If you’re in business in Nairobi — whether you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, or running a full-blown company — chances are you’ve thought about business cards. Maybe you’ve even Googled something like: “print business cards Nairobi.”

Well, you’re in the right place. Let’s talk cards — the little rectangles that still pack a serious punch in the digital age.

Why Business Cards Still Matter in Nairobi

You might be thinking, “Do people even use business cards anymore?”

Short answer? Yes. Long answer? Absolutely, and here’s why.

Nairobi is a hub for business — from start-ups in Westlands to corporates in Upper Hill and creatives in Kilimani. And whether it’s a networking event at KICC or a quick meetup at Java, business cards are still your best offline brand asset.

Here’s the thing: a well-designed card makes you look professional, credible, and prepared. It shows you’re serious — even if you’re just starting out.

What Makes a Great Business Card?

Before we dive into prices and print shops, let’s talk quality.

Here are five things that make a business card stand out:

1. Clear Branding – Logo, color palette, fonts that match your brand.
2. Readable Font Sizes – No one wants to squint just to get your email.
3. Quality Paper – Matte, glossy, or textured — your feel matters.
4. Simplicity – Less is more. Avoid clutter.
5. Useful Info – Include phone, email, website, social media (only if it’s active).

Where to Print Business Cards in Nairobi

There’s no shortage of print shops in the city, but the big question is: where can you get quality and affordability?

Here’s a breakdown of the options:

🖨️ 1. Local Print Shops (Downtown Nairobi, River Road, Westlands)

Pros:

• Affordable prices
• Quick turnaround
• Easy to negotiate

Cons:

• Mixed quality
• May not offer design services

Estimated Cost:

• KES 500 – 1,500 for 100 standard cards

💻 2. Online Printers (e.g., PrintShop Kenya, KenyaPrint, FlexoPlus)

Pros:

• Convenient (order from home)
• Design templates available
• Delivery to your door

Cons:

• Limited customization
• Delivery takes 1–3 days

Estimated Cost:

• KES 1,000 – 2,000 for 100 cards (varies by material)

🎨 3. Design + Print Studios (e.g., Ascend Designs)

Pros:

• Full branding support
• Custom designs
• Professional look

Cons:

• Pricier than budget shops

Estimated Cost:

• KES 2,000 – 4,000 for design + 100 printed cards
• Add-ons (lamination, rounded corners) may cost extra

Types of Business Cards You Can Print in Nairobi

There’s no one-size-fits-all card. Here’s what’s out there:

How to Save Money While Printing Business Cards in Nairobi

Let’s face it — not everyone has a big budget. Here’s how to cut costs without cutting corners:

• Bundle orders – Printing 500 cards is cheaper per unit than 100.
• Use a template – Sites like Canva let you design for free.
• Go for standard sizes – Custom shapes or sizes cost more.
• Stick to black-and-white if you’re tight on budget.

💡 Pro tip: Avoid very cheap printers that use thin paper. Your card reflects your brand — flimsy equals forgettable.

What to Include on Your Business Card

It might seem obvious, but many people leave off crucial info. Here’s what to include:

• Full name and title
• Company name (or your brand)
• Phone number (WhatsApp-friendly)
• Email address
• Website or portfolio link
• Physical address (optional)
• Social media handle (if relevant)

Don’t try to squeeze everything — be strategic.

Mistakes to Avoid When Printing Business Cards

❌ Too much text

It’s a card, not a flyer. Stick to essentials.

❌ Fonts that are hard to read

Script fonts might look fancy but kill readability.

❌ Ignoring your brand

Your card should match your logo, website, and other materials.

❌ Typos

Triple check! Or ask a friend to proofread.

FAQ – Business Card Printing in Nairobi

FAQs about printing business cards

🔍 How much does it cost to print business cards in Nairobi?

For 100 standard cards:

• Basic shops: KES 500 – 1,500
• Online printers: KES 1,000 – 2,000
• Premium studios: KES 2,000 – 4,000 (with design)

🔍 Is it cheaper to design my own card?

Yes — tools like Canva and Adobe Express help. But for business use, it’s worth paying a designer to create something unique.

🔍 What’s the best place to print cards in Nairobi?

It depends on your budget and quality needs. For full-service design and print, check out Ascend Designs.

🔍 How long does it take?

• Basic print shops: Same-day or next-day
• Online printers: 2–4 days
• Design + print: 3–5 business days

Real Example: James the Realtor

James, a real estate agent in Nairobi, printed 250 business cards at a premium design studio. Cost: KES 3,500.

He handed them out at networking events and open houses.

In one week, a client kept his card and called him for a KES 25M property deal.

His verdict? Worth every shilling.

Boost Your Brand With a Business Card That Speaks

Your business card isn’t just contact info. It’s your brand, first impression, and call to action — all on a 3.5-inch rectangle.

Whether you’re selling fashion in Gikomba, doing tech in Westlands, or running a mobile salon in Donholm — a crisp, professionally printed business card shows you mean business.

💡 Creative Design Ideas for Business Cards in Nairobi

Let’s say you don’t want just another plain card. You want to stand out. Good news — design options in Nairobi have gotten really creative lately.

Here are some ideas you can ask your designer or printer to explore:https://www.tiktok.com/@mymetalbusinesscard/video/7015596669018426630?referer_video_id=7015596669018426630

1. Vertical Business Cards

Instead of the traditional landscape orientation, go vertical. It immediately grabs attention.

2. QR Code Integration

You’ve probably noticed this trend — scan and boom, you’re on someone’s website or Instagram page. Great for creatives and service-based businesses.

3. Spot UV Finish

This adds a glossy highlight to certain elements (like your logo or name), giving your card texture and pop without going overboard.

4. Rounded Corners

A small touch that makes your card look smoother and more modern.

5. Folded Cards

Double the space for content or even include a small map, pricing table, or short brand story.

🌱 Eco-Friendly Business Card Printing in Nairobi

You care about the environment — and that’s commendable.

Eco-conscious printing is growing in Kenya, and some Nairobi print shops offer:

• Recycled paper stock
• Vegetable-based inks
• Minimalist designs to reduce ink usage

Prices are slightly higher (starting around KES 2,000 for 100 cards), but the long-term impact? Priceless.

Some clients even appreciate the green effort — especially in fields like sustainability, health, or community work.

🤝 The Real Impact of a Good Business Card in Nairobi’s Networking Scene

Let’s face it — Nairobi is a networking city. From breakfast forums to evening cocktails, you never know who you’ll meet.

Here’s how a good business card helps:

• Icebreaker: “Wow, your card looks amazing! Who did it for you?”
• Brand recall: A standout card is hard to forget.
• Professionalism: You show up ready to do business.
• Referrals: Cards get passed on — your network grows while you sleep.

One conversation at an event in Sarit Centre can lead to your next big gig — don’t miss out because you didn’t have a card on hand.

🧾 Is It Worth Paying More for Business Card Design?

Here’s a little analogy: You wouldn’t show up to a job interview in slippers, right?

Well, your card is like your business suit — it represents you before you even say a word. So yes, paying an extra KES 1,000 – 2,000 for a custom, professionally designed business card is worth it.

Here’s what you get:

• A layout that fits your brand
• Unique typography and color palette
• Thoughtful spacing and alignment
• High-res print-ready files
• Peace of mind knowing you’re putting your best foot forward

📊 Cost Breakdown Recap for Printing Business Cards in Nairobi

The Evolution of Business Cards in Nairobi

A few years back, business cards in Nairobi were more or less the same—basic white cards, printed with contact details and maybe a logo if you were lucky. Fast forward to today, and it’s a whole different story.

We’ve moved from bland, mass-printed cards to sleek, customized ones that feel more like mini-billboards for your brand.

From Boring to Bold

Back in the day, you’d walk into a shop downtown and get a hundred cards for a few hundred bob—plain black-and-white designs on flimsy paper. Now, thanks to advances in design tools and printing tech, even small businesses can get stunning cards with high-end finishes like matte lamination, foil stamping, and textured paper.

And let’s not forget about design platforms like Canva or Adobe Express. They’ve made it super easy for anyone to whip up a professional-looking card without hiring a designer.

What Really Goes Into Printing Business Cards?

If you’ve never printed cards before—or it’s been a while—you might be surprised by how many steps are involved. Here’s a quick breakdown of what typically goes on behind the scenes:

1. Design & Branding

Everything starts with the design. This is where your personality or business identity comes to life. Whether you’re working with a professional designer or doing it yourself, your layout, colours, fonts, and logo need to be on point.

Tip: Keep it simple but memorable. Nairobi professionals love clean, modern cards—nothing too busy.

2. Choosing Your Paper

The paper (or card stock) you pick says a lot about you. Here are a few common options in Nairobi:

• 300gsm art card – affordable and widely used

• 350gsm ivory board – has a premium feel, good for upscale brands

• Textured paper – adds that extra “wow” when someone touches it

• Recycled or eco-friendly card – great for sustainability-focused brands

3. Printing Techniques

Depending on your budget and the finish you’re going for, you can choose from:

• Digital printing – best for short runs or quick turnarounds

• Offset printing – great for bulk orders and consistent quality

• Screen printing – mostly for special effects or large logos

4. Finishing Touches

This is where your card goes from “meh” to “wow.”

• Lamination (matte, gloss, or velvet)

• Embossing (raised text or logos)

• Spot UV (glossy highlights in specific areas)

• Foil stamping (adds metallic shine—often gold or silver)

If you’re targeting premium clients, these extras make a big difference.

So, How Much Does It Cost to Print Business Cards in Nairobi?

Alright, let’s talk numbers. Costs vary depending on quantity, design, paper, and finishes. But here’s a general idea of what to expect:How to print ypur own business card

Note: Prices may vary based on quantity, design complexity, and additional services.

Top Business Card Printers in Nairobi – Where Locals Go for Quality Prints

If you’ve ever tried to get business cards printed in Nairobi, you know the options are endless—but not all printers are created equal. Whether you’re looking for something basic and budget-friendly or high-end and flashy, Nairobi has got you covered.

Here are a few tried-and-tested places locals swear by:

📍 Print Lion – Fast, Affordable, Reliable

Tucked away in Lois Plaza on Latema Road, Print Lion is one of those places you hear about through word of mouth. Their rates are super competitive (starting at just KES 7 per card, can you believe it?), and they’re known for offering different finishes—glossy, matte, velvet, even those cool special laminations. Best part? They usually get your cards done in 24 hours, and they’ll deliver anywhere in Kenya.

✒️ Inkpaste Printers – For Custom Lovers

If you’re particular about size, material, or unique finishes, Inkpaste Printers is worth checking out. They’re based right in Nairobi and focus on high-quality prints. These guys don’t just churn out basic cards—they actually help you customize every detail, from the design to the final print. Plus, they deliver pretty fast.

💎 Waves Branding – Luxe Look & Feel

Want your card to scream luxury? Waves Branding is known for its silk and diamond lamination finishes. Their business cards feel premium, like you’re handing out something that belongs in a designer wallet. Perfect for brands trying to make a big impression or target high-end clientele.

💻Print.ke – Your One-Stop Print Shop

From design to final print, Print.ke offers a full suite of services. Whether you’re after a small batch or a full corporate order, they’ll sort you out. They also have a solid selection of paper types and finishes to choose from, and they work with clients from all industries. Clean, professional, and efficient.

Design Tips to Make Your Business Card Stand Out in Nairobi

Let’s be real—your business card isn’t just about sharing your phone number. It’s a chance to showcase your brand and personality. Here’s how to make sure yours doesn’t get tossed in the drawer (or worse, the trash):

• Keep It Simple: Don’t overcrowd your card. Just the essentials: name, title, contact info, and logo. That’s all you really need.

• Stick to Your Brand: Use your official company colours and fonts. Consistency builds trust.

• Choose the Right Fonts: Fancy fonts can look nice, but if they’re hard to read, they’re useless. Go for something clean and legible.

• Use High-Quality Images/Logos: Blurry or pixelated logos make you look unprofessional. Make sure your design files are sharp and print-ready.

• Add a Small Call-to-Action: Something like “Let’s connect on LinkedIn” or “Visit our website” encourages people to follow up after your chat.

Remember, Nairobi’s business crowd is sharp—you want your card to reflect your level of professionalism.

Going Green? Here’s How to Print Business Cards Nairobi

It’s no secret—we’re all becoming more environmentally conscious. And if you’re running a business that values sustainability, your business cards should reflect that too.

Here are a few green options to consider:

• Use Recycled Paper: Many Nairobi printers now offer eco-friendly paper options. It’s a small switch that makes a big difference.

• Opt for Vegetable-Based Inks: These are way less toxic than petroleum-based inks and much better for the planet.

• Keep Designs Minimal: A minimalist card not only looks sleek—it also uses less ink and paper, reducing your environmental footprint.

Plenty of local print shops, including Print.ke and Print Lion, now offer these sustainable printing services. You just have to ask

Ready to Print Your Business Cards in Nairobi?

If you’re serious about leaving a lasting impression, don’t settle for cheap, boring cards. Nairobi’s market is competitive, and your business card should work as hard as you do.

Here’s what you want:

✅ A custom design that reflects your brand
✅ High-quality print with a professional finish
✅ A reliable printer who delivers across Kenya

🎯 Try Ascend Designs – Whether you’re just starting out or you’re refreshing your brand, they offer top-notch design and printing services that are fast, affordable, and built to impress.

👉 Get your business cards from Ascend Designs now

Let your card do the talking—and trust us, people will listen.