Early 2000 cyber café was among the most profitable businesses in Kenya but the introduction of smartphones threatened the existence of the business. From around 2010 to 2020 the business was not doing well. However, from 2021 up to date, it resurrected—now it’s among the most profitable businesses in the country.
One thing that prompted the business to thrive is the fact that most people avoided it. You couldn’t convince anyone to start cyber café business. It created opportunities for the few remaining cyber cafes. To be honest, I didn’t expect the business to thrive again.
Even with the era of smartphones, there are specific things you can’t do with it.like scanning, printing and photocopying, unless you have those machines in your house. There are companies who will demand you to print an item and append your signature.
Green Card application is also done in a cyber café. From June to October every year, cyber cafes in major towns are fully occupied by clients who apply for green cards.
Capital for starting a cyber café in Kenya
The capital depends on location and size of the cyber.If the number of computers is 10-20,you will need a capital of Ksh 800,000 and above. You will also incorporate printing, scanning and taking photocopies. The three items will cost Ksh 100,000 to Ksh 150,000.
A busy cyber should also incorporate photography.
License for the business is Ksh 15,000 to Ksh 20,000 per year.
The total capital required is Ksh 1 million to Ksh 1.5 million.
Cyber café profits
In Nairobi, you will earn Ksh 3,000 to Ksh10,000 daily based on the tasks you perform in the cyber. In Nakuru CBD, your average daily revenue is Ksh 5,000 and in Kisumu you will make Ksh 3,000 to Ksh 8,000 daily.
One of my friends called Elijah owns a cyber in Nairobi CBD.He started the business in 2021 with a capital of Ksh 890,000. He tells me that in a bad month, he makes Ksh 180,000.
One advantage he has is that the competition is low. He gets almost half of the clients in the CBD.
To maximize your profits, introduce computer courses. Your target should be students I colleges or those who have completed high school and want to learn a couple of things about computer.
Cyber Café business will never disappoint you,it will always thrive. Right now competition is low.
