How to Start a Shoe Shining and Repair Business in Kenya
Introduction
The shoe shining and repair business in Kenya is one of the most overlooked but highly profitable hustles. Every day, thousands of Kenyans wear leather shoes for school, work, and formal occasions — and these shoes need regular polishing, cleaning, and repairs. With very little capital, you can set up a shoe shining station at a bus stage, outside offices, or near schools and provide both shining and minor repair services. This simple hustle can bring steady daily cash and grow into a full cobbler shop.
Startup Costs 💰
This business requires minimal investment.
- Capital Needed: KES 2,000 – 6,000
- Key Expenses:
- Shoe polish, brushes, cloths, and sponges — KES 500 – 1,500
- Small wooden or plastic shoe shining box — KES 1,000 – 2,000
- Stool or small chair for customers — KES 500 – 1,000
- Repair tools (awl, hammer, glue, thread, replacement soles) — KES 1,000 – 2,000
- Optional umbrella/shade — KES 500 – 1,500
💡 Tip: Start with a shining kit and expand into repairs as demand grows.
Why This Business Works ✅
- Constant Demand: Leather shoes need regular polishing.
- Repeat Customers: Office workers and students shine shoes weekly.
- Low Capital Required: You can start with less than KES 3,000.
- Add-On Services: Shoe repairs and key cutting increase income.
- Daily Cash Flow: Customers pay immediately.
Step-by-Step Setup 🛠️
1. Choose the Right Location
Best places include:
- Bus stages and matatu termini.
- Near offices and government buildings.
- Around schools, colleges, and universities.
- Market centers and estates.
2. Get Your Tools Ready
Start with polish, brushes, cloths, and a shoe box. Later add repair tools and replacement soles.
3. Set Affordable Prices
- Shoe shine: KES 20 – 50 per pair
- Minor repairs (gluing sole, stitching): KES 100 – 300
- Major repairs (sole replacement): KES 300 – 800
4. Market Yourself
- Call out to passersby with offers.
- Shine shoes quickly and neatly in public.
- Build relationships with repeat customers.
Profit Breakdown 📊
Example:
- Shoe shine at KES 30 each.
- 50 customers daily = KES 1,500 sales.
- Costs (polish, cloths, tools): ~KES 200.
- Profit = ~KES 1,300 daily.
Add repairs:
- 5 repairs at KES 200 each = KES 1,000 extra profit.
👉 Daily profit = KES 2,000+.
Monthly profit = KES 50,000 – 70,000 depending on location.
Challenges & How to Overcome Them ⚠️
- Weather Conditions: Rain can reduce street traffic.
- Solution: Work under a shade or small tent.
- Low Prestige: Some look down on shoe shiners.
- Solution: Focus on profits — this is steady money.
- Competition: Many cobblers exist in towns.
- Solution: Differentiate with speed, friendliness, and neat packaging (wrap shoes in paper).
- Material Quality: Cheap polish or glue spoils shoes.
- Solution: Use trusted brands for durability.
Tips to Grow 🚀
- Add services like key cutting, belt repairs, and bag stitching.
- Sell shoe care products (laces, polish, brushes).
- Expand into a full cobbler shop with signage.
- Partner with offices or schools for regular cleaning contracts.
- Train assistants to serve more customers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ❓
Q: How much do I need to start a shoe shining business in Kenya?
A: With as little as KES 2,000 – 6,000, you can buy polish, brushes, and a small shoe box to begin.
Q: How profitable is shoe shining and repairs?
A: A busy shoe shiner can make KES 1,500 – 2,000 profit daily, adding up to KES 50,000+ monthly.
Q: Where should I locate this business?
A: Near offices, bus stages, schools, and markets where people wear formal shoes.
Q: Do I need a license?
A: Small setups may not require one, but a stall or permanent shop needs a county business permit.
Conclusion
The shoe shining and repair business in Kenya is a simple but highly profitable hustle. With less than KES 6,000, you can buy basic tools, find a busy location, and start earning daily income. By expanding into repairs, add-ons, and related services, you can grow into a respected cobbler business with steady repeat customers.
👉 Explore more hustler-friendly opportunities in the Business Ideas Hub — with over 50+ small businesses you can start today.
