Over 1,000 new laundromats set to be opened in next five to 10 years
Nairobi already has over 250 laundromats in operation, with investors drawn to the relatively low startup costs of between Ksh 1 million to Ksh 2 million
Kenya’s commercial laundry industry space is experiencing significant growth, driven by rapid urbanisation and an increasing demand for professional laundry services and related equipment.
This sector is today considered one of the most promising and lucrative opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors in East Africa. With the urban population currently accounting for 30 per cent of the population and growing at an annual rate of 4.4 per cent, the residential and commercial demand for high-quality laundry services is expected to keep rising, making it an exciting time to invest in the flourishing laundry sector.
This is especially because less than 20 per cent of households in Kenya have a washing machine, and with the busy nature of urban living, city residents increasingly do not have the time to do laundry themselves.
Segment market data predicts that over 1,000 new laundromats will be opened across Kenya within the next 5-10 years. This growth will be led by interest from residents of Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Kiambu and Nakuru, contributing to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8 per cent from 2020-2025. Nairobi already has over 250 laundromats in operation, with investors drawn to the relatively low startup costs of between Ksh 1 million to Ksh 2 million.
The emerging laundromats are expected to be equipped with the latest technology, catering to a growing middle class and a bustling urban population that increasingly values convenience, quality, and efficiency. As such, there is a significant need for technical support, skilled maintenance staff, and knowledgeable investors to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of the industry.
In response to this growing demand, Korean electronics company LG organized two key events in April 2025 aimed at educating and preparing professionals and investors for the changing landscape of Kenya’s commercial laundry industry.
Nine days ago, the company ran a day-long Commercial Laundry Technician Training session to address the pressing need for skilled technicians in the East African commercial laundry sector. The initiative was designed to provide hands-on knowledge and equip 38 technicians with the latest skills required to operate and maintain modern commercial laundry equipment. The session covered essential technical elements of laundromat operations, including equipment operation, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance procedures.
The programme was conducted by electronics experts from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Somalia, who shared the best practices and techniques for managing high-tech commercial laundry equipment now entering the Kenyan market. The aim was to ensure that technicians are both proficient in maintaining and repairing these advanced machines and can provide exceptional customer service, a crucial component of the laundromat business.
The training marked a significant step toward strengthening the backbone of the industry by ensuring that skilled personnel are available to manage the increasing number of new laundromats across the country.
“Over the past three years, Hotpoint has supported the setup of more than 120 laundromats across Kenya,” said Veronica Thongori, Head of B2B at Hotpoint Appliances.
“These range from small start-ups with just a few machines to larger, multi-outlet businesses. Our role goes beyond supplying LG commercial washers and dryers; we provide end-to-end support including business advisory, technical training, and after-sales service to ensure our partners succeed in this growing industry.”
As Kenya’s urbanisation continues to accelerate and the demand for professional laundry services expands, such events and training programmes are expected to play a critical role in shaping the future of the sector and positioning it for long-term success.
