Why are there so many car wash centres in Nairobi?

Going by the number of cars registered in Kenya, it’s possible that the demand for car wash centres has gone up.

In Nairobi and its outskirts, the number of car washes has lately gone up. Are Kenyans more hygiene conscious than ever before or is car washing a profitable business? Car washers differentiate their services from body wash to engine wash, interior vacuuming, waxing and even buffing. Each with a different price. The size of the car matters too. This market segmentation probably makes the business profitable. The increase in the number of car washes is by itself a clear indicator that it’s profitable. The input costs are low; an open ground, water and some soap. The water pressure machine is also not that expensive. Petrol stations have not been left behind in making extra cash from car washes. The business has low barriers to entry and attracts lots of starters.

Going by the number of cars registered in Kenya, it’s possible that the demand for car wash centres has gone up. Add the fact that most drivers go through either a dusty or muddy stretch every day, and cleanliness becomes necessary. Ask Kenyans in USA or UK how often they clean their cars.