Introduction
Pressure washing, also known as power washing, is one of the most in-demand cleaning services in Kenya today—especially with the rise of post-construction cleaning, exterior home washing, driveway restoration, and commercial maintenance. Whether you’re a cleaning enthusiast, an existing car wash owner looking to expand, or an entrepreneur exploring new ventures, starting a pressure washing business in Kenya could be your next big move.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: from legal requirements and equipment to pricing strategies and how to build a client base.
Why Pressure Washing is a Lucrative Business in Kenya
Pressure washing services are increasingly sought after by:
Homeowners looking to clean driveways, patios, and roofs.
Real estate agents who need properties cleaned before selling or renting.
Construction companies after project completion.
Businesses needing regular façade and signage cleaning.
Property managers maintaining apartment blocks, malls, and offices.
With Kenya’s ongoing urbanization and construction boom, the demand for specialized cleaning services is on the rise—making pressure washing a timely and profitable venture.
Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Pressure Washing Business in Kenya
1. Research Your Market
Start by identifying your target audience:
Residential homes
Office blocks
Commercial buildings
Factories and warehouses
Institutions (schools, hospitals)
Find out:
Who your competitors are
What services they offer
What they charge
What gaps exist in the market
2. Develop a Business Plan
A solid business plan should cover:
Your services (e.g., house washing, roof cleaning, commercial pressure washing)
Initial investment
Target market
Pricing strategy
Marketing plan
Monthly income and expense projections
3. Register Your Business
To legally run your pressure washing business in Kenya, you must:
Register your business on eCitizen or through a business registration agent.
Apply for a Single Business Permit from your county government (cost ranges from Ksh 5,000 to Ksh 15,000 depending on your county).
Ensure environmental compliance if you’re dealing with chemical cleaning agents.
4. Invest in the Right Equipment
Here’s the basic pressure washing setup you’ll need:
Equipment | Estimated Cost (Ksh) |
---|---|
Commercial Pressure Washer | 60,000 – 150,000 |
Water Tank (1000L or more) | 10,000 – 30,000 |
Water Pump | 15,000 – 25,000 |
Heavy-duty Hoses and Nozzles | 5,000 – 10,000 |
Cleaning Detergents | 3,000 – 10,000 |
Generator (if mobile) | 30,000 – 80,000 |
PPE (gloves, goggles, boots) | 5,000 – 10,000 |
💡 Optional: A branded vehicle or tuk-tuk for mobile services.
5. Create Your Service Packages
Common packages can include:
Residential exterior pressure wash – from Ksh 3,000
Driveway and walkway cleaning – from Ksh 2,000
Roof cleaning – from Ksh 5,000
Commercial facade cleaning – quoted based on square footage
Post-construction pressure washing – from Ksh 10 per sq. ft
Offer discounts for combo packages or repeat clients.
6. Marketing and Branding
To stand out in a competitive market, focus on:
Business branding: Name, logo, uniforms, vehicle branding
Website presence: Have a professional website with before-and-after galleries, prices, testimonials, and a request-a-quote form.
Google Business Profile: Helps with local SEO and maps visibility.
Social media: Regular posts with video demos on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok
Referral Program: Reward clients who refer others.
7. Train Your Team
Pressure washing might seem simple, but it can damage surfaces if done incorrectly. Train your team on:
Surface-specific techniques (wood vs concrete)
Safety protocols
Efficient use of equipment
Customer service etiquette
8. Start Small and Grow
Begin by offering services to friends, family, and local businesses to build your portfolio and gain testimonials. Use their feedback and before-and-after photos to market your brand.
As you grow:
Expand your equipment
Add specialized services like graffiti removal or solar panel cleaning
Hire and train more staff
FAQ: Starting a Pressure Washing Business in Kenya
Q1: Do I need a license to start a pressure washing business?
Yes, you need a business name registration and a Single Business Permit from your county.
Q2: How much does it cost to start a pressure washing business?
Between Ksh 100,000 and Ksh 300,000, depending on your equipment quality and whether you’re mobile.
Q3: Is the business profitable?
Yes, especially with repeat clients like institutions and estates. You can earn Ksh 100,000 to Ksh 250,000+ monthly.
Q4: What are the biggest challenges?
Managing water supply in some locations
Weather interruptions
Equipment maintenance
Building trust as a new brand
Ready to Launch Your Pressure Washing Business?
At Kejani Cleaning Services Limited, we’ve helped multiple entrepreneurs launch and scale their own cleaning brands through franchising.
When you join our franchise network, you get:
A ready-made brand with national reputation
Equipment supply support
Business setup assistance
Website and online booking tools
Digital marketing and lead generation
Ongoing training and mentorship
📞 Call/WhatsApp: +254 115 887 085
🌍 Visit: https://kejanicleaning.co.ke/start-a-cleaning-company/
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