Kenya is a fast-growing country in East Africa. Its urban and rural areas are evolving digitally, reshaping how we live, work, and learn. The growth is propelling high demand for computers and printers, which are becoming more available and affordable, making them accessible to a wider population.
Reliable computers are now a necessity for most businesses and individuals, here are some of the reasons why:
For businesses:
- It enhances productivity in the workstation by making tasks easy and enables efficient data management. Information sharing among employees is easy by forwarding messages and announcements to the desired recipient without struggling.
- Businesses use computers to store data and other essential functions like accounting, inventory management, and payroll. This minimizes time wastage and is convenient for every employee.
For Individuals:
- They help individuals communicate with their loved ones and stay connected through social media platforms and video calls.
- Individuals have access to the Internet which provides a wide range of information and educational resources. Schoolwork is made easy as one can easily research whatever topic that impacts knowledge and skills.
- Computers are a source of entertainment and leisure as they offer various entertainment options, including streaming sites, video games, and music apps.
- A large percentage of citizens work remotely online using their computers. They are flexible and provide the tools necessary to work anywhere.
Best Computer And Printer Shops & Suppliers In Nairobi
Physical shops:
1. Computech Limited
This is a prominent store that has been in business for 38 years since 1987. It deals with IT products across East Africa but has a branch in Waiyaki Way Nairobi, next to UNHCR. Their main focus is to meet the needs of every client in the evolving digital world by offering the best IT solutions including cybersecurity services, cloud services, and enterprise software, they are also an HP Authorized service center and HP Gold Partner as they have partnered with leading IT industry players.
2. Bright Technologies
The store is located in the Old Mutual Building, Kimathi Street, Nairobi. It mainly focuses on providing high-end ICT business solutions to clients by dealing with hardware, software, and related accessories and solutions. It also provides a wide range of IT products including, Smart Home Automation, Security systems, Networking equipment and Telephone systems. They are well known for their competitive prices and nationwide deliveries.
3. Saruk Digital Solutions
The store is located on Kimathi Street, Old Mutual Building 2nd Floor 211A. It is the best for gaming PCs and offers a variety of products including, TVs and accessories, Laptops, smartphones, tablets, Computers, and many others.
4. PC World Kenya
This is a Kenyan company located in YAYA Centre Diamond Plaza, Thika RD, and Westlands. It sells computers, laptops, printers, scanners, and software. It is one of the most respected ICT companies in Kenya with a legendary history and is described as a “one-stop Shop for computers and accessories.”
5. Kenya Computer Shop
This is a trusted computer shop in Nairobi with various offers where you can purchase all your computer accessories, desktop computers, laptops servers, and many more. They have competitive prices that suit all and a payment-on-delivery option for extra convenience not to mention their excellent service team that makes customers comfortable.
6. Jumia Kenya (Computers & Printers section)
This is an online store where you can buy and sell products. The computer section offers a wide variety of quality computers, laptops, and accessories. It is convenient for most consumers who don’t have time to visit physical stores and their delivery services are fast and reliable.
These Shops Are The Best Because:
- They offer genuine products by stocking up on High-quality and brand computers like HP, Dell, Lenovo, Asus, and Apple.
- Affordable prices- They have great deals on bulk purchases and their general pricing is quite fair which suits most people’s budgets.
- They are secure and assure quality by offering warranties, repairs, and easy return policies with receipts.
- They offer a variety of genuine products from budget-friendly options to high-end options to satisfy the different customers visiting the shops.
- The online shops are convenient and easy to use for accessibility to different IT products across Kenya.
Essential tools you need to start a computer &printer business
Computers And Laptops:
- Entry-level Laptops: HP 255 GB, Lenovo IdeaPad 3, Dell Inspiron 15.
- Professional Laptops: MacBook Pro, Dell XPS 13, HP Spectre x360
- Gaming PCs: Asus ROG Strix, MSI DL65 Leopard, Alienware Series.
- Desktop Computers: HP EliteDesk, Dell OptiPlex, iMac.
Printers & Accessories:
- All-in-one Printers: HP LaserJet Pro. Epson EcoTank, Canon PIXMA.
- Heavy-Duty Printers: Xerox WorkCentre, Kyocera Ecosys.
- Portable Printers: Canon Selphy, HP Sprocket.
- Ink & Toner: Genuine HP, Epson, and Brother printer cartridges.
Accessories:
- External Hard Drives & SSDs: Seagate 2TB, Samsung T7 SSD.
- Keyboards & Mice: Logitech MX Master, Razer Mechanical Keyboards
- Monitors & Displays: Dell Ultrasharp, LG 4K Monitors
- Power Backup Solutions: AOC UPS, CyberPower UPS.
Why Selling Computers And Printers Is A Profitable Business In Kenya
Growing Digital Economy:
Kenya is growing rapidly and the tech world keeps evolving due to new upcoming trends that excite the people from different sectors including businesses and education. This enhances the demand for more computing and printing devices.
E-learning and Remote work
This is one of the trends that influence Kenyans to demand more devices. A large percentage of citizens are working remotely online and need access to computers and printers for efficiency.
Government and Corporate Tenders
Due to these trends, the government and corporate businesses keep updating their devices constantly, therefore, they make bulk orders which creates a large profit for the IT shops.
Gaming and Streaming
Gaming and streaming need powerful computers with advanced settings, which leads to high demand for high-end PCS and related components. Gaming accessories such as keyboards, handsets, and webcams are also necessary, therefore, boosting sales for computer shops.
Repair & Maintenance Services
Used computers and printers need constant maintenance and repairs in case of serious damage. These services generate extra revenue for the shops that offer them.
Countries Most Businesses Import Computers & Printers From
i. China- This is the leading supplier of affordable computers and accessories to Kenya.
ii. USA- USA is famous for its high-end computers and accessories, it supplies well-known brands like HP which is highly demanded in Kenya, Dell, and Apple.
iii. Japan- It is a significant exporter of high-tech brands like Epson and Toshiba.
iv. Germany- Germany also contributes to the computers and printers market in Kenya by supplying top-quality desktops and professional-grade laptops.
v. UAE (Dubai)- It is an important trading hub for goods including computers and printers. Most companies re-export computer hardware and accessories meaning they import goods from foreign manufacturers the resell them to Kenya.
Companies To Contact For Business Support In It & Electronics
HP Kenya (Computech Limited)
This is the leading supplier of affordable computers and accessories as it mainly deals with HP electronics and, therefore, offers reliable services and quality products.
Dell Kenya (PC World Kenya)
This is one of the best companies that supports businesses in IT and electronic products by offering major sales on bulk and corporate orders. They also offer cybersecurity solutions and data management.
Lenovo Kenya (Bright Technologies)
This company deals with business computers and office solutions; therefore, they mostly supply to corporate companies and offices. Their customer service team is reliable as they offer technical assistance and repair services.
Canon Kenya (Elite Digital Solutions)
This is a major company that deals with IT products and photography. It is the official supplier of printers and imaging solutions. They support businesses by providing solutions for office printing, document management, and professional printing.
Epson Kenya (Copy Cat Ltd)
This is also another famous IT store that is best for high-value printing solutions. They also provide support services to improve the operations of their products
Latest Trends In The Computer & Printer Industry In Kenya.
The technology in Kenya keeps evolving, driven by new advancements and trends that captivate consumers, leading to high demand for computers and printers. Here are some of the latest trends:
Rise of Cloud Computing
Businesses heavily rely on cloud-based services and applications that require reliable internet connection. Therefore, good connection means cloud computing will keep growing and influence a larger percentage of people.
Gaming & High-performance PCs
Most people in the 21st century have grown very fond of gaming as a way of relaxing and having fun. This trend increases the demand for powerful PCs with advanced graphics and processing capabilities.
Portable & Smart Printers
Portable printers are in high demand as they are convenient for most consumers who need to print documents or photos from their smartphones or laptops while traveling or working remotely.
AI & Machine Learning Integration
The use of AI in the tech world has improved people's lives, especially in the education sector, agriculture, finance, and healthcare. It enables smarter software and computing solutions which makes work easier for people as it completes given tasks quickly and efficiently.
Renewed Focus on Cybersecurity
This has increased the demand for secure computing systems to reduce cybercrimes, especially in business institutions.
How To Start A Computer & Printer Business In Kenya.
Step-by-step guide.
Conduct Market Research
Thoroughly research your niche, find out what you are passionate about then identify your target audience and competition. Analyze the IT businesses in your area and identify their strengths and weaknesses to help you consider some factors that will help you attract more customers.
Source Reliable Suppliers
Research high-quality computer and printer suppliers, and compare their quality and rates. Consider local suppliers to save on importation costs for starters. Build and maintain a good relationship with them to ensure consistent and reliable supply.
Register Your Business
Follow all the legal steps necessary, by registering your business, obtaining a business permit from the local government, registering for KRA PIN for taxes, and obtaining the relevant license for permitting your business.
Set Up an Online & Offline Store
Make use of online platforms like Jumia and Kilimall that market your products and offer reliable delivery options that will suit busy customers who can’t physically visit the shop.
Invest in Marketing
Invest in effective marketing solutions like promotions, social media advertising, and influencer marketing. Digital marketing is the best solution nowadays with the growing technology where people mostly use smart devices.
Offer After-Sales Services
These services include repairs, installations, and tech support. They are convenient as they assure customers that their devices are in good hands and secure.
Diversify Revenue Streams
Offer various and diverse solutions which include, selling accessories, and maintenance packages and providing training for IT students.
Companies To Partner With In The It Industry
Corporate Firms
They most likely make bulk orders for laptops and office IT devices, which is good for the company as it generates more profit. Therefore, having a good relationship with them will greatly improve the business.
Government & Schools
They have large-scale IT projects that will significantly increase the company's income through bulk orders, resulting in impressive profits. They also have influence and connections which could provide opportunities that could ensure a positive business environment.
Media and Creative Agencies
These agencies are capable of reaching a wider audience which can be of advantage as they can offer their marketing skills to promote your business. They can do this by creating captivating videos and graphics to highlight your products to reach a wider customer base.
Retail Stores
They have access to a wider customer base which can significantly improve your sales and market reach. They are also convenient for customers who prefer to purchase a few items in person near their location.
Tech Support & Repair shops
This will greatly help as the shops will likely buy their products from your business not to mention they may offer maintenance and upgrades.
Conclusion
Remember technology keeps evolving, so investing in this business is a smart idea especially now that our lives are mostly run by computers and smart devices. Visit the mentioned IT stores for the best quality products at affordable rates to favor every individual. To reach them easily, here are their social media handles and contact information: