Cloud POS vs desktop POS in Kenya: which should you choose?
ShelfWise ·
Desktop POS software is installed on one computer in your shop. Cloud POS runs in a browser or app and keeps your records online. Both can work well in Kenya; they fail in different ways.
| Desktop POS | Cloud POS (ShelfWise) | |
|---|---|---|
| How you pay | Licence up front, plus yearly support | Monthly or yearly plan |
| Device | A Windows computer at the counter | Any phone, tablet or computer |
| Internet cuts | Not affected | Keeps selling; syncs when back |
| Power cuts | Computer needs a UPS | Phones and tablets run on battery |
| Backups | Your job; lost if the PC dies | Automatic, online |
| Checking sales from home | Usually not possible | Live, on your phone |
| Several branches | Hard to combine | One account, stock transfers between branches |
| Updates | Often paid | Included |
When desktop makes sense
Large supermarkets with many tills on a local network and IT staff on hand sometimes prefer desktop systems.
When cloud makes sense
Most small and growing businesses: one to ten branches, owners who aren't always in the shop, and staff who already have smartphones.
Common questions
Does a cloud POS work without internet?
ShelfWise does: sales are saved on the device and sent when you're back online.
Read next
- How much does a POS system cost in Kenya? (2026)What a POS system costs in Kenya in 2026: software per month, hardware you may need, setup and hidden costs, with examples for a duka, restaurant and salon.Read
- How to choose the best POS system for a small business in KenyaA checklist for choosing a POS in Kenya: M-Pesa matching, offline sales, stock control, phone or computer, Kiswahili, support, price and questions to ask every vendor.Read