Set Up Your Home & Office Cleaning Company From Scratch.

Imagine returning to your Nairobi apartment after a long, dusty day, only to find everything spotless, fresh-scented, and serene. Or picture business owners in Westlands strolling into an office that feels as invigorating as a morning breeze — floors gleaming, desks cleared, high-touch surfaces sanitized. This isn’t a dream — it’s the new normal in urban Kenya. As working professionals and businesses grow busier and more health-conscious, cleaning services aren’t a luxury — they’re essential. If you’ve ever thought, “I want to build something people truly depend on,” here lies your canvas — transform ordinary spaces into commercial and residential sanctuaries while building a profitable, recession-resistant business.


  Market Snapshot — Why the Timing Is Perfect

Booming demand
Urbanization in Nairobi continues at a rate of approximately 2 percent annually, resulting in a need for more housing and office space to accommodate over 5 million people, which requires regular maintenance in additional areas.

Segmentation

  • Home cleaning — Quick jobs like one or two bedrooms range from KSh 1,000 to 3,000. Deep cleans cost KSh 3,000 to 7,000 or more
  • Office cleaning — Regular cleans cost 5,000 to 15,000 KSh monthly. Deep or carpet services are priced per square metre

    Service Types and Deep Dive on Pricing

Service TypeWhat’s IncludedPrice Range (Nairobi)
Basic Home CleaningSweeping, mopping, and dusting bathrooms and kitchensKSh 1,000–3,000 per visit
Deep Home CleaningIncludes inside cabinets, grout, and appliancesKSh 2,500–7,000 (1‑bedroom)
Move-in or Move-outFull scrub before or after occupancyKSh 5,000–15,000 or more
Regular Office CleaningTrash emptying, surfaces, restroomsKSh 5,000–15,000 per month
Deep Office ServicesCarpet, windows, sanitization — per m²KSh 50–150 per m² or 10,000+ per session

    Legal and Setup Essentials

Initial registration and compliance

  • Business name costs about KSh 800 to 1,000. Incorporation ranges from KSh 10,000 to 30,000
  • County permit costs between KSh 5,000 to 15,000 yearly. KRA PIN and Employer PIN are required if hiring
  • Insurance for liability and worker compensation — plan for at least KSh 25,000 per year

The estimated legal and compliance startup is about KSh 40,000


  Startup Budget and Gear

ItemQtyUnit CostTotal Cost
Brooms, mops, buckets, clothsVarious100–1,500 KShApprox KSh 15,000
Chemicals and disinfectantsBulk500–3,000 per litreApprox KSh 20,000
Vacuum cleaner (mid-range)120,000–35,000Approx KSh 30,000
Carpet cleaner or steamer115,000–40,000Approx KSh 20,000
Safety gear like gloves and masksSet100–2,000KSh 5,000
Uniforms and brandingStaff1,000–2,000 per setApprox KSh 10,000
Equipment TotalApprox KSh 100,000

Add transport — a motorbike costs about KSh 120,000 — and miscellaneous overhead of around KSh 50,000
Total with legal costs is approximately KSh 240,000 to launch a solid operation


    Staffing and Training

  • Hire two to four staff members. Casual pay is KSh 500 to 1,000 per day. Permanent pay is around KSh 15,000 to 25,000 per month plus benefits
  • Provide training on safe chemical use, customer service, and quality control
  • Invest in retention — offer small bonuses and recognition to boost morale and referrals

    Getting Clients and Scaling Smart

Marketing strategies

  • Build an online presence — Facebook, Instagram, and a basic website costing around KSh 5,000 to 15,000
  • Do local outreach — flyers in estates and offices, and partnerships with property managers
  • Offer intro deals — 10 percent off first clean or bundle home and office packages

Scaling tip from experienced Reddit users
Combine recurring office cleans with high-ticket home or deep cleaning jobs. This balances stable income with higher-margin services.


   Challenges and Solutions

  • Intense competition and price sensitivity
    Solution — Stand out with uniforms, punctuality, and branded service
  • Staff turnover and reliability issues
    Solution — Use vetting and provide fair pay and growth opportunities
  • Maintaining quality
    Solution — Use customer feedback loops, inspections, and detailed checklists
  • Cash flow seasonality
    Solution — Use retainer contracts with offices to stabilize earnings

     Starter Month Projection Based on Real Performers

A Nairobi couple cleaned homes and offices and earned over USD 15,000, which is about KSh 1.8M, in 167 days with a 40 percent profit margin.
Here’s a rough monthly estimate for a beginner

  • 6 basic home cleans per week — KSh 18,000
  • 2 deep home cleans per week — KSh 24,000
  • 1 small office contract — KSh 10,000
  • Monthly revenue — around KSh 200,000
  • Profit at 40 percent — KSh 80,000 per month

      Final Take — Why You Should Dive In

  • Low barrier and high demand — With under KSh 250,000, you can launch a full-service cleaning business
  • Diverse income streams — Combine homes, deep jobs, and office contracts for stability and growth
  • Room to grow — Add eco-friendly services or post-construction packages next
  • Proven model — Real Kenyan entrepreneurs are succeeding with this approach
African Woman Mopping Corridor Besides Caution Sign

How Pesabook Helps Home and Office Cleaning Services

Running a home or office cleaning service involves managing appointments, tracking payments, and maintaining customer satisfaction — tasks that can quickly become overwhelming without the right tools. This is where Pesabook comes in as a game-changer.

  • Effortless Payment Collection: Pesabook allows cleaning services to collect payments instantly via mobile money, card payments, or bank transfers. This ensures cash flow is steady without chasing overdue payments.
  • Automated Invoicing: With Pesabook, you can send professional invoices and receipts automatically, saving time and reducing manual errors.
  • Real-Time Transaction Tracking: Cleaning businesses can track all payments and outstanding balances in one place, simplifying financial management and planning.
  • Improved Customer Experience: Clients can pay conveniently from their phones, enhancing satisfaction and encouraging repeat business.
  • Secure & Reliable: Pesabook offers secure transactions, giving both service providers and clients peace of mind.
  • Multi-User Access: For teams handling multiple locations or staff, Pesabook allows shared access while maintaining privacy and control.

By integrating Pesabook into your cleaning service, you streamline operations, reduce administrative burdens, and focus more on delivering sparkling clean spaces for your clients.


Ready to simplify your cleaning service payments and boost your business?
Start using Pesabook today and experience hassle-free transactions that keep your operations running smoothly.

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