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Cyber Cafe business in Kenya is the best business idea you would ever come up with, because, despite the availability of personal computers in almost every home and establishment, people still visit cyber cafes to make use of the computers and for a number of other reasons. Most such businesses are doing extremely well with a wide range of clients.

Launching a cyber cafe business in Kenya costs about Kes100,000-200,000 depending on your plans and budget. With as low as six computers, you can start operating and grow that number gradually.

A lot of profits are earned in the Cyber Cafe Industry in Kenya and if you have a good business position where there is little or no competition, on a bad day you can make Kes2,000 and on a good day you can make up to 5,000-10,000 Kes.

Requirements to start this type of Business

Licenses

Licenses from the county government. Obtaining a business permit for your cyber business will cost from Kshs 10,000-12,000 per year (depending on the county).

A license can be obtained at the city council or online, for those in counties that have an online application.

Read more on: Starting a Business in Kenya – Procedure, Time and Cost

Location

• A residential area where there is no such competition.
• A busy business area.
• Your cafe just needs to be sited at a good location like a college, university, high school, office and any other place people are known to frequent.

Note: Don’t set up your cybercafe in a location that doesn’t meet the above requirements or you will be risking ROI (return on investments).

Things to Consider When Choosing a Suitable Location

• The place that has minimal electricity blackouts since most of your business, runs on electricity.
• A Place with a fair rent. Rent differs based on the county.
• It should be spacious enough to contain the number of computers you intend to install in the room, without cramping the customers. If you are now sure about the space, call a carpenter to measure it.
• Well-spaced, good ventilation and great internet and network connectivity. Customers will avoid your shop if it is not spacious, is poorly ventilated and has a slow internet connection.
• The accessibility of your shop is not much of an issue since clients will be the ones to find you. But it is better for you to situate your shop close to much people traffic wherever they can easily find and see it.
• The quality of your computers matters a lot. Most people venture into the business using a second-hand computer because they don’t care about quality.

For durability and performance, HP computers are a strong recommendation. They are good for long-running hours without developing problems and they last long. Buy a blower to keep them clean.

The best printer for your cafe is Epson PX660 it is a heavy-duty machine that is portable, but will serve you well. Epson PX660 can also photocopy and scan documents. You can also buy a Ricoh photocopier.

Internet

What draws people to your cafe is Internet speed. Nobody wants to pay to use a computer with a slow internet connection. Plus it is unfair to them for the cafe’s internet to be crawling, meanwhile, there is a timer ticking on the screen.

For reliable internet providers in Kenya, here is the list:

• Zuku Fibre
• Safaricom Home Fibre
• Telkom
• Airtel
• Faiba

Furniture

You should have a budget for furniture. You can consult the carpenter you plan to give the job on the price for making the furniture for your cafe. For about five computers, it can cost around Kshs. 15,000 for the desks and chairs.

Pricing/Charges

To know what to charge your customers, visit other cafes in the area you plan to start yours, to know what fees they charge their own customers for various services. Be careful not to undercharge or overcharge your customers. Most charge at 50cts per minute.

An Apprentice

Not that you necessarily need one, but if you can get someone. This is the person that will run the shop when you are not around.

Aside from providing internet services to your customers, other services you can offer in your cafe are:

• Photocopying
• Typesetting
• Photography/Passport
• Online Registration/Green Card Lottery
• Printing
• Scanning
• Spiral Binding
• Selling Computers & Accessories
• Internet Connection to Customers Neighboring Your Business
• Graphics Design