How to start a cyber cafe business in Kenya

It seems that with every corner you turn in Nairobi and its environs, a cyber cafe is popping up. It makes sense as Kenya further advances in its technological and internet connections. More Kenyans are becoming reliant on the internet and printing service and these numbers will only soar as the world becomes more connected.

The pandemic saw many people rely on the internet for communication and other uses due to the social distancing rules. This is a lucrative market for anyone looking to venture into the industry. But how do you get started?

It is always good to secure the right equipment to run your cyber cafe. Otherwise, it will not satisfy the needs of your consumers. So the information below is your first practical checklist for a new cyber cafe. So get your pen and pad, then keep scrolling for insightful information.

Checklist for a cyber cafe business (The technical equipments)

Fast Internet

The first thing you need to get is fast internet. Consumers can buy data, but they will choose to visit your cyber cafe for the fast internet. You will lose consumers if you offer the same speeds as generic data.

Slow internet is never good, especially if trying to get things done quickly. Your consumers will come to your establishment for fast internet, and you need to meet their demands. So you need a reliable internet provider who can give you excellent speeds with little downtime and accessible maintenance.

Since you will be accommodating multiple users simultaneously, ensure you get coverage of at least 20 mb/s. Research local internet providers and their reviews to determine the best one for your cybercafe. The provider should offer a mix of value and affordability.

High-speed PC

A high-speed PC is essential for running a cyber cafe efficiently. It will connect to the multiple printers and copiers in the establishment for document processing. It should be able to complete these processes without lagging to meet the efficiency your consumers expect.

Ensure that the PC has multiple and different ports. People will come with their external storage spaces expecting you to process documents from them. Multiple connectivity ensures you can meet these needs.

Look for PCs with heavy RAM, ample storage, and a tough processor. Also, go for trusted brands like HP for the best outcomes.

Multifunctional Printer

A printer and copier are must-haves in a cyber cafe. When people look for printing places, they search for cyber cafes because it is almost always guaranteed that you will get high-quality printing. So why would you disappoint your customers?

A good way to save on costs is to get a printer that can handle copying and printing tasks. If it comes with additional functions, the better. The Konica Minolta C224 or C364 are good fast printing and copying options.

They are multifunctional machines that offer fast document processing. They are the types of machines you will need for a busy cyber cafe for printing and copying. You will also need a machine for scanning and faxing because they come in handy. These Konica Minolta bizhub c224 or c364 models have the three functions in a single unit i.e. scanner, copy, Printing and faxing. When starting this kind of business, you don’t have to buy a new one because it might be costly. We advise people to start with a good refurbished machine for the printing, copying scanning works. Its consumables like toners and other spares are inexpensive and readily available. Remember the first rule of business is to start small and grow gradually.

Passport Printer

You need an all in one printer that can print (color printing), photocopy and scan too. We recommend the Epson Px660 printer as it can do all this. It is a little expensive but it is worth it. You can also print photos for customers.

While this is still a printer, we have chosen to categorize it differently from the other type of printers because photo printers are different. Passport images are the most common request you will get from consumers in a cyber cafe.

If you have a good camera, you can set up a mini-studio for taking these pictures. Then get a good quality photo printer to produce HD images.  Your customers will love the quality, and you will enjoy the fast processing.

Anti-Virus

You will get many foreign external devices plugged into your computer. This can introduce many viruses to your computer, and you could lose important information, software, and documents. Therefore, you should find a good antivirus to protect your primary PC and other computers.

Avast and Kaspersky are the best antivirus software for PCs currently. They can adequately protect your computers from viruses, especially when you go online. So, ensure you purchase the right packages.

It is worth noting that there are many counterfeit products that mimic these antivirus software. They do not offer adequate protection and could affect your machines. Therefore, purchase from a reliable supplier.

Final Thoughts

As with every investment you make, purchasing these Equipments calls for research. If you wind up in the wrong store, you could be hemorrhaging money with too soon replacements and consistent repairs. Remember, this is a costly investment, and you must make smart choices.

Luckily, there are many places where you can find all these necessities and more to start your cyber cafe on a good note. Our store is the foundation of many successful businesses, including cyber cafes.

This is because we provide our customers with high-quality equipment to help small offices, homes, and busy enterprises function more efficiently. You can find your equipments here affordably. So partner with shoptech today.