How much does it cost to start a laundry business in Kenya?
Opening a small laundry in Kenya with two small machines costs about KSh 194,000, and at KSh 90 per kg it needs about 20 kg a day to cover its month. Change any figure to yours below.
Questions
What do I need to open a laundry?
Washing machines, a way to dry (line or dryer), an iron and table, shelving and a counter, a business name, a county business permit, and a few weeks of detergent and packaging.
How long until a laundry pays for itself?
Divide what opening costs by what each month leaves after costs; the calculator shows the kilos a day that cover the month.
Do I need a permit to run a laundry?
Yes: register the business name on eCitizen and get your county’s business permit; our permits guide lists what to check before you pay.
Where the numbers come from
- Huduma Global, starting a laundry in Kenya: A small 6–7 kg machine about KSh 50,000; commercial machines KSh 70,000–200,000.
- Hotpoint, 15 kg commercial washer: An LG 15 kg commercial front loader at about KSh 555,000.
- Capital FM, Nairobi unified business permit: About KSh 15,000 a year for a small business with up to 5 staff; check with your county.
- Strathmore iBizAfrica, registering a business in Kenya: A business name on eCitizen (BRS) about KSh 950.