For years, pool tables were fixtures found mostly in bars. Now, a growing number of Kenyans are setting aside space in their homes for pool tables. Reason? It is a functional accessory for bonding with family and friends, and it makes empty spaces useful.
Architects and interior designers working on large homes say clients are increasingly asking them to allocate or curate dedicated spaces for full-size pool tables, while sellers report a rise in customised orders tailored to private residences.
David Kang’ara, the owner of TikiTaka Pool Tables, has been in the business for about 15 years and has witnessed steady growth.
“I started seeing a gradual increase in demand from home owners over the last five years,” he says.
He now sells to customers in Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, Nakuru, and outside Kenya. “A few years ago, only Nairobi residents were buying pool tables,” he says. “Now we have supplied tables to South Sudan, Somalia, Burundi, Rwanda, and Tanzania.”
He started seeing individual buyers about five years ago, which he attributes to a desire for private, shared entertainment. “Most of them say they want to play with their children or family friends,” Mr Kang’ara says. “Many are not comfortable going to clubs, so they prefer having the pool table at home.”
“Some people see the pool table as a masterpiece,” Mr Kang’ara says, citing a client in Malindi who spent about Sh600,000 on a customised table. “To him, it was a piece of art.”
David Kang'ara, owner of TikiTaka Pool Tables, at his shop in Kariobangi, Nairobi, on January 20, 2026.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group
Unexpected customers
Pricing depends largely on materials and customisation. “Mahogany wood is more expensive, while MDF is cheaper,” Mr Kang’ara says, adding that home pool tables typically cost between Sh90,000 and Sh500,000.
Churches have also emerged as unexpected customers, alongside clients seeking hire or lease options.
Elsewhere, Mulu Nzulu, a pool table maker at Smart Pool Tables in Nairobi, says his business has grown steadily since he started in 2005. “We have ones that start from Sh75,000 to upwards of Sh150,000, depending on the materials. A few are made from marble, so as the customer, you decide which one you want made for you.”
Mr Nzulu entered the pool table business after spotting a market gap. “It’s a very viable business in terms of the profits we make.”
Smart Pool Tables now operates four branches in Nairobi and beyond. “In a day, we can sell, for instance, here in Nairobi, maybe five pool tables — and that’s usually on the lowest sale days,” Mr Nzulu says. “On a monthly basis, we can sell around 120 pool tables.”
He notes that new branches in Eldoret, Nakuru, and Embu have already contributed to growth, with orders increasing shortly after opening.
Young people remain the main customers, Mr Nzulu says, but older buyers, families, and even women are increasingly purchasing tables for their homes.
“Most families that come to our shop say they want the pool tables at their homes, especially as a form of entertainment and just for fun. Others see it as a décor unit in their homes. When they have friends or family unions, they can chill and play pool instead of going to a club or pub.”
Pool tables displayed for sale at TikiTaka Pool Tables Shop in Kariobangi, Nairobi, on January 20, 2026.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group
Home buyers often request customised tables rather than off-the-shelf commercial versions.
“For home use, they usually prefer wooden tables rather than marble, because marble ones are heavier, around 150kg, and harder to fit in a home.”
Mr Nzulu expects the business to continue growing. “I envision more growth. For instance, we recently opened a branch in Eldoret and got 13 new orders since then. Our branches in Nakuru and Embu are also doing well,” he says.
Redefining leisure
Mary Joan Muthoni, the founder and lead interior designer at Eppico Interiors, says she has seen a noticeable shift in how home owners think about leisure and entertainment at home.
“There has been a clear increase in home owners asking for spaces that can accommodate pool tables,” she tells BDLife. “Many people are now prioritising lifestyle and entertainment within their homes. Pool tables are increasingly being included as part of creating relaxed, social environments where families and guests can spend time together.”
If you want to create a room for a pool table, Ms Muthoni says, “A pool table needs enough clearance on all sides for comfortable play, not just space for the table itself,” she says. “The room should feel open, with proper lighting, adequate ceiling height, and smooth circulation. When these elements are considered, the table blends naturally into the space rather than overwhelming it.”
“When well selected, they add character and functionality to large living rooms or patios while still maintaining a refined, high-end look that complements the rest of the interior,” she adds.
