How to Start a Cyber Cafe Business in Kenya

Starting a cyber cafe business is a profitable venture in Kenya. The demand for information has been on the rise with the rise in technology. This has necessitated the establishment of cyber cafes where people can browse the internet, type, print, and photocopy documents. Cyber cafe services in Kenya are increasingly in demand with the increase in business activities. This is what you need to start a cyber cafe business in Kenya.

Write a Cyber Cafe Business Plan

You need to have a business plan to start a cyber cafe business in Kenya. A good cyber cafe business plan should have startup costs, sources of business funding, risks and strengths of the venture, market research findings and cash flow projections.

Equipment Needed to Start a Cyber Cafe in Kenya

The following are some of cyber cafe requirements and their respective costs.

5 Computers - Ksh 75,000
Printer and scanner - Ksh 25,000
Photocopier - Ksh 60,000
Internet - Ksh 3,000
Cabling - Ksh 2,000
Furniture - Ksh 15,000
Business permits - Ksh 15,000
Rent - Ksh 20,000
Electricity - Ksh 1,000
Staff Salary - Ksh 15,000

Some of the computer brands that are best suited for a cyber cafe include HP and Dell. The best laptop is HP since it is durable and has most features necessary for a cyber business. The best printer for cyber cafe is Epson brand. You can get a three in one printer for document printing, scanning and CD printing services. The best printer for internet cafe Kyocera brand, Epson and Canon.

You also need cyber cafe software to track internet usage by customers. You can charge clients depending on the time they have spent accessing internet. You can use CyberCafePro free software. Alternatively, you can use MyCyberCafe software.

How Much Does it Cost to Start a Cyber Cafe in Kenya?

The size of the business will determine the amount of startup capital you need. However, the best way to go about it is to start small and grow your business with time.

The cost of starting a cyber cafe in Kenya is around Ksh 250,000. However, cyber cafe opening cost will depend with business location and its size.

Factors to Consider when Starting an Internet cafe Business in Kenya

Before you can set up your business, there are things that you need to consider to ensure that you get the best results.

1. Location

Make sure to set up your internet and printing business in an area with institutions like schools that require the services you are offering. For instance, you can set up your business near a college, university, hospital or a banking hall. Such institutions will require people to use the internet and print documents.

You also need to realize that cyber cafes work well in towns and not in rural areas. It is because there is higher demand for information in urban areas due to the presence of many offices and businesses, compared to rural areas. Therefore, make sure to set up your cyber business in a busy area.

2. Licenses and Business Permits

To start an internet cafe in Kenya, you need to have business permits and licenses from the relevant authorities. It is easy to get cyber cafe business licenses. You can visit your County Council offices and pay for a business permit.

The officials will then visit your premises to inspect your business. Licenses for printing and internet business will cost you between Ksh 5,000 to Ksh 10,000 annually. The price vary from one county to the other.

You need county council single business permit, county council advertising and signage permit and music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) license to run your cyber cafe business efficiently.

Also read: How to start a bakery business in Kenya.

3. Partition Your Workstation

An excellent internet cafe requires proper partitioning. You will also need some shelves where you can keep photocopy papers, envelopes and other stationery. Partitioning is important and helps you to save on space and ensure privacy for the cyber attendant.

You can buy desks that can accommodate four users. You also need a place where the cyber cafe attendant will be sitting and a place for the server computer, printer and photocopier. Make sure your cyber cafe furniture is comfortable for your customers.

4. Internet Connectivity

You need to do thorough research on the most economical internet service provider you will be using. There are many internet providers in Kenya like Safaricom, Telcom and Airtel. One of the limitations that cyber cafe businesses face is the lack of reliable internet connectivity. You must choose the best internet service provider with strong connectivity in your business location.

Also read: How to start a cosmetics business in Kenya.

5. Computers and other Equipment

You must decide whether to buy a new or second hand photocopier, computers and printers. If you choose to buy second-hand equipment, make sure that they are in good condition. Avoid buying equipment that will require repairs from time to time. It will make your cost of operation expensive.

6. Hiring Employees

You need to hire someone responsible, trustworthy and one with knowledge about cyber cafe operations. Most cyber cafe business owners face challenges by employing people who steal from them. You need to employ a person who can remit day to day earnings of your business.

7. Marketing

Finally, once you have launched your internet cafe business, you need to advertise it. You can use posters, business cards and customer referrals. Soon, you will start attracting many customers to your business. Make sure to expand your business as your customer base grows.

List of Cyber Services in Kenya

The services you will be offering should be listed in your business plan. Some of the cyber cafe services list you can offer include:

Typing and printing
Photocopying and scanning
Browsing internet
Selling stationery like envelopes
Laminating documents
Online applications
Graphic services

Is Cyber Cafe Business Profitable in Kenya?

Starting an internet cafe business in Kenya is profitable if it is situated in an area with institutions and high population. Its profitability also depends with the cyber services you are offering.

For instance, if you are offering internet, printing, photocopying and scanning services, you will make more money than someone offering internet services only. If you are providing all those services, you can make Ksh 5,000 in a good day and Ksh 1,500 in a bad day.

It implies that the business's revenue is between Ksh 30,000 and Ksh 60,000 in a month. After deducting business expenses, cyber cafe business profit is over Ksh 15,000. If you know how to start an internet cafe business, it is a profitable venture.

Summary of How to Start an Internet Cafe

To start internet cafe business in Kenya, you need to know how to operate computers and have the technical ideas. You can also hire a person to operate one for you but make sure you are there to collect money for services. With that, I hope you now know how to start cyber cafe business.