Cyber Cafe Equipment List


Here is a complete cyber cafe equipment list for Kenya, covering the essential hardware and software needed to run high-demand services like eCitizen, KRA, and SHA registration efficiently.

1. Computing & Networking

  1. Client Desktops: (5–10 units) Refurbished Core i3/i5 with at least 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD.
  2. Admin/Server PC: High-spec Core i5/i7 for heavy document processing and server management.
  3. LED Monitors: 19-inch to 22-inch screens (energy-efficient).
  4. Internet Router: Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router (e.g., TP-Link or Tenda) for high-speed fiber or Starlink.
  5. Network Switch: 8-port or 16-port Gigabit switch.
  6. LAN Cables: Cat6 Ethernet cables for stable, wired connections.

2. Document & Image Processing

  1. Color Printer: Epson EcoTank (e.g., L3210 or L3250) for low-cost, high-quality color prints.
  2. Heavy-Duty Photocopier: Refurbished Kyocera or Ricoh machine (e.g., MP 2014) for bulk black & white work.
  3. Laminating Machine: A4/A3 heavy-duty laminator.
  4. Binding Machine: Spiral binding machine for student and business projects.
  5. Paper Guillotine: For precise trimming of business cards and photos.
  6. Flatbed Scanner: High-speed scanner (if not built into the printer).

3. Specialized Digital Service Tools

  1. Biometric Scanner: SecuGen Hamster Pro 20 or ZKTeco ZK9500 (Mandatory for SHA/eCitizen verification).
  2. Thermal Receipt Printer: 58mm or 80mm printer for KRA eTIMS compliant receipts.
  3. HD Webcam: 1080p camera for passport photo capture and online interviews.

4. Power & Protection

  1. Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): 650VA or 1000VA units for each workstation.
  2. Voltage Regulator: Heavy-duty stabilizer for the main photocopier.
  3. CCTV Cameras: 2–4 IP cameras for physical security and monitoring.

5. Furniture & Layout

  1. Partitioned Desks: Timber or board workstations with privacy screens.
  2. Ergonomic Chairs: Comfortable swivel or sturdy plastic chairs.
  3. Waiting Bench: For customers waiting for processing.

6. Software Requirements

  1. Operating Systems: Windows 10 or 11 Pro (64-bit).
  2. Office Suite: Microsoft Office 2021 or 2024 (for typesetting and P9 forms).
  3. Cyber Management Software: Antamedia, SENET, or HandyCafe for timing and billing.
  4. Security: Multi-device Antivirus (Kaspersky, ESET, or Bitdefender).
  5. PDF Editor: Adobe Acrobat or Nitro Pro for splitting/merging application documents.

While these are the essential equipment for a modern cyber cafe, keep in mind that you don’t have to buy everything at once. You can start with the basics that fit your current budget and gradually add more specialized equipment as your business grows.

Read: Cyber Cafe Services Explained: What You Can Do at a Cyber Cafe

Author

  • Jozam Chahenza profile picture

    Jozam Chahenza is a writer and developer at JO-TECH Cyber, specializing in step-by-step tutorials, tools, and web applications that equip Kenyans and global readers with practical digital skills and technical knowledge. He holds a Diploma in Information Technology from the East Africa Institute of Certified Studies (EAICS)