Top 250 Business Kenyan Ideas you can start in 2024

In the past, starting a business was a long and complicated process. You needed lots of money, licenses, permits, a physical location, etc.  

However, these days, you can start your own business from scratch with almost zero startup budget, thanks to the internet.

Whether you are just looking for a side hustle or a new business idea, this article covers a long list of some of the best businesses you can start in 2024.

What is a business?

A business is the act of selling a service or product to make money. Most businesses are typically owned by a single individual or group of individuals.

A business can be a sole proprietorship, corporation, or partnership. Small businesses are usually privately held with a few employees. They can also be unincorporated organizations or associations such as partnerships, sole proprietorships, and family-owned businesses.

Depending with the industry, new businesses are typically characterized by startup costs, inventory, and overhead. For small businesses, these costs are usually low, allowing greater flexibility than many larger companies.

This makes it easier and more attractive to many entrepreneurs who may not have the money to start a large company from scratch.

Due to size limitations, small businesses may also offer personalized services that larger companies cannot provide.

How do you choose the best business idea in 2024?

Passions and interests

We all have passions and interests that we want to pursue in life. And these will vary depending on our experiences in life.

For example, some people love art, but people like me are never interested in art. Whatever your interest is, it can be a great starting point for choosing your business.

If you love art, maybe selling paintings would be fun for you! Or perhaps if you love cooking, opening up a small eatery in your estate could be an option – if there isn’t one already.

A gap in the market

There’s always something that can be improved where you live. For example, in an area like Utawala, one of the biggest challenges people face is a lack of fresh drinking water. In other areas, it could be a lack of stable internet providers.

Also, densely populated areas such as BuruBuru are ideal for providing kids’ training programs. Such training programs can be tutoring, swimming lessons, sleep training for new moms, moving services, etc.

Look around you; what problems can you get paid to solve?

Strengths and Weaknesses

You may think that you have to be an expert in everything, but that’s not the case. Take a hard look at the strengths and weaknesses of your personality, experiences, skills, and your business idea, and use that information to decide whether or not it’s the right time for you to start a business.

Make sure you include both positive and negative characteristics (for example: “I’m great at public speaking”) and negative ones (“I’m not good with small talk”). When making this list, try not to judge yourself; just write down what comes naturally.

Once you’ve completed this step, look over what you’ve written down. Are there patterns? Do any of these qualities seem to pop up again and again?

If so, this is helpful information when determining what type of business to start because it helps identify where your most extraordinary talents lie and areas where improvement might be needed.

For example, if one strength is being organized, but another weakness is having trouble handling stress, then high-stress businesses like retail or restaurant management might not suit you.

Here are some of the best business ideas you can start in 2024

Agriculture-based Business Ideas

The world is currently facing numerous problems, one of which is hunger. Many people can’t afford to have a decent meal a day. It is unbearable that in the 21st century, we still have people dying of hunger and malnutrition.

You might not be able to solve this problem on your own, but I’m sure there are ways you can help. One of the ways you can do it is by starting an agriculture business. This way, you could provide food for your community and make a profit.

Before starting an agriculture business, you need to focus on what you want to sell. Or the services you want to provide. Also, remember that you don’t have to go into farming. There are so many more businesses that you can start if you are interested in agriculture:

• Rearing chicken for meat and eggs
• Selling fruits
• Planting vegetables for sale, e.g., spinach, cabbage, kales, kunde, managu, murenda
• Supplying fertilizers and seeds to farmers
• Selling seedlings for trees, plants, vegetables, fruits, etc
• Selling farm inputs
• Farm tilling using tractors
• Becoming a broker of farm produce
• Veterinary services
• Rearing cows and goats for fresh milk and meat
• ATM milk vendor
• Slaughterhouse
• Butchery
• Beekeeping
• Raising ducks
• Rabbit breeding
• Growing herbs or spices
• Fish pond
• Rearing pigs for farmer’s choice

Audio and video Business Ideas

The creation of audio and video have become powerful mediums for advertising. Many people are looking for expert services in audio and video production. If you have the skills and equipment to create incredible audio/videos, this is one of the best small business ideas for starting in Kenya.

You need a good camera, mic, high-quality laptop/desktop, software for editing, and some creativity to make this work. A good place for you to start your business is Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, where most companies and individuals are willing to pay large sums of money for their advertisements.

You can grow your business beyond just video and audio production with time. Here are some businesses you can start in the audio/video category:

• Audio recording studio for voice-over artists and podcasters
• Video editing studio
• Video production company
• Recording artists (singers and rappers)
• Radio jockey (DJ)
• Voice-over and editing services
• Acting or modeling agency
• Creating documentary videos
• Photography and videography for weddings, milestone parties, and wildlife
• Producing audiobooks
• Sell your services as a DJ at events such as weddings and birthdays
• Online gossip video site
• Creating tutorials and courses in your field of expertise
• Review commonly used products

Baby-based business ideas

Babies need a lot of stuff, and parents are often willing to spend big bucks when taking care of their babies. Starting a small business that sells baby products or offers baby-related services can be a very profitable venture.

Here are some business ideas that target babies:

• Baby products manufacturer
• Become an affiliate for an established baby brand
• Daycare center
• Baby bedding manufacturing business
• Baby clothes manufacturing business
• Baby grooming services
• Baby transport services
• Nursery school
• Baby food products
• Mobile baby-sitter service
• Baby toys shop
• Children’s bookstore
• Baby furniture making
• Sell second-hand baby items such as bikes, car seats
• Becoming a consultant for new moms
• Selling second-hand baby clothes

Beauty

The beauty industry is a fast-growing sector in Kenya and is also very profitable. This industry has many opportunities if you have the capital to start your small business.

The following are some of the beauty business ideas that you can consider in Kenya:

• Beauty blog
• Makeup tutorials
• Become a makeup artist
• Natural beauty products
• Home spa business
• Beauty salon
• Hairstyling business that targets weddings
• Skincare products business
• Nail salon
• Beauty training school/college
• Open a barbershop
• Cosmetics shop
• Selling imported perfumes
• Florist shop
• Tattoo and body piercing shop
• Become a stylist
• Beauty consultant

Cleaning

The world is changing every day, and with it changes the needs of people. Cleaning is a highly requested service that has increased in demand in recent years.

That is due to different factors. Most importantly, it is because of people’s lack of time today due to their busy schedules between work, family, and many other responsibilities.

The following are some of the cleaning small business ideas that you can consider in Kenya:

• Carpet cleaning services
• Window cleaning services
• Janitorial cleaning services
• Cleaning supplies sales and distribution
• Housekeeping staff recruitment agency
• Pressure washing
• Tile & grout cleaning services
• Upholstery cleaning services
• Providing laundry services
• Nanny agency

Clothing

Clothing is a business that can be started with a small capital, and it’s also one of the most profitable businesses in Kenya.

You can start a clothing business by buying clothes from major markets and selling them to customers at a higher price.

Another option is to manufacture your clothes at home or hire someone to do it for you, then sell them in the market or through social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

The following are some of the clothing small business ideas that you can consider in Kenya:

• Designing and selling t-shirts
• Custom clothes maker
• Designing and selling school uniforms for schools
• Designing and selling uniforms for companies such as petrol stations, security companies, hotels, etc.
• Selling second-hand clothes
• A fashion boutique
• A retail clothing store
• A wholesale clothing shop
• A sweater and scarf knitting business
• A tailoring business
• Large-scale fabric selling targeting tailors
• Dressmaking for bridesmaids
• Fashion stylist
• Designing and making custom-made suits for office workers and special events like weddings
• Designing and selling school uniforms

Consulting

All you need to become a consultant is knowledge and expertise on a specific subject matter. For example, you might be an expert on digital marketing and decide to offer your services to businesses in the form of digital marketing consultancy services.

Here are some of the consulting small business ideas that you can start in Kenya:

• Marketing consultant
• Human resource consultant
• IT consulting
• Law consulting
• Freelance consultant
• Internet consulting
• Business analysis consulting
• Content writing services
• Startup consulting services
• SEO consultant
• Social media marketing consultant
• Management consulting
• Podcast consultant

Education-based business ideas

The education field is one of the best industries for entrepreneurs to consider because it has a lot of potential for growth due to the increasing population.

In Kenya, it is a requirement by law that all children must attend school. This creates a demand for education products and services.

Some of the best ideas for starting an education-based business include:

• Academic tutoring services
• A nursery school
• School supplies stores
• Education technology companies (e.g., online platforms that help students learn STEM subjects)
• Virtual schools
• Online language classes and programs
• Career coaching
• Proofreading service
• Providing writing and editing services to college students
• Selling ebooks
• Selling lecture notes
• Private school and boarding school management services
• Homeschooling services
• Transport services to schools and parents

Food and pastries Business Ideas

Food and pastries have been a massive hit in the Kenyan market.

The best thing about starting a food-based business is that you can start it from the comfort of your home and expand as you get more clients. You can also opt to provide catering services for weddings and other events that require catering services.

Another option is to open a restaurant or café, but this requires more capital upfront than just selling food from your house or to offices.

You can also sell cakes, cookies, brownies, and other baked goods online or in a shop.

Some of the best ideas for starting up a food and pastries business include:

• Bakery
• Cafes
• Restaurants
• Fast food eatery in an estate
• Cakes and pastries shop
• Coffee shops
• Catering services
• Food delivery service (Glovo, Ubereats, Jumia Food)
• Fast-food restaurant
• Food truck or cart
• Icecream shop
• Food kiosk selling snacks
• Selling food near an institution such as schools or hospitals

Health and Wellness Business Ideas

If you have a health-related degree, you can start a business in the health field. You will need to determine what type of business best suits your skills and experience.

For example, are you more interested in working with people, or do you prefer to work behind the scenes? If you have not yet completed any medical training, there are still many opportunities for you to get started. You could do research for doctors or other medical professionals or become an assistant to someone who has already established himself in the field.

Once you have decided what type of work you want to do, it is time to determine how much money you can afford to invest in your business venture.

If you plan on starting a private practice on your own, then this cost will be high because of office space as well as equipment such as computers, telephones, and other necessities needed for running a successful business.

You may also choose to work part-time while holding down another job until your practice becomes established enough to sustain itself financially.

Here are some businesses you can start in the healthcare field:

• Healthy food products
• Selling food supplements
• Nutritional therapy
• Massage therapy
• Medical clinic
• Dental clinic
• Yoga instructor
• Nutritionist
• Personal trainer/fitness instructor
• Obstratecian
• Pediatrician
• Dietician
• Osteopathic manual therapist (OMT)
• Home nursing services
• Home care services include assisting with daily living tasks, physical therapy, personal hygiene, and feeding assistance
• Ambulance service provider
• Fitness center
• Chiropractor
• Medical testing laboratories
• Medical equipment distribution and sales
• Maternity care services
• Veterinary practice
• Doula
• Massage services for moms after they give birth
• Medical equipement repair

Home Essentials Business Ideas

Gone are the days when you had to go shopping for all your home essentials, thanks to the ever-growing eCommerce industry. From groceries to cutlery, home essentials sell like hotcakes in online stores.

To make your business stand out, you must learn to capture your target customers with attractive photos and videos. Also, having some experience in social media marketing will come in handy.

Some of the best ideas for starting up a vital home essential include:

• Unique baby care products
• Trendy beauty products like candles and essential oils
• Toys and games
• Seasonal books
• Small appliances and electronics like portable speakers, desk light
• Small kitchen appliances like a double-sided pan
• Selling pet supplies
• Designing and creating modern furniture
• Home décor
• Home organization services
• Bedroom accessories like sex toys
• Plastic products commonly referred to as mali mali

Marketing-based business ideas

Marketing is an essential part of any business. It’s not just about advertising and promoting your products and services to the public. Marketing is much more than that. It’s also about building relationships with customers who will buy your products and services again and again.

Marketing has been around since ancient times when people traded goods or services for other goods or services. People who sold their goods had to find ways to attract buyers by showing them how their product was different from other similar ones available on the market.

Today, Kenyan businesses spend millions on advertising each year — mainly because they want consumers to buy what they are selling!

The purpose of marketing is to increase sales revenues for a company over time by increasing customer loyalty through satisfied customers who will continue buying more products in the future instead of switching brands or trying something else after using one product for a while.

Here are some marketing businesses you can start in Kenya:

• A marketing research firm
• Online marketing consultancy
• SEO services provider
• Social media marketing agency
• Content marketing agency
• Digital advertising agency
• Affiliate marketing
• Coaching
• Paid Ads management

Motor vehicle

The car industry is growing fast, with new cars being launched every year. Cars are becoming more accessible and affordable in Kenya despite the high cost of living.

Here are some of the businesses you can start if you are interested in a motor vehicle business:

• Auto mechanic shop
• Car wash business
• Car detailing service
• Motorcycle spare parts business
• Truck and trailer repair and maintenance business
• Vehicle tracking system and installation business
• Car hire business
• Driving school
• Towing service (break down services)
• Car rental agency
• Car dealership
• Taxi service business
• Helping people import cars from Japan

Money management

Money management is an integral part of people’s lives. And most people struggle with managing their income.

Businesses that you can start if you are interested in a money management business:

• Money Management for individuals and businesses
• Investment advisory business
• Insurance brokerage business
• Unit trust company
• Asset management company
• Mortgage lender/brokerage firm
• Financial planning and advice
• Money transfer services
• Credit bureau services
• Insurance coverage and financial products
• Banking
• Financial planning software
• Stock market analysis
• Forex trading
• Training and coaching on cryptocurrency and forex

Real estate

If you have an eye for detail, have an idea of what people want and need, and are willing to work hard, you can make money in real estate.

Before you start your own real estate business, there are some things you need to know. The first thing is that you may need a license. This will allow you to sell houses and other types of property legally.

You may also need a website or a strong social media presence where people can find out more about your services.

Here are businesses that you can start if you are interested in real estate business:

• Real estate agency
• Property management
• Property development
• Landscaping & gardening services
• House renovation & repairs
• Real estate appraisals
• Building contractor
• Architect
• Interior designer
• Renting out property for residential purposes
• Renting out property for commercial purposes
• Reviewing properties on YouTube

Relationships

Relationship entrepreneurs are people who provide a service to their clients that helps them improve their relationships.

The best way to understand what it takes to be a relationship entrepreneur is to look at some successful examples of people who have made careers out of helping others improve their relationships.

Locally, we have people like Benjamin Zulu and Muthoni Wa Mukiri who are successfully helping in their relationships.

Here are businesses that you can start if you are interested in relationship business:

• Marriage counselors or therapists
• Private counseling sessions
• Matchmaking
• Relationship coaching
• Dating services
• Speed dating platform
• Relationship advisor
• Professional speaker
• Online dating site owner
• Create tutorials and courses online about relationships

Repair services

Repair services are a great way to earn money from a small business. If you have the skills, you can repair broken items and sell them for a profit.

Many people in low-income areas will prefer buying a repaired item over purchasing a new one.

Here are businesses that you can start if you are interested in repair business:

• Computer repair: laptops, desktops, and printers
• Home appliance repair: TVs, microwaves, cookers, washing machines, and other home appliances
• Cell phone repair business
• Refrigerator repair business
• General repair shop
• Auto repair shop
• Online furniture repair
• Repairing shoes and bags
• Plumbing repairs
• Sewing machine repair
• Motorbike repair shop

Technology-based business

Technology has changed the way we do things.

Here are businesses that you can start if you are interested in the technology business:

• Website design, development, and maintenance
• E-Commerce, online store development, and maintenance
• Digital marketing, social media management, and advertising
• Mobile app development and maintenance
• Consulting services on web technologies
• Software development company
• IT support services
• Cyber security consultancy services company
• Information technology training institute
• Cloud hosting business
• Mobile phone repair
• Computer and laptop repair
• Computer sales: laptops, desktops, printers, servers, and accessories
• Gaming café
• CCTV installation
• Photocopy, printing, and scanning services
• Cybercafe

Tours and travel

The market for custom tours is booming. People love to go on vacation, but they also want something different from their regular trips. They want to see new places and do things that are out of the ordinary.

You can provide these kinds of experiences by offering custom-made itineraries for your clients. You might even be able to find ways to offer these types of trips at relatively affordable prices so that you can attract potential customers.

Here are businesses that you can start if you are interested in tours and travel business:

• Out-of-town accommodation services
• Taxi services
• Mobile food service
• Tour guide
• Travel agencies that organize tours for individuals or groups
• Hotels that offer accommodation facilities for travelers
• Restaurants that provide food services for travelers
• Rental cars service
• Safari companies
• Become a travel blogger
• Low-rate day trips during the weekends

Training

Many people want to learn new skills but don’t know where to start. You can help them by teaching them the skills they want to learn and helping them achieve their goals.

You may also be able to make money from giving presentations at conferences and other events where people gather together to listen to someone talk about their topic of expertise.

For example, if you have experience as an accountant, you may be able to give presentations about taxes or financial planning for small businesses at local community centers.

Here are businesses that you can start if you are interested in training business:

• Personal training
• Gym training
• Sports training
• Martial arts instructor
• Self-defense classes
• Dancer/choreographer training
• Yoga instructor
• Pilate’s instructor
• Training and seminars on business
• Language classes
• Crafts and design center
• Creative writing classes and workshops
• Talent development classes
• Training in Microsoft Office
• Marketing classes
• Training on how to do graphics design
• Training on how to become a writer
• Training center for corporate companies
• Training center for professional organizations
• Training center for small businesses
• IT classes
• Coaching on a career change
• Short classes on emerging technology and apps

Street-based business

No matter which part of the country you come from, it is very common to find businesses on the streets. Whether it is within towns/centers or by the roadsides, street businesses are here to stay.

The best part about street businesses is that they do not require much capital. You only need a small budget to buy your stock, and you are ready to go.

The other advantage of a street-based business is that it does not require office space or office equipment. You only need a clean surface to place your merchandise for sale.

Here are businesses that you can start if you are interested in street-based business:

• A shoe repair shop
• A stationary shop
• A food kiosk
• A mobile phone accessory store selling fast-moving products like chargers, phone cases, and earphones
• Selling smokies and boiled eggs
• Food and beverages
• Groceries kiosk
• Household products kiosk
• Selling second-hand clothes
• Branded T-shirts
• Swimming costumes
• Selling innerwear like panties, boxers, vests, socks, and bras
• Cereals business
• Selling already cooked cereals
• Selling traditional foods from upcountry (arrowroots, sweet potatoes, cassava, pumpkins, traditional vegetables, etc.)
• Variety of baby diapers
• Plastics products

Seasonal business ideas

Seasonal business ideas are great for startups and entrepreneurs who want to make money during specific seasons of the year.

The most popular seasonal businesses include Christmas-themed products and services, Valentine’s Day flowers and gifts, Easter bunnies and baskets, baby shower gifts, birthday cakes and hampers, and graduation photos and gifts.

Here are businesses that you can start if you are interested in seasonal business:

• Selling Christmas trees
• Food catering services for Christmas celebration
• Decorations manufacturing and sales
• Flower business
• Sell school supplies
• Open a shop near a university campus
• Become a tutor during school holidays
• Catering services
• Birthday and anniversary cakes
• Seasonal fruits
• Gift hampers for special events
• Photography services for milestone events
• Clothing for cold weather (jackets, coats, sweaters, umbrellas, marvins, etc)
• Clothes for newborn babies
• Consulting services for new moms

A trendy/modern type of business

A modern type of business fits with the current needs of the market. Some years back, having a smartphone was such a big deal in Kenya, but now almost everyone has a functioning smartphone.

Even some of our parents in their 60s can navigate smartphones on their own. It is, therefore, common to find smartphone shops all over town.

Another example of a trendy business was the selling of masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Starting a trendy type of business requires a lot of research. Because the business might be trendy, but the money has already been made by the pioneers.

Here are some of the trendy businesses you can start in Kenya:

• Real estate agency in middle-class estates
• Event planning for influencers
• Affiliate marketing for eCommerce sites
• Food delivery business
• Blogging
• Consulting on online ads
• Starting a YouTube channel
• Virtual Assistant services to small entrepreneurs
• Social media manager
• Designing and selling eCommerce websites
• Bitcoin mining
• Content writing agency
• SEO Expert
• An IT consulting firm
• Selling products on classified websites like Jiji, Jumia, PigiaMe, Africa Sokoni, Kilimall
• Selling your services on freelancing platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr
• Freelance writing and editing
• Proofreading, translation, and transcription services

Content writing

Writing is a low-cost business that can be started with little capital. It can be done from anywhere globally, and there are no restrictions on who can write.

The popularity of eBooks has also increased the demand for writers, who can now earn money by selling their books online.

Here are businesses that you can start if you are interested in writing business:

• Freelance writer on major content mills
• Ghostwriter
• Academic writing
• Blogging
• Affiliate marketing
• Online courses
• Virtual assistance
• Article writing services
• Research writing
• Copywriting
• Proofreading

Kamukunji

Kamakunji is one of the most popular markets in Kenya. You can use Kamukunji to source so many products at low prices.

The best thing about Kamukunji is you can easily compare prices from different shops before making a purchase.

Here are businesses that you can start by sourcing products from Kamukunji:

• A clothing store
• Bedding items (Duvets, bedsheets, pillows and cases, duvet covers, mattress)
• Plastic household items
• Carpets
• Bags (handbags, travel bags, school bags, sling bags)
• Home decor accessories
• Shoes for men, women, and children
• Kitchenware shop (utensils, sufurias, basins, pans)
• Household electronics like blender, pressure cooker, cooker
• Mobile accessories store
• Cosmetic shop
• Toys store
• Innerwear shop
• Plastic shoe shop

Eastleigh

Just like Kamukunji, Eastleigh (commonly referred to as Garissa) is an excellent market for sourcing products. The difference between the two is minimal as some products can be found in both markets.

Here are businesses that you can start if you are interested in sourcing products from Eastleigh:

• Bedding items like mattresses, bedsheets, bed covers, duvet, duvet covers, and pillows
• Men’s official and casual shoes
• Men’s official and casual wear
• Women’s casual and official shoes
• Women’s casual and official wear
• Plus-size fashion
• Baby shop items like newborn clothes and shoes
• Trendy fashion in upcountry
• Food products like rice, sugar, and cereals
• Bags like traveling bags, suitcases, back-to-school bags, backpacks, and fashionable handbags
• Sportswear (jerseys, shorts, socks, yoga mats, trophies, gym wear, sports suit)
• Innerwear (panties, bras, boxers and vests)
• General clothing shop
• Curtain businesses

In-demand product-based businesses

• Mobile phone accessories
• Electrical gadgets and appliances
• Beauty products like earrings, necklaces, scented candles, makeup products, etc.
• Fashion accessories
• Women’s clothing and shoes
• Food products such as rice, sugar, milk, potatoes, groceries, and other goods
• Property for rent or sale, such as apartments, houses, and offices
• Selling of organic food products
• Selling of beloved cereals like beans, maize, peas, green grams, etc
• Home decor items like cushions, throw pillows, standing lights, etc.
• Selling uncooked eggs by the roadside
• Processing fresh water, bottling it, and branding it to sell to bars and hotels
• Bakery business

In-demand service-based businesses

• Catering services
• Computer repairs and maintenance services
• Cleaning, laundry, and ironing services
• Car wash and maintenance
• Childcare/daycare services
• Food delivery services
• Repair services (car, machinery, etc.)
• Cleaning Services
• Spa services
• Content writing
• Social media consultant
• Web development services
• Executive barbershops and salons
• Ret-a-shelf business

Small business ideas to start in Kenya with small capital

• Mobile phone repair shop
• Become a freelance writer
• Selling second-hand clothes
• Boiled eggs and smokies kiosk
• Manicure and pedicure service
• Home-based spa services
• Selling ice cream
• Selling natural food products
• Selling chapos and already cooked cereals
• Fruit kiosk by the roadside
• Grocery shop

Small business ideas with high profit

• Cosmetics business
• Cyber business
• Baking shop
• Fruit vending
• Soap making business
• Computer repair and maintenance
• Babysitting
• Career counseling
• Content writing
• Creating music videos

Untapped Business Ideas in Kenya

• Digital marketing
• Affiliate marketing
• Food vending business
• IT services
• Sale of natural and handmade cosmetics at affordable prices
• Niche-specific e-commerce business
• Real estate business
• Food delivery business
• Cyber security and data storage
• Online courses

Best businesses to start in rural Kenya

Not all businesses that thrive in major towns are ideal in the rural areas of Kenya. For example, the fashion industry in towns is completely different in towns compared to upcountry. Here are some of the best business ideas you can start in the rural areas:

• Rearing broilers
• Rearing layers
• Beekeeping
• Cooking gas distribution
• Tomato farming
• Butchery
• Fish farming
• Milk production
• Watermelon farming
• Avocado farming

Which business can you start with 5k in Kenya?

We know 5k sounds like very little money, but there’s so much you can do with 5k. You may have to start slow, and the options may be limited, but it’s still a good place to start. Here are some businesses you can start with 5k in Kenya:

• Content writer
• Sell second-hand clothes
• Make soaps and sell
• Selling phone accessories
• Become a social media manager if you have a laptop
• Selling uncooked eggs by the roadside
• Selling fruits
• Selling unique toys for kids
• Selling hair accessories
• Providing home-based salon services
• Finding houses for people
• YouTube channel if you already have a decent phone
• Online courses
• Messenger services

Which business can you start with 10k in Kenya?

Considering the big list of business ideas above, we are sure there are so many businesses you can start with just 10k in Kenya. Here are just a few businesses you can start with 10k:

• Blogging
• Cleaning services
• Selling hats and caps
• Selling inner wears, vests, and socks
• Selling kitchen jars
• Designing and selling unique glasses for tea, wine, and water
• Real estate website
• Reviewing books
• Sourcing and selling unique bags
• Manicure services
• Consulting for first-time moms
• Selling earrings, necklaces, and anklets
• Cooking and selling mandazi and chapati on the roadside
• Redesigning old sofas and chairs
• Selling cakes, biscuits, and crisps on the roadside
• Selling fish on the roadside
• Selling kitchen towels

Worst business ideas to start in Kenya

Let’s be honest: not all business ideas will thrive in Kenya as they do in other countries. While TMZ is thriving in the USA, Edga Obare had a difficult time in Kenya. Make sure to look at the big picture when you start a business in Kenya.

There’s no need to start a business that makes you lose sleep at night and probably puts your life and those you love in danger.

Here are the worst businesses to start in Kenya:

• Political blogging
• Supplying products to government institutions – commonly known as tender
• Wines and spirits
• Selling second-hand mobile phones. Most phones are acquired through theft.
• Buying mitumba bales from random people
• Trendy businesses (remember quals?)
• Referral business (to make money, you have to refer someone)

Small businesses you can start from home in Kenya

You can start a home-based business any day. All it takes is a little bit of time, effort, and money. If you’re looking for a new way to make money from home, here are some ideas to get you started:

• Freelancing on Upwork and Fiverr
• Graphic design
• Content writing
• Baking business
• Soap making business
• Candle making business
• Online coaching and training
• Home tutor
• Tailoring business
• Homemade food
• Social media manager
• Blogging
• Handmade products seller
• Translator
• Proofreader/editor
• Selling products on eCommerce sites like Jumia
• Digital marketing consultant
• Affiliate marketing
• Ghostwriter
• Call center representative
• Providing laundry services
• Becoming a consultant in your field

If you have already found a business idea from the list, the next big question is how to start it. What steps can you take to ensure your business succeeds? Read more here.

Wrapping up

Most successful startups in Kenya owe their success to innovation and aggressive marketing. It does not matter how old your business is, its background, or how many employees you have. If you can deliver what people need, you are good to go.

Have any other business ideas?

We’d love to hear from you. Share and comment below.