tailoring repairs

🧵 How to Start a Tailoring and Clothing Repair Business in Kenya

ByTujulishane

Introduction

The tailoring and clothing repair business in Kenya is a timeless and profitable hustle. Clothes will always need adjustments, repairs, and custom designs. From school uniforms to wedding outfits, there is constant demand for skilled tailors. Even in the age of cheap mitumba fashion, many Kenyans prefer repairing or adjusting clothes instead of throwing them away. With tailoring skills, a sewing machine, and minimal capital, you can start small and build a reliable business.

Startup Costs 💰

The capital depends on whether you already own a sewing machine or need to buy one.

  • Capital Needed: KES 15,000 – 30,000
  • Key Expenses:
    • Sewing machine (manual: KES 10,000 – 15,000; electric: KES 20,000 – 30,000)
    • Threads, zippers, needles, and buttons — KES 2,000 – 5,000
    • Measuring tools and scissors — KES 1,000 – 2,000
    • Fabrics (optional for custom clothes) — KES 3,000 – 5,000
    • Branding and signage — KES 500 – 1,000
    • Stall rental (optional): KES 3,000 – 7,000 per month

💡 Tip: Start with a manual sewing machine if electricity is unreliable in your area.

Why This Business Works ✅

  1. Constant Demand: Clothes always need repairs or adjustments.
  2. School Uniform Season: High demand during back-to-school months.
  3. Affordable to Start: A secondhand sewing machine can get you going.
  4. Multiple Services: Repairs, resizing, and custom tailoring.
  5. Scalability: Grow into a fashion design shop with multiple machines.

Step-by-Step Setup 🛠️

1. Learn Tailoring Skills

If you don’t know how to sew, join a short tailoring course (cost: KES 10,000 – 20,000). Apprenticeship under an experienced tailor is also a great option.

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2. Get Your Tools Ready

Buy a sewing machine, scissors, threads, measuring tape, zippers, and buttons.

3. Choose a Location

Ideal spots include:

  • Near schools (uniform demand).
  • In estates or market centers.
  • Close to mitumba markets.

4. Offer a Range of Services

  • Repairs (KES 50 – 200 per fix).
  • Resizing clothes (KES 100 – 300).
  • Uniform making (KES 500 – 1,500).
  • Custom outfits (KES 1,500 – 5,000 depending on fabric).

5. Market Your Services

  • Use word of mouth and referrals.
  • Display sample clothes outside your stall.
  • Share photos on WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook.

Profit Breakdown 📊

Example:

  • Repair 20 clothes daily at KES 100 each = KES 2,000 sales.
  • Costs (thread, zippers, utilities) ~KES 400.
  • Profit = ~KES 1,600 daily.

Add uniforms:

  • Make 10 uniforms per week at KES 1,000 each = KES 10,000 sales.
  • Profit margin ~40% = KES 4,000 profit weekly.

👉 Monthly income = KES 50,000 – 80,000 depending on workload.

Challenges & How to Overcome Them ⚠️

  1. Competition: Many tailors exist.
    • Solution: Offer neat, timely, and creative work.
  2. Seasonal Demand: Uniforms peak only at certain times.
    • Solution: Diversify into fashion and casual wear.
  3. Unreliable Customers: Some delay payments.
    • Solution: Ask for deposits upfront.
  4. Power Issues: Electric machines stop during blackouts.
    • Solution: Have a manual backup machine.

Tips to Grow 🚀

  • Specialize in school uniforms for steady demand.
  • Add fashion design services for higher profits.
  • Train apprentices for extra income.
  • Open multiple outlets in different estates.
  • Launch an online page for custom orders.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ❓

Q: How much capital do I need to start tailoring in Kenya?
A: With KES 15,000 – 30,000, you can buy a sewing machine and supplies to begin.

Q: How profitable is tailoring and clothing repair?
A: Expect profits of KES 1,500 – 2,500 daily, with monthly income of KES 50,000 – 80,000.

Q: Do I need formal training?
A: While not mandatory, training improves your skill, quality, and reputation.

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Q: Where should I locate my tailoring business?
A: Near schools, estates, mitumba markets, or bus stages for foot traffic.

Conclusion

The tailoring and clothing repair business in Kenya is a practical hustle with reliable demand and strong growth potential. With KES 15,000 – 30,000, you can buy a sewing machine, set up in a busy area, and start serving customers. With consistency, creativity, and neat work, this hustle can grow into a fashion brand or multi-branch tailoring shop.

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