The demand for commercial laundry services in Kenya has grown tremendously over the last three years, with data from Opalnet Ltd, the leading distributor of LG Electronics (LG)
products, indicating a 25% leap in uptake.
This surge is driven by rapid urbanization, currently estimated at 4.5% annually1, alongside an increasingly enlightened population supported by a 35% internet penetration rate2 Improved access to electricity has also been a key enabler, with the country recording a 42% rise in connectivity over the last decade to reach 79% today3
Eager to align with modern lifestyles, which include fast-paced jobs and limited time for household chores, Kenya’s upwardly mobile and youthful population is increasingly embracing commercial laundry services. The growth of the
hospitality and medical industries has also contributed to an increase in demand for commercial laundry services,creating unprecedented revenue generation opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Today, a single 8-machine laundromat can earn revenues of between KES 250,000 and KES400,000 per month depending on the location and foot traffic, with the initial investment recouped within 12–18 months for wellplaced laundromats.
To further strengthen capacity within this thriving sector, LG, in collaboration with Opalnet Ltd, hosted a Commercial Washing Machine Seminar in Nairobi on 29 August 2025. The event brought together approximately 60 industry
professionals, entrepreneurs, and key stakeholders to explore the latest trends, technologies, and best practices
in commercial laundry operations.
LG’s Home Solutions Product Director for East Africa, KH Jeong, noted that the company remains committed to supporting entrepreneurs who are investing in the laundromat business.
“Commercial laundry services are today an essential solution in urban Kenya. Through this seminar, we equipped operators with knowledge and technology that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ultimately deliver better
service to customers,” he said.
LG, a global leader in home and commercial appliances, continues to innovate in the laundry segment by providing
high-performance, energy-efficient washing machines designed for businesses of all sizes.
The company’s commercial washers and dryers feature advanced technologies such as energy-saving Inverter Direct Drive
motors, TurboWash™ cycles, and smart diagnostics.
1 https://unhabitat.org/kenya
2
https://datacommons.org/place/country/KEN?utm_medium=explore&mprop=count&popt=Pe
LG washers and dryers, for example, reduce energy costs by up to 40%, offer faster wash cycles, and have a lifespan of over 10 years, making them the most recommended choice for laundromats, apartments, hotels,hospitals, and boarding schools. These machines allow businesses to maximize throughput while delivering premium convenience to clients.
Speaking during the seminar, Opalnet’s B2B Business CEO, Brian Kitui, reaffirmed his company role in ensuring availability, after-sales support, and tailored solutions for local entrepreneurs.
“We recognize that commercial laundry solutions are becoming an important part of the Kenyan urban economy,and our role is to work closely with LG in delivering equipment and services that allow investors to maximize returns
while maintaining world-class standards,” said Opalnet’s B2B Business CEO, Brian Kitui.
The seminar also provided participants with case studies of successful laundromat businesses in Kenya,highlighting strategies for profitability, customer retention, and sustainability. Sessions covered topics rangingfrom machine maintenance and energy management to digital payment solutions that align with Kenya’s mobile first economy.
