phone repairs basics

How to Start a Simple Phone Repair Business in Kenya

ByTujulishane

Introduction

The phone repair business in Kenya is one of the most practical and profitable hustles you can start today. With smartphones being part of daily life, they often get damaged — from cracked screens to faulty charging ports and dead batteries. While advanced repairs require special tools and training, you can start small with basic phone repairs such as screen guard installation, battery swaps, and simple fixes. This makes it a great side hustle with low startup costs and consistent demand.

Startup Costs 💰

You don’t need a huge budget to start offering basic phone repair services.

  • Capital Needed: KES 8,000 – 20,000
  • Key Expenses:
    • Starter toolkit (screwdrivers, spudger, tweezers, suction cups) — KES 2,000 – 4,000
    • Replacement parts (batteries, charging ports, screen guards) — KES 3,000 – 10,000
    • Magnifying glass or small repair light — KES 1,000 – 2,000
    • Small working table or kiosk setup — KES 2,000 – 4,000
    • Branding/poster for visibility — KES 500 – 1,000

💡 Tip: Start with screen guard installation and simple battery replacements. These require minimal skill and bring quick profits.

Why This Business Works ✅

  1. Constant Demand: Phones break down daily.
  2. Affordable to Start: Basic tools are cheap compared to advanced repair shops.
  3. Repeat Business: Customers return for more repairs or accessories.
  4. High Margins: Replacement parts bought cheaply can be sold with strong markups.
  5. Scalable: You can grow into advanced repairs with training and better equipment.

Step-by-Step Setup 🛠️

1. Learn Basic Skills

YouTube tutorials and short phone repair training courses can teach you screen replacement, battery swaps, and charging port fixes.

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2. Source Affordable Parts

Buy replacement parts and accessories from suppliers in Luthuli Avenue (Nairobi), Eastleigh, or online platforms like Jiji.

3. Set Up a Working Space

  • A small kiosk, table, or shared stall works fine.
  • Place a banner like “Phone Repair & Accessories” for visibility.

4. Start with Easy Repairs

  • Screen guard installations.
  • Battery replacements.
  • Charging port cleaning/fixes.
  • Installing apps or formatting phones.

5. Expand Slowly

Once profits grow, invest in advanced tools for screen replacements, motherboard fixes, and unlocking services.

Profit Breakdown 📊

Example:

  • Screen protector: Buy at KES 60, install at KES 150 → Profit = KES 90 each.
  • Install 20 per day → KES 1,800 profit daily.
  • Battery replacement: Buy at KES 600, install at KES 1,200 → Profit = KES 600 each.
  • Replace 5 per week → KES 3,000 profit weekly.
  • Charging port fix: Parts + tools cost KES 200, charge customer KES 700 → Profit = KES 500.

👉 Daily profits average KES 1,500 – 3,000, meaning KES 45,000 – 90,000 monthly.

Challenges & How to Overcome Them ⚠️

  1. Limited Skills: Some repairs may be too advanced.
    • Solution: Focus on basics first, then take affordable training to expand skills.
  2. Fake Spare Parts: Low-quality batteries and screens can spoil quickly.
    • Solution: Source from trusted suppliers.
  3. Competition: Many repair kiosks exist in towns.
    • Solution: Differentiate with speed, customer service, and neat work.
  4. Trust Issues: Customers fear phone parts being stolen.
    • Solution: Repair in front of them for transparency.

Tips to Grow 🚀

  • Combine repairs with phone accessories sales for extra income.
  • Offer home/office repair services for convenience.
  • Advertise online with “Before & After” repair photos.
  • Partner with shops to get referred customers.
  • Save profits to invest in advanced repair machines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ❓

Q: How much do I need to start a phone repair business in Kenya?
A: With KES 8,000 – 20,000, you can buy basic tools and start with simple repairs.

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Q: Which phone repairs can I do without advanced training?
A: Screen guard installations, battery replacements, charging port cleaning, and app installations.

Q: How profitable is basic phone repair?
A: Sellers make KES 1,500 – 3,000 profit daily, with monthly earnings of up to KES 90,000.

Q: Do I need a license?
A: If you operate from a stall, a county business permit is required.

Conclusion

The simple phone repair business in Kenya is a great entry hustle for anyone looking to start small with high returns. With just KES 8,000 – 20,000, you can begin offering basic repairs, grow your customer base, and expand into advanced services over time. With good customer service, transparency, and reliable spare parts, this hustle can grow into a thriving phone repair shop.

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