Simple Business Ideas Anyone in Kenya Can Try

By Kiplangat Rono

3 September, 2022

2:12 PM

 

Finding a job in Kenya is about as difficult as establishing a business without the proper information because there aren't as many opportunities on the market and thousands of graduates are vying for them. It makes sense that the majority of Kenyans, regardless of their level of education (degree, diploma, or certificate), are flocking to business to find their ideal careers.

 

Business is thriving. The majority of millionaires in the world made their fortunes in business. However, company success is not guaranteed because you need a fantastic idea, money, perseverance, and pure hard work.

 

Below is a list of 15 basic business ideas to aid the hundreds of Kenyans wishing to start their own businesses. These businesses are not only simple to start with little startup money, but they are also simple to run because of their simplicity. Take your pick after carefully going over the list. Finally, take the first step and follow through to begin your journey to being a successful businessperson.

 

1. Selling second-hand clothes

One of the most well-known businesses in Kenya, yet challenging to run. However, the market for second-hand clothes is increasing, making it the ideal spot to start a business if you're looking for one.

The good news is that starting a mitumba business doesn't take a lot of money. You may start selling mitumba clothing with just 1,000. All you need to do is arrive in a suitable area and decide where you will shop for clothing. Nairobi's Gikomba and Muthurwa markets are where most people shop. While some people make up to Ksh10,000 each day, the average profit is Ksh500.

 

2. A barber's or salon shop

Despite the fact that some may underestimate this industry and believe it is only suitable for those with little education, it is a lucrative one with the potential to earn you millions of shillings.

 

You can begin by going to clients' houses; if you've made enough money, you can finally rent out a space. A typical salon or barber stall costs between 6,000 and 15,000 shillings. From there, you can concentrate on raising money to purchase the necessary equipment.

 

3. The boda-boda industry

In Kenya, young people in particular are pursuing this potential business idea in significant numbers. This is a wonderful business to start if you are still looking for work and have some money saved up.

 

From Kshs. 65,000 to Kshs. 120,000 can be spent on a motorcycle in Kenya. It implies that you can start a boda-boda business for less than Kshs100,000. Dealers collaborate with banks to offer credit facilities, enabling you to purchase a bike with a small down payment and make monthly installments from your income.

 

The benefit of this business is that you can be confident you will make a comfortable Ksh1,000 at the end of the day. You can always get someone else to ride it if you can't.

 

4. M-Pesa enterprise

M-Pesa has expanded greatly to become a successful company. No matter where you are doing business, even if it looks crowded, you can be confident that at the end of the day you will still turn a profit. You need at least 100,000 to start an M-Pesa business, but if someone provides you access to their line, you only need about 50,000. Location is important for businesses just like any other.

 

5. Chicken farming

Why not better yourself by opening a poultry business instead of continuing to send out multiple job applications with no response? Starting a chicken-rearing business just needs a Ksh 20,000 startup investment. The more hens you have, the more money you make.

 

6. Photocopying and printing

This is one of the most profitable enterprises you can start while in college or university. If you reside close to a college or university, you can also consider starting a business. A computer, printer, and copier will need to be purchased.

 

7. Smokies and scrambled eggs






     Photo source: Facebook

Selling smokies and eggs is a business you can consider starting if you're looking for small business ideas in Kenya but have limited resources. The startup capital for the sausage, samosa, and egg businesses should be in the range of $1,000 for stock.

 

An egg costs about 10 bob, and then it costs 20 bob to sell. That's a profit of 10 bob. You might make roughly Kshs. 500 in profit on a good day. You can count on earning more than Kshs. 15,000 per month. All you have to do is choose a suitable area.

 

8. Pedicure and manicure

All Kenyan women aspire to appear attractive, and you can capitalize on this potential by opening a manicure and pedicure shop. Before you rent a residence, you could begin by making house calls.

 

9. The car wash industry

Currently, one of the most popular business concepts in Kenya is this one. You don’t require much to start a cash wash, just a location with a water supply. Kenyans prefer to hire someone to wash their cars instead of doing it themselves, according to culture.

Depending on where you are, you could manage to clean 100 automobiles per day if you charge 200 shillings per vehicle. That amounts to kshs. 20,000 every day.

If you hire a committed workforce, you may earn almost Kshs. 400,000 each month. Get rid of the belief that car washing is only for the unimportant and ignorant members of society; millions of dollars are made in that industry.

 

10.  A video store

One of the best businesses you can start in Kenya with a little Kshs 20,000 is this one. Additionally, it is among the simplest, and the profits are excellent. You can immediately begin selling your videos if you already own a computer or a laptop and a room to rent.

The majority of movie stores earn a profit of around 4,000 per day or Ksh120,000 per month. You will soon own a chain of movie theaters spread throughout important cities.

 

11. Service of cleaning

Alex Nyaga, the CEO of Parapet, one of the largest cleaning service providers, started his business with just Ksh10,000. He began by employing women to clean homes in estates for a fee of Ksh1000 and paying them Ksh500.

Soon after the company expanded, he was able to form a company and began earning more than Ksh15 million every month. As you can see, starting a home cleaning business doesn't require much.

 

12. Making ice cream sales

This is yet another of the best businesses to start in Kenya. You must select a decent site, such as close to a school, university, or busy street. Nairobi's starting capital for this business is Ksh20,000, thus it might be less in another town.

 

13. A fruit and juice business

Given the prevalence of fatal diseases like cancer, diabetes, and even HIV/AIDS, most individuals choose to avoid processed foods. By opening a fruit stand and juice bar, you may encourage people to lead better lives. To get started, you will need Ksh10,000 in seed money to purchase a blender and other necessary items.

 

14. Selling handbags for ladies

Women adore style and appearance. Starting a handbag business will allow you to profit well. Supplies for those in this industry come from regions like Eastleigh or Uganda.

Why not launch an online lace store given the success of social media and online commerce? Then, after setting up a Facebook profile for your company, you can boost a handful of your posts to reach as many people as you'd like. The good thing is that when you run this business online, you won't have to worry about obtaining municipal council permits or a stall.

 

15. The Cereals Industry

If you pick a decent location, your business will flourish. Eastleigh and locations like Nyamakima are good places to acquire your goods if you reside in Nairobi and places around. You can purchase them in bulk and sell them to other local merchants.

 

 Conclusion

In conclusion, it is irrelevant how much money you invest in a business. Any company may prosper with the correct determination. Why not select one of these successful business ideas in Kenya if you are still undecided about the type of enterprise to launch?