Robert Okubo’s career took an unexpected turn more than 20 years ago when a travel ban on East Africa stranded him in the United States. Originally a travel agent focused on promoting Kenyan tourism, Okubo found himself needing a new income source after an Al-Shabaab attack in Mombasa halted travel to the region.

Introduced to professional cleaning by a Kenyan contact, he spent four years mastering the trade before launching his own business in the US. His first year generated $60,000 in revenue, which rose to $100,000 by the second year during the summer months. Inspired by this success, Okubo returned to Kenya in 2010, convinced the local market lacked specialised cleaning services.

Introducing Professional Deep Cleaning to Kenya

Starting with a $40,000 investment and a small team of three, Okubo founded 200 Degrees Cleaning Services, aiming to modernise cleaning methods in Kenya. Traditional practices like airing mattresses under the sun gave way to machine cleaning that sanitises and dries mattresses and curtains on-site, saving clients time and effort.

Growth was gradual as the company focused on educating customers about the benefits of professional deep cleaning. By the third year, demand increased, prompting expansion with additional teams and vehicles. Today, the firm employs about 25 people across Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa.

Expansion and Market Adaptation

Demand from Nairobi residents for services in their rural homes led to partnerships in other cities. The Kisumu branch diversified into car washing, employing four more staff. Despite growing competition post-pandemic, Okubo’s company maintains profitability by prioritising quality over price, earning about Sh500,000 monthly.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, 200 Degrees volunteered to disinfect police stations, boosting its profile. The company’s client roster includes Bank of Baroda, Prime Bank, the World Food Programme, and various engineering firms requiring fumigation.

Challenges and Future Plans

  • Operational hurdles: Traffic congestion and power outages disrupt scheduling and service delivery.
  • Equipment sourcing: Most machinery and detergents are imported from the US due to durability concerns.
  • Pricing: Office deep cleaning (10,000 sq ft) costs around Sh30,000; fumigation for a three-bedroom house is approximately Sh9,000.

Looking ahead, Okubo aims to expand regionally, with plans to open a branch in Malawi.

Advice for Entrepreneurs

Drawing on his cross-continental business experience, Okubo emphasises patience, continuous learning, and investing in quality equipment. He advises startups to secure sufficient capital to sustain operations through slow periods and to prioritise service consistency to build a loyal client base.