Registration and Licensing Fees
Business registration through the Business Registration Service (BRS) as a sole proprietorship costs Ksh 1,000-5,000, while limited company incorporation ranges from Ksh 10,000-30,000 depending on share capital. County business permits in Nairobi or other counties require Ksh 5,000-20,000 annually, with additional health and safety compliance certificates at Ksh 2,000-10,000. Tax PIN registration with Kenya Revenue Authority remains free, but NHIF/NSSF contributions for initial staff add Ksh 5,000 monthly per employee.
Essential Cleaning Equipment
Basic manual tools including mops, brooms, buckets, scrubbers, gloves, and microfiber cloths total Ksh 10,000-25,000 for a startup team of two. Commercial vacuum cleaners cost Ksh 15,000-50,000, with upright models at Ksh 20,000-35,000 and handheld units Ksh 5,000-10,000. Pressure washers for outdoor and deep cleans range Ksh 20,000-50,000, while carpet cleaning machines start at Ksh 30,000. Protective gear like uniforms and masks adds Ksh 5,000-15,000.
Cleaning Supplies and Chemicals
Initial stock of all-purpose cleaners, disinfectants, detergents, and sanitizers covers one month at Ksh 5,000-20,000, replenished monthly thereafter. Specialized solutions for glass, bathrooms, and floors cost extra Ksh 3,000-10,000. Eco-friendly or bulk purchases from suppliers like Naivas reduce long-term expenses by 20-30%. For niche services like mattress or pool cleaning, add Ksh 15,000-40,000 in targeted chemicals and tools.
Transportation and Logistics
A used motorbike for equipment transport starts at Ksh 50,000-100,000, or lease a van at Ksh 20,000-50,000 monthly to serve Nairobi suburbs efficiently. Fuel and maintenance allocate Ksh 10,000 monthly. Small operations rely on public transport initially, capping costs at Ksh 5,000, but scaling demands dedicated mobility for timely service delivery.
Marketing and Office Setup
Digital marketing via WhatsApp Business, Facebook ads, and Jiji listings requires Ksh 10,000-30,000 for initial campaigns targeting residential estates and offices. Branded uniforms and flyers add Ksh 5,000-15,000. A home-based office setup with basic computer, printer, and internet suffices at Ksh 20,000-50,000; professional signage and website development push to Ksh 50,000.
Staff Hiring and Training
Recruit two cleaners at Ksh 15,000-25,000 monthly salary each, plus Ksh 5,000 training on safety and techniques via free online resources or Ksh 10,000 certified courses. Initial payroll for three months totals Ksh 100,000-150,000. Insurance for staff liability coverage costs Ksh 10,000-20,000 annually.
Cost Breakdown by Scale
| Scale | Total Startup (Ksh) | Key Components |
|---|---|---|
| Micro (Solo) | 50,000-100,000 | Basics, no vehicle, home marketing |
| Small (2-3 Staff) | 200,000-500,000 | Vacuums, supplies, motorbike, ads |
| Medium (5+ Staff) | 500,000-1,000,000 | Pressure washers, van, full licensing |
Micro setups focus on residential homes in areas like Nairobi's Eastlands, charging Ksh 2,000-5,000 per job. Medium firms target offices and Airbnbs, incorporating scrubbers and specialized services for higher margins. Renting equipment like high-pressure pumps at Ksh 1,000-1,500 daily slashes upfront costs by 40%.
Ongoing Operational Expenses
Monthly overheads include supplies restocking (Ksh 10,000), transport (Ksh 15,000), utilities (Ksh 5,000), and marketing (Ksh 5,000), totaling Ksh 35,000-50,000. Break-even occurs within 3-6 months at 10-15 weekly clients, yielding 40% profit margins (Ksh 80,000 monthly on Ksh 200,000 revenue). Prioritize quality equipment to minimize repairs, which average Ksh 5,000 yearly.
Strategic funding via microloans from institutions like Faulu Kenya supports scaling without depleting savings. Local demand in urban centers like Nairobi justifies investments, with underserved niches like pool and sanitary services offering differentiation
