a day that is about KSh 55 a kilo, so KSh 90 per kg leaves a fair margin.

Step 1: your cost of a kilo

Fixed costs are the same whatever you wash: rent, wages, and the machine spread over its life. Divide them by the kilos you wash in a month.

Running costs grow with every kilo: power (about KSh 23 a kWh for businesses), water (Nairobi charges KSh 91 a cubic metre, plus sewerage at 75% of it) and detergent.

Step 2: your margin

Add what you want to keep on each kilo. Many shops aim for a third to a half on top of cost, more for express service.

Step 3: what to price per item

Price by the piece what takes time or care: suits, coats, duvets, curtains, wedding gowns and shoes. Everyday clothes go by the kilo.

  • Suits and coats: dry cleaning or careful pressing.
  • Duvets and blankets: bulky, one at a time in a small machine.
  • Gowns and delicate fabrics: hand finishing.

Step 4: check against the market

Set your prices against what laundries in your county actually charge. The Fuahub price guide publishes the typical price and the middle range for each item every month, from real price lists.

Questions

How much is laundry per kg in Kenya?

It varies by area and service; the Fuahub price guide shows what laundries on Fuahub charge per kg each month.

Should I charge a minimum?

Many laundries set a minimum of a few kilos, so a small bag still covers the cost of a wash.

How often should I review my prices?

When power, water or rent goes up, and at least once a year.

Sources

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