The Most Important Appliance Decision You'll Make
Your fridge stopped cooling. Your washing machine won't spin. Your TV screen went black. The first instinct many Nairobi homeowners have is to start shopping for a new appliance — but that decision may cost you far more than necessary.
The 50% Rule — Your Starting Point
If the cost to repair your appliance is less than 50% of the price of a new equivalent appliance, repair it. If it's more than 50%, start comparing new options.
Example: A new mid-range fridge in Nairobi costs about Ksh 40,000–60,000. A compressor replacement costs Ksh 5,000–10,000. That's 12–25% of a new appliance — clearly worth repairing.
When to Repair Your Appliance
- The appliance is under 7 years old
- The fault is a known, single component failure
- The repair cost is below 50% of replacement cost
- Replacement parts are readily available
When to Replace Instead
- The appliance is over 10–12 years old and faults are recurring
- The repair cost exceeds 50% of a new unit's price
- The same fault has happened more than twice in two years
- Parts are no longer manufactured for that model
Appliance-by-Appliance Guide for Nairobi
Fridge / Refrigerator
Expected lifespan: 12–15 years. Most fridge repairs (gas refill, thermostat, door seal) are well within the 50% threshold. Even a compressor replacement at Ksh 5,000–10,000 makes sense if the fridge is under 10 years old.
Washing Machine
Expected lifespan: 10–12 years. Belt, pump, and door seal repairs are always worth doing. Washing machine repair in Nairobi starts from Ksh 1,500.
Television
Expected lifespan: 7–10 years. Backlight and board repairs are typically under Ksh 6,000 — well below the 50% threshold. Screen panel damage on older TVs may not be worth repairing.
Cooker / Oven
Expected lifespan: 12–15 years. Most cooker repairs (igniter, element, thermostat) cost Ksh 1,500–5,000. Repair almost always wins here.
Get a Free Diagnosis Before Deciding
Before you decide, let our technicians diagnose the problem at your home. We'll tell you exactly what's wrong, how much it costs to fix, and whether it's worth repairing. Book a free diagnosis across all Nairobi estates.