Kenyans To Set Up At Least 1,000 Laundromats In The Next 10 Years

Kenya’s commercial laundry industry is experiencing significant growth, driven by rapid urbanization and an increasing demand for professional laundry services and related equipment. This sector is now considered one of the most promising and lucrative opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors in East Africa.

With the urban population currently accounting for 30% of the population and growing at an annual rate of 4.4%, 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% 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.

Data by LG Electronics’ distribution partner Hotpoint Appliances 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% from 2020-2025. Nairobi already has over 250 laundromats in operation, with investors drawn to the relatively low startup costs of between KES1 m – KES2 m.

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, 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.

On April 8, LG 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 program was conducted by LG 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.

Donghun Lee, the President of LG Electronics East Africa, shared his vision for the industry’s future:

“At LG, we are committed to ensuring that the workforce is well-prepared to handle the challenges that come with operating the emerging advanced systems. Our mission is to contribute to the growth of the commercial laundry industry in Kenya by fostering a culture of innovation, quality, and sustainability.”

Following the success of the technician training session, LG and Hotpoint held an Investor Seminar on April 11, bringing together 100 laundromat owners, investors, and stakeholders from the commercial laundry industry. The seminar sought to explore investment opportunities and emerging trends in the sector, focusing on the future of laundromat operations and the evolving needs of customers. It also provided an opportunity for attendees to network with industry professionals, share experiences, and discuss collaborative opportunities.

Participants gained valuable insights into how they can capitalize on the rapidly growing market by adopting energy-efficient, cost-saving, and eco-friendly solutions. In addition to these technical benefits, the seminar educated attendees on the financial aspects of running a laundromat, including how to optimize profitability, reduce operating costs, and improve operational efficiency.

During the event, speakers emphasized the importance of sustainable practices in the laundry industry, such as using energy-efficient machines that reduce both utility costs and environmental impact. With the growing awareness of climate change and resource conservation, more laundromats are turning to sustainable technologies to attract eco-conscious customers and reduce their environmental footprint. In this regard, experts at the seminar showcased LG’s latest technological innovations, such as smart laundry systems that use artificial intelligence to optimize washing cycles, reduce water usage, and improve overall operational efficiency.

“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 urbanization continues to accelerate and the demand for professional laundry services expands, such events and training programs will play a critical role in shaping the future of the sector and positioning it for long-term success.

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