Nairobi, Kenya – Antipas Nyambok, Chairman of HHPA Kenya and Operations Manager of Nairobi Hospital, delivered an inspiring speech at the East Africa Clean Summit 2023, highlighting the importance of discussing the current state of the industry. The two-day summit, attended by distinguished speakers, promised to be engaging and thought-provoking, focusing on the theme of elevating standards in the cleaning industry.
Mr. Nyambok began his speech by acknowledging the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the renewed focus on cleaning standards in institutions, hotels, and homes. He stressed the need to return to the fundamentals of cleaning, recognizing that business owners are seeking ways to save money without compromising the quality of their services.
“One way to achieve this,” Mr. Nyambok explained, “is by investing in higher quality supplies that can be replaced less often, thus reducing long-term costs.” This strategic approach to procurement would enable businesses to survive and thrive in the challenging economic climate.
Another significant challenge faced by the industry today is staffing issues. Many companies are struggling with unreliable and disengaged employees, leading to declined business opportunities. Mr. Nyambok highlighted the importance of investing in well-compensated and dedicated staff members who understand the importance of their role in providing excellent service to clients.
The chairman also addressed the rising costs associated with training, emphasizing the need for businesses to determine whether in-house training or outsourcing to professional trainers would be the most effective and cost-efficient solution.
Furthermore, Mr. Nyambok discussed the necessity of adjusting rates for cleaning services to offset additional expenses such as labor, overhead, fuel, and other costs. He stressed the importance of closely monitoring market trends, raising prices accordingly, and communicating these adjustments to clients in a timely manner.
Additionally, the speech highlighted the role of technology in the cleaning industry. Mr. Nyambok emphasized the importance of exploring technological advancements, such as cleaning business software, to streamline operations, including quoting, scheduling, invoicing, and client relationship management.
“Maintaining a loyal client base is crucial,” Mr. Nyambok stated. “Word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool, and satisfied clients will act as ambassadors for your business.”
In conclusion, Mr. Nyambok addressed the question of whether it is worth starting a cleaning business. He confidently responded with a resounding “yes,” citing global statistics that indicate continued growth in the industry. These statistics included a 9.4% increase in the cost of home and hotel cleaning services in 2021, with 10% of all cleaning jobs being contracts rather than one-time work. Furthermore, the cleaning industry revenue grew by 14% in 2021, and it is projected to continue growing globally at a rate of 6.6% annually. The hotel and residential cleaning market alone is expected to be worth 40 billion by 2025.
The East Africa Clean Summit 2023 provided a platform for industry players to engage in meaningful discussions, exchange ideas, and find innovative solutions to elevate standards in the cleaning industry. With the challenges brought about by the pandemic and the evolving market dynamics, the summit showcased the importance of collaboration and continuous improvement in this growing sector.
