Are you considering venturing into the business world in Kenya and wondering which path to take? Perhaps it’s time to think about starting a cleaning services company.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of establishing a successful cleaning business in Kenya. This article highlights key considerations, requirements, and strategies to help you on your journey.
Understanding the Cleaning Business
A cleaning business is all about offering cleaning services for homes and offices. The goal is to keep spaces sparkling clean using good cleaning products and modern techniques.
Do Your Research
Before you jump into anything, spend about a month checking out potential areas for your cleaning business. If you’re around Nairobi, take a look at places like Kahawa Estates, Ruai, or Utawala. This will give you a better idea of what it’s like to start a cleaning business in those areas.
Research helps you understand the needs of the local market, figure out who your customers might be, and shape your services accordingly. Look at what other cleaning businesses are doing and what people like in your area.
Ready Demand for Cleaning Services
Cleaning services are always in demand. With good marketing and fair prices, you can start making a profit in just a few months. Take advantage of the demand and focus on giving great service to build up your customer base.
Starting a Cleaning Services Business in Kenya: Step-by-Step Guide
Register your business on e-Citizen: Create an account on the e-Citizen website, complete ID verification, provide personal details, and upload a passport photo. Conduct a name search and pay the annual fee of KES3,500.
Get necessary licenses: Get a National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) license, City Council permit, and staff insurance.
Buy quality cleaning equipment and chemicals: Invest in good equipment like vacuum cleaners, dry cleaners, antiseptics, detergents, and cleaning tools.
Advertise your services: Make a strong marketing plan, create a website, and use SEO for online visibility. A good marketing strategy will bring in more clients.
Get insurance: Protect your business by getting insurance to cover potential damages during cleaning sessions.
Arrange transportation: It’s not a must, but having reliable transportation makes you punctual and trustworthy for your clients.
Expand and hire employees: Once your business is doing well, think about growing and hiring more cleaners.
What Equipment Do You Need to Get Started?
To kick off your cleaning business, you’ll need some basic equipment and supplies. Here’s a rough estimate of the costs:
- Carpet cleaner – Ksh30,000
- Cleaning agents – Ksh15,000
- Vacuum cleaner – Ksh15,000
- Office & Marketing – Ksh50,000
- Licensing & Insurance – Ksh20,000
- Spray bottles, buckets, toilet brushes, squeegees, mops – Ksh25,000
- Miscellaneous – Ksh25,000
Remember, these are just estimates. Real costs might be different, so check local markets for accurate prices and supply availability.
Get the Right Licenses and Insurance
To run your business smoothly and gain the trust of customers, you need to get the right licenses and insurance. Get a business permit from your county government. Ensure you have liability insurance, and check with the Kenya Revenue Authority for an employer identification number (EIN) if you plan to hire employees. You can register your company in about 24 hours at local offices like Sheria House or Nairobi General Post Office.
Having the proper licenses and insurance not only keeps you legal but also makes customers feel confident about hiring you. Show off your certifications in your ads and on your website to build trust with potential clients.
Market Your Cleaning Business
Since new services might take some time to catch on in Kenya, go for a low-key marketing approach. Put ads in newspapers, on Facebook, and on Google. Ask friends and family for referrals. The key is to do a great job for your first customers, so they spread the word about your excellent service.
Creating a simple website and using SEO techniques can help people find your cleaning services online. Share customer reviews and make it easy for people to contact you. A well-thought-out marketing plan will bring in more customers.
Decide on Your Prices
Your cleaning service prices will depend on where you are and what kind of work you’re doing. Check out what other businesses are charging and adjust your rates based on that. Think about the competition and the market conditions.
Services You Can Offer as a Cleaning Company
Offering different services makes your cleaning business a one-stop-shop for various cleaning needs. Think about specializing in certain areas to stand out and cater to specific needs in the cleaning industry.
- Fumigation and pest control
- Domestic cleaning
- Industry cleaning
- Office cleaning
- Space planning and clearing
- Mattress and rag cleaning
- After-party cleaning
- Move-in/move-out cleaning
How Much Can You Earn from a Cleaning Business?
The amount you can earn depends on where you’re working and how big the cleaning job is. You might charge anywhere from KES1,000 to KES10,000 per session. The better your service and marketing skills, the more you can earn.
It’s essential to stay flexible with your prices, adjusting them based on what’s happening in the market and what your customers are saying. Offering deals or loyalty programs can also help you get and keep clients.
Challenges in the Cleaning Business
Some challenges in the cleaning business include figuring out the right prices and managing operational costs. Some customers might not want to pay a lot. It could also take three to nine months to build up a solid group of customers.
To deal with these challenges, focus on giving great service, building a strong online and offline presence, and always looking at how your business is doing. Understanding what people in your area can afford and want will help you set the right prices. Offering different deals or packages can also help you get more clients.
Conclusion
Starting a cleaning business in Kenya offers a promising opportunity for those ready to put in the effort. Recently, the demand for reliable cleaning services has increased in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Nakuru. This implies there’s ample room for growth and success in the cleaning business. Still, you need to navigate the process effectively and position your business for long-term success in the thriving market.
Sell Your Cleaning Services on Balozy
If you’re looking to connect with clients and grow your cleaning business in Kenya, we can help. Get the Balozy app to access a pool of potential clients seeking cleaning services. Balozy allows you to expand your customer base, increase your business visibility, and take your cleaning venture to new heights. Register as Balozy Pro today and get new clients.
