Start a Successful Cleaning Services Company in Kenya

Starting a Cleaning Services Company in Kenya

231 Comments / Cleaning Services / By

Did you know that you can start a cleaning services company in Kenya with as little as Ksh. 5,000 and grow it into a thriving, profitable business? Many successful cleaning companies today started small — without expensive machines or big capital. What matters most is strategy, consistency, and quality service.

Starting a cleaning business may sound simple, but growing a successful one requires planning, discipline, and smart marketing. Every month, thousands of businesses are registered in Kenya, but only a small percentage survive. High youth unemployment has also pushed many people into entrepreneurship — and cleaning services remain one of the most affordable businesses to start.

Whether you are tired of employment, seeking financial independence, or already running a cleaning company that isn’t growing, this guide will help you. We’ve applied these exact strategies and achieved tremendous growth in under three years — and now we’re sharing them to help another aspiring entrepreneur grow.

Let’s get started.

Start a Successful Cleaning Services Company in Kenya

1. Create Social Media Accounts

This is often the first step to starting a successful cleaning company in Kenya. Today, every potential customer is online.

Creating a Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok page costs nothing — yet it can give you your first paying client within days.

How social media gets your first client

Your friends become your first audience. When you invite them to like your page, some will naturally ask about your services and prices.

Posting Tips

  • Use SEO-friendly keywords:
    “Cleaning services in Nairobi”, “sofa set cleaning services”, “office cleaning companies in Kenya”

  • Ask questions:
    “What is the cost of carpet cleaning in Nairobi?”

  • Use images and videos of real jobs

  • Post consistently — at least once per day

  • Share behind-the-scenes: before & after photos, team photos, weekend posts

  • Use reels or short videos (high reach)

2. Don’t Buy Cleaning Machines at the Beginning

Avoid the temptation of buying machines before you even have clients.
Hiring equipment is much cheaper and reduces your risks.

Use your capital for:

  • Marketing

  • Transport

  • Uniforms

  • Registration

Once you get consistent clients, begin investing in your own equipment.

3. Buy Company Uniforms — Never Work Without Them

Uniforms instantly improve your credibility.
As a startup, you may only have a Facebook page and limited online presence. Uniforms help clients trust your team and also market you to neighbours.

Good quality branded polo T-shirts cost:

  • Ksh. 750 – Ksh. 1,000 each

  • Less than Ksh. 5,000 for 4 uniforms

Always show up looking clean, uniformed, and professional.

4. Narrow Down Your Services

Don’t try to offer everything at once.
Start with 2–4 related services, such as:

  • Sofa set cleaning

  • Carpet cleaning

  • Office cleaning

  • Post-construction cleaning (if you have at least basic tools)

This helps you:

  • Manage clients better

  • Spend less

  • Provide higher quality work

  • Build expertise faster

You can expand your scope as your team grows.

5. Do the Work Yourself First

In the beginning, avoid hiring a team you cannot fully utilize.
Personally doing the cleaning helps you:

  • Learn the job

  • Understand what clients expect

  • Build your company culture

  • Reduce costs

  • Earn referrals from satisfied clients

Once you start getting overwhelmed, hire and train one assistant. Grow slowly but strategically.

6. Register Your Cleaning Company

You can reinvest profits to register your business.

Basic registration options

  • Business Name – Ksh. 950 on eCitizen

  • Limited Company – Ksh. 15,000–30,000

Other recommended registrations (as you grow)

  • County business permit (varies by county)

  • NEMA certification (for handling waste, chemicals, fumigation)

  • Pest Control License (for companies offering fumigation)

  • Work Injury Benefits & Employer Liability Insurance

  • NCA 1 or NCA 2 (for post-construction cleaning if required by some contractors)

Registration builds trust and allows you to work with corporate clients.

7. Create a Business Website

A website is a long-term investment that determines whether your cleaning business will grow or stagnate. A good website should:

  • Rank on Google

  • Allow clients to request quotations

  • Showcase services, before/after photos, and contact details

  • Build credibility

Key things to check when hiring a website developer

  • Do they understand SEO?

  • Do they have proven results in ranking service websites?

  • Can you check keyword rankings of their previous work?

  • Do they offer ongoing support and updates?

You can get a good, SEO-optimized website from an individual developer for Ksh. 40,000–50,000 including initial SEO work.

Note:
You don’t need a website on day one. Start with social media first, then add a website once you start getting stable clients.

7. Create a Business Website

A website is a long-term investment that determines whether your cleaning business will grow or stagnate. A good website should:

  • Rank on Google

  • Allow clients to request quotations

  • Showcase services, before/after photos, and contact details

  • Build credibility

Key things to check when hiring a website developer

  • Do they understand SEO?

  • Do they have proven results in ranking service websites?

  • Can you check keyword rankings of their previous work?

  • Do they offer ongoing support and updates?

You can get a good, SEO-optimized website from an individual developer for Ksh. 40,000–50,000 including initial SEO work.

Note:
You don’t need a website on day one. Start with social media first, then add a website once you start getting stable clients.

GET A WEBSITE AND SEO

#8. Required cleaning equipment

What is needed for a Cleaning Services Company in Kenya? Here are the basic items you need:

  1. Vacuum cleaner
  2. Cleaning agents
  3. Spray bottles and Buckets
  4. Toilet brushes

9. How to Charge for Cleaning Services in Kenya

Pricing varies by:

  • Location

  • Type of cleaning

  • Labour required

  • Tools and detergents

  • Transport cost

  • Level of dirt

Tips

  • Don’t undersell yourself

  • Don’t overcharge — clients will move on

  • Charge enough to make a profit

  • Give written quotations

  • For corporate clients, give formal proposals

As your brand grows, you can raise your prices.

10. Create a Google Business Profile (Very Important)

Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is one of the strongest tools for cleaning companies. It helps you appear on:

  • Google Maps

  • “Cleaning services near me” searches

  • Local client searches

Add:

  • Photos

  • Services

  • Customer reviews

  • Business hours

  • Phone number

This alone can bring you free daily leads.

Summary

Here is your priority checklist:

  1. Create social media pages and post daily

  2. Hire cleaning machines — don’t buy early

  3. Buy company uniforms

  4. Start with 2–4 services only

  5. Do the cleaning yourself

  6. Register your company

  7. Invest in an SEO-optimized website

  8. Create a Google Business Profile

  9. Buy equipment slowly as you grow

Startup Cost Breakdown (2025Updated)

Item Estimated Cost
Uniforms Ksh. 5,000
Business Registration Ksh. 950 – 30,000
Vacuum Cleaner Ksh. 10,000 (or hire)
Cleaning Detergents Ksh. 5,000 – 10,000
Buckets & Brushes Ksh. 5,000 – 10,000
Spray Bottles Ksh. 2,000
Website & SEO Ksh. 40,000 – 50,000
Transport (optional) Per job basis

231 thoughts on “Starting a Cleaning Services Company in Kenya”

          2. Musa lemayian

            I am very impressed and I like the way you explain it we are going to make it we follow those tips

          4. jackline natembeya

            Great advice,have worked as a cleaner for 5years bt ,ifeel like am tired of being employed.

        6. Claire

          …and you have taken your time to provide ALL these valuable information to us for free… May the Most High bless the works of your hands abundantly… Thank you!!!

          Reply
          1. GM Cleaning Services

            Dear Claire! Thank you for finding our content to be insightful.Make good use of it.

      8. PRISCILLAH

        Its such a pleasure having learnt from you . Just started mine and would be glad 8f get adviced on cost of cleaning a two flows mansion, office, 3,4,5 bedroomed house and so forth please .

        Reply
      10. Justine Masayi Moi

        I have gone through all written paragraph and I can tell you it is cheap to start your own company.

        Reply
    2. Simon peter

      Thanks for much for the advise.
      I have worked in hotel as a housekeeping supervisor and now I want to start my own housekeeping company.

      Reply
    3. Bonface Ouma

      Thank you so much for the great advice at least am having hope now to strengthen my company be blessed

      Reply
          1. Allan

            Great advice….on the process of starting my own cleaning company and I really appreciate….like minded people we can link on WhatsApp 0111667919. We share more and exchange ideas. Thank you once more.

    4. PATRICK AHADI

      Thank you so much for enlightening us am one of the those whi was conducting reaserch on how to start a cleaning company .

      i have learned alot
      i wanted to start with office cleaning and garbage collection but can i get help on how to charge here kinldy.

      Reply
      1. bett

        I am also in the process of doing research and probably start my own company in January. perhaps we can have a discussion on patnering?

        Reply
    1. GM Cleaning

      You may never have enough capital. Start with what you have. Choose a specific service that you can offer and focus on it. Then you can expand gradually as you plough back some of the profits you get.
      Good Luck.

      Reply
        1. Joyline ronoh

          Wow amazing,you have share alot and i have learnt alot ,hopefully soon i will open my company wish to ask you more private

          Reply
  5. Sharon

    Great piece am looking forward to start a cleaning business the rate to charge for those who live in small towns can range from?

    Reply
    1. GM Cleaning

      Thanks Sharon.
      It all depends with the amount of work, cost and the profit you want to make.
      It will also depend with your evaluation of the client, you may charge less or more.
      But you can have standard prices and be adjusting upwards depending on the client.

      Reply
    3. GM Cleaning Services

      Sharon!Good question but it all depends on your expenses and how much profit you want to make plus the barginin power of the client

      Reply
    1. GM Cleaning

      Hello Emmanuel
      Yes you can but won’t get “big” contracts. But you can start offering one off services.
      But you have to plan and register if you want to grow. Clients won’t trust you if you don’t have the right docs

      Reply
        2. Dalmas Bwire

          Thanks very much .am in hotel industry….and I love house keeping section.i would like to start my own cleaning company in near future

          Reply
  9. Adiedo

    Wow, great information here, I am fully employed but I want to start a side hustle, can this be a good idea or what can you advice?

    Reply
    2. Mercy juma

      Thanks for the advice.l really want to start it .from your advice first is to start by creating a social media account.is it right before assembling the materials.kindily do clarify.

      Reply
      1. GM Cleaning

        Social media is just helpng you in getting started with marketing. Getting clients takes time. So you be working on materials while pushing your brand to people, for them to know that a business with your name exists. They may contact you later when in need of the service

        Reply
    2. Wyclife magara

      Hello brother.hope you are doing well.found your statement engaging and touching on the same issue am interested in.kindly I would like to have a conversation with you concerning the same.
      If possible we can share contacts and talk via WhatsApp

      Reply
    1. GM Cleaning

      Not sure about this. But just do some market research. Understand your niche then you can make the decision. But we always have a gap.

      Reply
    1. GM Cleaning

      Yes. Since you have a special interest in this. Kindy do more research on it. Find where you will get the bins, who will be collecting them and where they will be disposing them after collection.

      Reply
  19. Peterson

    Thank you so much. It’s not easy for someone to write this great article to guide others. In Kenya getting the right information is an uphill task. I have a question I did some research and found out that steam cleaning is preferred by many for cleaning sofas, carpets, interior cars etc. Is there an alternative machine for that work? How much are the machines going for if one decides to hire. Thanks

    Reply
  20. edwin

    i just liked how you have clearly illustrated the process of establishing a cleaning company… just for clarification, can i establish a brand name fro my business before registering? is there any effects… please help.

    Reply
    1. GM Cleaning

      Yes… that is ok. But you won’t get some jobs from clients who want to verify you are registered.
      You can start with just registering a business name to avoid someone else “hacking” your efforts.

      Reply
      1. Miriam

        I am in nairobi and I want someone who got the interest as me we join together and start one. If any kindly reach out : 0714071332

        Reply
        1. Richard

          Hi Miriam

          Good afternoon.
          Was going through some interesting story and got you to be interested in it too.
          just writing to inform you am interested . can we meet to discuss how to team up and work. 0720995494

          Reply
  24. Justus

    Hi I’m Justus thank you for the great information you have given to me ,I have had a dream to start a cleaning company for over 8 years now, I. Very much great full for your tips I hope it will go well with me as I look yo start my own company soon thank you and Hod bless you.

    Reply
  26. Festus Kamanja

    Do we Have a cleaning regulatory body or any other registration required after you register a company?

    Reply
    1. GM Cleaning

      Yes Festus we have bodies that have been formed like house keeping professional accociation among
      others.It is not a must you join bodies but of recent there has been a push for cleaners to join the bodies
      since we felt that most cleaners have been neglected and paid poorly and also we felt that we need to
      armonize the pricing of our services so that we speak in one voice.

      Reply
  27. Jacob

    Thanks for sharing this and giving the procedure on how to do it in a detailed way, am so grateful. I can say this is the best I have read in my research.

    Reply
    1. GM Cleaning

      Yophes welcome to the cleaning business.You can find more information on that when you search for
      cleaning machine for hire and supply. We also provide the machines for hire and supply the cleaning requirements.
      Kindly contact us for more info.

      Reply
  29. Geoff

    I am interested in provision of cleaning services. In fact I’ve already registered a company and engaged someone to create a logo for me. I was thinking of doing fliers for marketing for my first job but thank God you came in handy with the advice of social media. I am going Facebook and hope it works for me. I may also need to hire cleaning equipment from you if I happen to get a job that requires such.
    Thank you very much.

    Reply
    1. GM Cleaning

      Most welcome Geoff.
      The journery is never smooth but you to keep trusting the process.
      You’ve started off well. Keep at it. It will surely pay off in the long run.
      We will be glad to hire you the cleaning machines as you hit the ground going.
      Just give us a call.
      Good luck.

      Reply
  30. Rachel

    Thanks for the info I want to start on and needs your help especially with.hiring of machines can u help with whatsup no so we can connect

    Reply
    1. GM Cleaning

      Hey Judy!
      Yees. Just I think we mentioned it in the above article. But you can create one later on to adapt with the dynamic technonology we are experiencing right now.
      Many people are online and do some research on the goods and services online before they do the purchasing.
      So start but you will need one in the lon run.

      Reply
  32. Musa Thaim

    Just wanted to ask does this cleaning company need vat bcoz if you are not earning more than 5million

    Reply
    1. GM Cleaning

      Hey Musa
      VAT has nothing to do with the amounts involved. It will always depend with the clients you get. Some will demand the ETR when you serve them with the invoices. But this mostly happens when offering the services to companies, in most cases they will only work with another company that is tax compliant.
      But when starting you can work without it just make sure to indicate “Without VAT” on all your quotations so that from the very beginning the client knows they will not demand an ETR for the same.
      Hope this is helpful!

      Reply
  33. Barack Ogana

    encouraging plan great but I realized Facebook have some charges for you to post photos on a company pages like if you open a page specifically for the company. for you not to incur charges what are the possible ways of posting photos

    Reply
    1. GM Cleaning

      Hey Barack!
      Facebook don’t charge posting of images. It’s totally free unless you are trying to boost the post.

      Reply
  34. Bonface

    Very informative piece. Thanks so much. I intend to start a cleaning company and I find this very helpful. Can I link up for more advice incase I need to.

    Reply
  37. Malasen Hamida

    Very informative piece, I have been cleaning on volunteer basis on prayer institutions but will want to start my cleaning company.i am posting all my cleaning on my page and organisation page too thanks for the helpful tips would want to upgrade

    Reply
  38. IRERI

    wow…… very informative ,detailed and encouraging at the same time.
    Equips a starter with that psyche … am not going back anymore…
    Asante.

    Reply
  41. Duke Maranga

    What an awesome piece of advice you’ve here, congratulations fellows. I already had the idea of starting up a professional cleaning company but been in a wonder on how set my feet on the ladder. On my case study online I just came across you and decided to take a sneak off and see what you had over the concerned project I have. Thumps up guys.

    Reply
  45. Hemphstone Okoyo

    Great piece…this has really inspired me….i am in the process of registration i m soon starting a cleaning business

    Reply
  46. Kevin omondi

    Thanks for the advice… I am working as a housekeeper but really need to start my own cleaning business.. This is a great push

    Reply
  50. Christine Wanjiru

    I have been thinking about starting one, i was actually thinking of offering household services . my motivation was to create emproyment by seeking for customers who need their houses cleaned and allocating the job to trusted and vetted people who can offer the services and probably paying them on commission. may end up buying machines later. what advice would you offer me, keeping in mind i may not have enough capital for company registrations and all that

    Reply
  53. Julius Njenga

    Am from Meru thank you for the advice.I followed those steps even before I knew they were online where I went wrong was buying uniform before registering haha 🤣 I did vice verse.But my company is doing well.

    If there is a person who may need an incorporation contact me we can work together julliejentie1919@gmail.com

    Reply
  55. Annie

    Wow, good insight, am planning 2 start one bt still wondering where 2 get agents who already kno the job to work with me. Advice

    Reply
  56. Moses Kioko

    This article came in handy to give me an insight on how to start a cleaning company, thanks alot for the information

    Reply
  59. Hellen muchiri

    Thank you for your help through this article it has given me lots of ideas because am so much interested in cleaning but din’t know how to or where to start…. But if you offer trainings I can be interested. May God bless you for that

    Reply
  61. Mercy Kiama

    This is so inspiring, as a young goal oriented lady was having an idea of opening a dry cleaner business how do I go about it please, where do I start,

    Reply
  65. Stanley Saina

    I am in Eldoret town and I have a registered company and social media pages and good SEO skills, I lack partners, to begin with, we can hire equipment in the meantime. 2 or people required. Call +254758302245

    Reply
  66. emmanuel kairuki

    AM SOO EMPOWERED . BY THE WAY YOU ANSWER QUESTIONS AND THE ADVISES .SOON WILL BE COMMING FOR TRAINING.DO YOU OFFER CERTS.NICE TIME

    Reply
  67. Margaret Mohere

    Great work and thanks for the insightful advice. Still researching, planning to start one in the new future.

    Reply
  68. Lilian Auma

    So much encouraged by your advice.Am interested in starting cleaning services but did not know how to go about it.This is what i wanted.

    Reply
      1. George

        Hello Grace,. I’m kinda new here. The takeaway on this website gave me a true north. Looking forward to venture into this right away, how about you link me up and share probable commonalities.Kindly Call/text 0714327605.

        Reply
      2. Vincent Wabwire

        Hello Grace,
        Let’s connect through 0796439722 and kick off the business.
        Or an other person looking for a partner, let’s connect through the number.

        Reply
  70. Marion

    Thank you so much for generously giving this piece of advice for free. I have wanted to start a cleaning business and didn’t know how but now I know. Will surely do.

    Reply
    1. GM Cleaning

      Martha it’s not that tricky you just calculate your expenses while offering the services then you add your small margins then there is always room to negotiate.

      Reply
  74. Angelica

    I am Angelica
    Great advice I am planning to start a cleaning company but I didn’t know how to go about it but now I know thanks Soo much

    Reply
  75. Richard

    Hi Miriam

    Good afternoon.
    Was going through some interesting story and got you to be interested in it too.
    just writing to inform you am interested . can we meet to discuss how to team up and work. 0720995494

    Reply
    1. GM Cleaning

      You are most welcome. The charges are flexible it depends on the location of the client.Plus the cost you will incur while offering the services then you add your margins.

      Reply
  79. Bryan Lunani

    You are the best,, how I wish I could hv seen this earlier,,, God bless you for answering many of my questions that I couldn’t ask anyone,, you hv really opened my eyes. You are soo experienced

    Reply
  81. Samuel Kaptum

    Great piece of content. From the read, I can say that the business is viable. I will consider exploring it soon. Thanks for the wonderful insights.

    Reply
  84. Samuel

    Great information,thankyou.I shall be contacting you for more since i am in the process of starting a cleaning company .

    Reply
  85. John Mboya

    Thanks alot I have been having the same dream but I lucked the advice, now I’m going to start my cleaning company God willing thank you urbandantly

    Reply
  86. Musela J

    In my research to start a cleaning company, I Bumped on these article full of good tips and hope, and it has really boosted my morale and am ready to start. Thank you once more

    Reply
  87. Chelangat cynthia

    Thanks alot for the info, am a beginner, and I have a company but am stuck because of financial constraints, thanks alot for the advice am in nakuru and I believe I can make it.not easy though. Thanks alot

    Reply
  90. Joan

    I have a group of 35people we want to start our group project.. we thinking of a cleaning services company…. Though we need help on how to start it

    Reply
  91. GM Cleaning Services

    Joan ,With such number you are purposed to succeed. The best way is to have like two or three members trained so as to pass the knowledge and experience to the rest of the group. We have training courses

    Reply

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