Scanner Prices in Kenya – Cost Overview of Top Brands and Models

October 1, 2023 / by Kipkoech / in Scanners & Printers
Scanner Prices in Kenya - Cost Overview of Top Brands and Models (1)

Are you looking for the latest scanner prices in Kenya?

A scanner is an essential device used to digitize printed documents, photographs, and other physical materials into digital images. Scanners capture images by using light sensors that read and convert the reflected light into a digital signal. The digital image can then be viewed, edited, shared, printed, and archived on a computer.

Scanners have become indispensable tools in the modern workplace and home offices. The most common uses of scanners include:

  • Digitizing documents – Scanning contracts, invoices, receipts, reports, letters, notes, and more for digital storage and sharing. This eliminates the need for bulky physical document storage.
  • Archiving photos and albums – Scanning old photos, slides, and photo albums provides digital backups that can be easily edited and shared. Photos take up less digital space compared to physical storage.
  • OCR – Many scanners have integrated OCR (optical character recognition) software that converts scanned documents into editable and searchable digital text files.
  • Admin tasks – HR departments use scanners to digitize resumes, job applications, employee records, etc. Accounting uses them to scan invoices, bills, receipts, and other financial documents.
  • Artwork and graphics – Artists, designers, and photographers use scanners to digitize their work for editing, sharing, printing, and storage. High-end scanners provide exceptional detail.

Choosing the right scanner with required features and resolution capabilities ensures digitizing tasks are completed efficiently and with high quality.

Different Types of Scanners and Their Features

There are several types of scanners designed for different uses. The main scanner types include:

Flatbed Scanners

Flatbed scanners are the most common and versatile scanner type. They work like a photocopier, with a flat glass surface on which you place documents and photos face-down for scanning.

Key features and uses:

  • Versatile for scanning documents, books, magazines, photos, 3D objects and more
  • Offer high scanning resolutions – between 300 to 4800 dpi or more
  • Large scanning bed sizes from A4, A3, to wide format sizes
  • Can scan small and large-sized original materials
  • Models with integrated transparency units allow scanning slides and film negatives
  • Great for home office, business, graphics work, photography, etc.

Examples: Epson Perfection V850 Pro, Canon CanoScan LiDE 400

Flatbed Scanners

Sheetfed Scanners

Sheetfed scanners are designed for scanning multiple pages quickly and efficiently. They have an automated document feeder (ADF) that pulls in stacks of sheets for scanning.

Key features and advantages:

  • Fast speeds – 25ppm or more pages per minute
  • ADF capacity – 50 to 100 sheets
  • Efficient for high volume scanning
  • Compact, streamlined design
  • Ideal for scanning multi-page documents

Examples: Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1500, Epson WorkForce DS-780N

Handheld Scanners

Handheld scanners, as the name suggests, are held in hand and manually swiped over text or images to capture scans on the go.

Key features:

  • Small, lightweight, and portable
  • Cordless operation using batteries
  • Lower resolution scanning – up to 600 dpi
  • Ideal for receipt scanning, capturing notes, business cards, etc.
  • Some models have integrated OCR capability

Examples: IRIScan Book 5, Brother DS-940DW

Drum Scanners

Drum scanners use a photomultiplier tube and rotating optical system to capture incredibly high resolution images primarily for graphic arts, print reproduction, and archiving needs.

Key features:

  • Exceptional scanning resolution – up to 12,000 dpi
  • Capture fine image details precisely
  • Used for scanning photos, slides, transparencies, maps, artwork, etc.
  • Large file sizes due to high resolutions
  • Meant for professional graphics usage

Examples: Contex HD Ultra and Contex SD One

Specialty Scanners

There are also specialty scanners designed for specific industries or unique scanning needs:

  • 3D scanners – create 3D models of objects
  • Industrial OCR scanners – heavy duty for warehouse, manufacturing
  • Photo scanners – high resolution conversions of photo prints
  • Large format scanners – for wide maps, plans, posters, artwork
  • Mobile scanner apps – scanner apps for smartphones
  • Book scanners – overhead scanner systems for digitizing books

So in summary, there is a scanner suited for any kind of scanning need, whether at home or for large organizations. Evaluating scanning needs and choosing the right type of scanner ensures optimum quality and productivity.

Top Scanner Brands in Kenya

The scanner market in Kenya offers products from both international and local brands. By opting for recognized brands, you can ensure good quality and reliability. Here are some of the top scanner brands available in the Kenyan market:

Epson Scanners

Epson is a market leader in printing and scanning solutions. Some of their popular scanners in Kenya include:

  • Epson Perfection V19 – Affordable flatbed with up to 4800 dpi resolution. Good for everyday document and photo scanning.
  • Epson WorkForce ES-50 – Compact sheetfed scanner with 20ppm speed and 50 sheet ADF capacity. Fast black and white document scanning.
  • Epson DS-790W – Wireless duplex sheetfed scanner for high productivity scanning on the go.
  • Epson WorkForce DS-780N – Network ready sheetfed scanner with 50 sheet ADF and fast 25ppm speed.

HP Scanners

HP makes versatile all-in-one printers, many of which have integrated scanners. Their standalone scanners include:

Canon Scanners

Canon is renowned for its imaging expertise. Their well-performing scanners in Kenya are:

Fujitsu Scanners

Fujitsu makes heavy duty scanners built for high reliability:

Infinity Scanners

Infinity offers a wide range of scanners in Kenya targeting offices and businesses:

  • Infinity DocuScan 34 – 50 ppm compact document scanner. Affordable pricing.
  • Infinity Fi-6800 – 100 ppm production scanner with large 500 page ADF capacity.
  • Infinity PhotoScan Macro 5 – High resolution photo scanner with adapters for 35mm negatives and slides.

These major brands offer the latest scanning technologies, good warranty and service support in Kenya. Looking at your specific scanning needs and budget, you can select a suitable brand and model. Be wary of no-name brands that may compromise on quality or support.

Average Prices of Different Scanner Types in Kenya

Scanner pricing in Kenya varies depending on the brand, features, and type of scanner. Here is an overview of average prices you can expect to pay:

Flatbed Scanners

Flatbed scanners offer the most versatility for scanning all kinds of originals. Prices range widely:

  • Basic flatbeds for home use – Ksh 3,000 to Ksh 8,000
  • Advanced flatbeds with higher resolutions and film scanning – Ksh 8,000 to Ksh 28,000

For example:

  • Entry level Canon LiDE 100 – Ksh 3,499
  • Epson Perfection V19 – Ksh 9,500
  • Canon LiDE 400 with 4800 dpi – Ksh 28,000

Sheetfed Scanners

Sheetfed scanners cost:

  • Personal sheetfed scanners – Ksh 6,000 to Ksh 16,000
  • Professional sheetfed scanners – Ksh 16,000 to Ksh 65,000

Sample models and prices:

  • Epson WorkForce DS-30 – Ksh 6,300
  • HP ScanJet Pro 2000 s2 – Ksh 13,500
  • Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1500 – Ksh 25,000
  • Infinity DocuScan 75 – Ksh 65,000 (over 100 ppm speed)

Specialty Scanners

Specialty scanners are priced:

  • Photo scanners – Ksh 15,000 to Ksh 40,000
  • 3D scanners – Ksh 100,000 to Ksh 200,000
  • Overhead book scanners – Ksh 180,000 to Ksh 350,000
  • High-end drum scanners – Ksh 500,000+

Examples:

  • Epson FastFoto FF-680W photo scanner – Ksh 34,000
  • 3D Systems Sense 3D scanner – Ksh 150,000
  • Bookeye 4V2 book scanner – Ksh 250,000

As you can see, prices vary widely depending on target use, features, brand, and capability. Do your research to find the right balance of required features and affordable pricing when purchasing a scanner.

Where to Buy Scanners in Kenya (Online & Offline)

There are several options available to buy scanners in Kenya both through online stores and offline retail outlets.

Online Stores

Buying scanners online is convenient, provides more choices and competitive pricing. Reputable online stores include:

Buytec Stores

Buytec stocks a wide selection of scanners from brands like HP, Canon, Epson, and Infinity. Choose from flatbeds, sheetfeds, and specialty scanners. Doorstep delivery available.

Kilimall

Kilimall sells quality scanners from HP, Canon, Epson, Fujitsu and more. Pay securely using Mpesa or card. Enjoy free delivery on orders over Ksh 1,000.

PriceMe Kenya

PriceMe Kenya compares scanner prices from multiple sellers. Find the best deals on flatbed, photo, OCR, and sheetfed scanners.

LynkKenya

LynkKenya marketplace offers new, used and refurbished scanners from vendors across Kenya. Compare and buy scanners conveniently.

Digitalworld Kenya

Specialist supplier of computing products including scanners, printers, consumables, and accessories from top brands.

Offline Retailers

You can also buy scanners from local computer stores and electronics outlets across major cities:

  • Computer World – Stocks a variety of scanners from HP, Canon, Epson, Fujitsu and more. Branches in Nairobi and Mombasa.
  • Lambda Technologies – Wide range of sheetfed, flatbed, photo and OCR scanners. Several outlets in Nairobi.
  • Micro Engineering – HP authorized dealer selling full range of HP scanners and multifunction printers. Outlets in Nairobi.
  • Zetech Kenya – Canon authorized dealer for Canon scanner models. Available in Nairobi and Kampala.
  • Madhouse Electronics – Stocks sheetfed, flatbed, and photo scanners from brands like Epson and Infinity. Nairobi and Nakuru branches.

It’s advisable to check scanner offerings and prices across multiple stores, compare product specs, and buy from an authorized dealer for the brand. This ensures you get full warranty and service.

Factors Affecting Scanner Prices in Kenya

Scanner prices in Kenya vary significantly based on several key factors:

Brand

Brand name has a major impact on price. Scanners from top brands like HP, Canon and Epson tend to cost more than lesser known brands. For example:

The premium pricing ensures genuine quality and post-purchase support from biggest brands.

Features

Higher priced scanners offer more features:

  • Higher scanning resolutions – 4,800 dpi or more
  • Larger ADF capacity – 300 sheets or more
  • Faster speeds – over 100 ppm
  • Specialized functions like film scanning

Entry-level scanners with only basic features are affordable. Adding more functionality increases the price tag.

Connectivity

Scanners with wireless networking, Ethernet, or USB 3.0 cost more than models with just USB 2.0. Network ready models provide higher productivity.

Duty Taxes

Import duties and taxes contribute significantly to scanner costs. Different brands and models have varying tax rates levied, impacting retail pricing.

Supply Chain

Importing scanners from overseas and availability through dealers, distributors, retailers all add to costs. Local assembly provides more competitive pricing.

Warranties & Support

Better warranty coverage (3+ years) and manufacturer support results in higher cost. Budget scanners may have no or minimal warranty.

Market Demand

scanner demand and supply economics also affect pricing dynamics. More popular models face shortages driving up prices.

While lower priced scanners are appealing, it’s best to choose based on scanning requirements. Striking the balance between price and functionality ensures the scanner serves your needs optimally for years.

Conclusion & Recommendation of the Best Scanner as per Budget

In the Kenyan market, you have the choice of scanners across various price points. The ideal scanner for you depends primarily on your intended scanning needs and budget.

Here is a summary of the best options to consider across price ranges:

Under Ksh 5,000 Budget

  • Canon LiDE 100 – Compact flatbed for document and photo scanning. 4800 dpi sensor.
  • Epson Perfection V19 – Versatile flatbed with 4800 dpi scans and film adapter.
  • HP Scanjet 1000 – Sheetfed scanner for basic document scanning. 20 ppm speed.

Ksh 10,000 to Ksh 15,000 Budget

  • Epson WorkForce ES-50 – Sheetfed scanner with 20ppm speed and 50 sheets ADF.
  • Canon LiDE 300 – High quality flatbed scanner for photos and documents. 5,200 dpi resolution.
  • HP Scanjet 8270 – Fast 50 ppm sheetfed scanner for high volume scanning.

Ksh 20,000 to Ksh 30,000 Budget

Over Ksh 30,000 Budget

  • Fujitsu Fi-800R – Heavy duty production scanner with fastest speeds up to 90 ppm.
  • Contex HD Ultra iCR – Large format scanner suitable for maps, drawings, posters up to 42 inches wide. Exceptional image quality.
  • Canon imageFormula ScanFront 400 – Network ready scanner with 50 page ADF capacity and fast speeds.

Do your homework on the leading scanner models based on scanning needs. Look at warranty coverage, brand reputation, scanning quality and productivity features. This ensures you get the right scanner model matching both requirements and budget.

Key Takeaways:

  • There are different types of scanners like flatbed, sheetfed, handheld, drum scanners, etc based on usage needs
  • Leading scanner brands in Kenya include HP, Canon, Epson, Fujitsu and Infinity
  • Flatbed scanners range from Ksh 3,000 to Ksh 28,000 while sheetfeds cost Ksh 6,000 to Ksh 65,000
  • Buy scanners online from stores like Jumia, Kilimall, or from local retailers like Computer World
  • Prices vary based on brand, features, connectivity, taxes, supply chain costs and demand dynamics
  • Match scanner type to your needs and look at warranty coverage, brand reputation and scanning quality

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