How to Start an Interior Design Firm in Kenya and Get Clients (2025 Guide)

Kenya’s real estate boom, growing diaspora investments, and rising demand for luxury living have created huge opportunities for interior design firms. But starting an interior design business requires more than just design skills—you need the right legal setup, brand positioning, marketing strategy, and client acquisition plan.

This guide outlines the requirements for starting an interior design firm in Kenya and proven strategies for getting clients in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, and beyond.

Prestige Bluestar, awarded Kenya’s Top Interior Design Brand 2025 (Kenya Excellent Brands Awards, Villa Rosa Kempinski, Sept 5, 2025), shares insights from real experience in Kenya’s luxury interior market.

Step 1: Business Registration & Legal Setup

To operate professionally in Kenya, an interior design firm must be legally recognized. Key requirements:

1. Business Registration

• • Register as a Limited Company (preferred for credibility with corporate clients).
  • Or as a Business Name (sole proprietorship) for small-scale entry.
  • Register through eCitizen portal with Registrar of Companies.

1. KRA PIN Registration

   • Mandatory for tax compliance and invoicing clients.

2. County Business Permit (Single Business Permit)

   • Obtain from your county government (Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, etc.).

3. Professional Certification (optional but recommended)

   • Membership with Interior Designers Association of Kenya (IDAK) or equivalent.
   • If handling fit-outs, register with National Construction Authority (NCA).
4. Bank Account & Systems

• • Open a corporate bank account.
  • Set up accounting (QuickBooks/Xero) for billing, payroll, and VAT.

Step 2: Building a Credible Brand

Interior design is a trust-driven business. Clients hire brands, not freelancers. Essential steps:

• Company Profile: A 10–15 page profile with services, portfolio, and contact info.
• Website: SEO-optimized, showcasing projects, services, and blogs (drives leads).
• Social Media Presence: Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Facebook—visual platforms sell design.
• Office/Showroom (optional): A physical space boosts credibility for high-end clients.
• Portfolio: Start with 3–5 strong projects (can be styled mockups, pro bono, or personal projects).

Step 3: Services to Offer

Diversify services to appeal to multiple markets:

• Residential Interior Design – homes, apartments, diaspora renovations.
• Commercial Spaces – offices, retail shops, restaurants, hotels.
• Renovation & Fit-Outs – kitchens, bathrooms, ceilings, partitions.
• Custom Furniture & Cabinetry – wardrobes, kitchen cabinets, TV units.
• Consultancy & Styling – color, lighting, décor, and space planning.

Step 4: How to Get Clients

1. Digital Marketing (SEO + Social Media)

• SEO-optimized website: Rank for “interior designers in Nairobi,” “kitchen renovation Kenya,” etc.
• Instagram/TikTok reels: Showcase before/after transformations.
• LinkedIn: Attract corporate clients and real estate developers.
• Google My Business: Get local leads searching for “interior design near me.”

2. Partnerships

• Work with real estate developers, architects, and contractors to handle interior finishing.
• Partner with diaspora property managers who need trusted interior firms for clients abroad.

3. Networking & Referrals

• Attend expos (Kenya Homes Expo, Real Estate Expo).
• Build referral systems with satisfied clients (offer referral bonuses).

4. Niche Targeting

• Diaspora clients: Offer remote-friendly systems (contracts, milestone billing, video updates).
• Diplomatic/expat market: Target embassies, UN staff, and NGOs moving into Nairobi.
• Luxury clients: Position with awards, premium visuals, and exclusive design.

5. Content Marketing

• YouTube walkthroughs of projects.
• Email newsletters with design trends.

Step 5: Pricing Models

Clients want clarity. Typical models:

• Design Fee (per room or m²): KSh 1,500 – 5,000/m².
• Project Management Fee: 7–12% of total works.
• Mark-up on Materials/Furniture: 15–30%.
• Consultancy (advisory only): KSh 5,000 – 15,000/session.

👉 Prestige Bluestar blends consultancy, design, and turnkey execution for transparent pricing.

Step 6: Scaling Your Firm

• Build a lean team: Designers, site supervisor, carpenter/installer, admin.
• Invest in tools: SketchUp, AutoCAD, Coohom for 3D renders.
• Systemize operations: Templates for proposals, invoices, contracts.
• Document projects: Photos/videos for marketing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Starting without a registered business (hard to win trust).
• Quoting too low to win clients (leads to losses).
• Ignoring contracts—scope creep kills profit.
• Neglecting marketing—waiting for referrals only.
• Overpromising on timelines/materials.

Why Prestige Bluestar Is a Benchmark

• National Award Recognition – Kenya’s Top Interior Design Brand 2025.
• Luxury Experience – Specializing in high-end kitchens, bathrooms, ceilings, and full-house makeovers.
• Diaspora Trust Systems – Contracts, milestone billing, remote updates.
• Coverage – Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, and rural Kenya.

Final Takeaway

Starting an interior design firm in Kenya requires:
✔️ Legal setup (registration, permits, tax compliance).
✔️ Brand credibility (website, portfolio, awards).
✔️ Marketing & networks (SEO, social media, partnerships).
✔️ Clear pricing & systems (BoQs, contracts, milestone billing).

Once established, the secret to getting clients is trust + visibility. The more transparent, consistent, and professional you are, the more clients you’ll attract—especially in Kenya’s growing luxury and diaspora market.

📞 +254 714 444 4516 | +254 745 730 042
📧 info@prestigebluestar.com
📍 Westlands, Nairobi – Muthithi Road