The unemployment rate in Kenya is significantly high as more and more graduates enter the job market with few opportunities available. As job opportunities get scarcer by the day, Kenyans are turning towards entrepreneurship as a means of income. To succeed in the field, though, one must be conversant with the viable business ideas in Kenya.
Source: UGC
Despite the rising unemployment, the entrepreneurial space in Kenya is still quite attractive. Locals and foreigners alike can capitalise on the opportunities to earn a living. Discover the best business ideas in Kenya today.
The best business ideas in Kenya
Here is a look at some of the best business ideas to venture into for Kenyans.
Consulting business ideas in Kenya
Consultants are professionals who provide professional or expert advice or service in a particular area. Consultation services are among the most profitable business ideas in Kenya. Check out a collection of consultation-related ideas below.
1. Social media marketing services
You probably spend a lot of time on social media platforms. You can earn while interacting with your buddies and fans online. Monetise your social media accounts by making them a platform for others to advertise their products. To do this, you should learn how to activate ads to get paid per view.
2. Accounting and bookkeeping services
An accounting or bookkeeping start-up is one of the unique business ideas in Kenya for those who have the skill. First, you must become an accredited accountant and earn the prerequisite exposure to handle clients effectively.
3. Business planning services
Many people have business ideas but do not know how to actualise them. You can offer business planning consultations and help them turn their ideas into detailed, actionable business plans. Business plan help the entrepreneur in the investment process.
4. Social media management
There are many small, medium, and large enterprises that want to effectively market their products and services through social media, but are unsure of how to do so. If you start a social media management service business, you will help other businesses to tell the story of their brand and reach a wider target audience.
5. Niche staffing
Companies are always looking to employ the right staff and rely on the services of recruiting agencies. You can open a niche staffing agency and create a good rapport with these firms. With time, dedication, and constant improvement, you can easily become their go-to firm for staffing needs.
6. Travel planning
While modern-day travel apps and websites have pretty much taken over most of the traditional travel planner’s functions, a significant number of people still require these traditional services. If you are skilled and knowledgeable about Kenyan destinations, you can start a travel planning business.
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7. Career coaching
Source: UGC
With the rising unemployment in Kenya worsened by a saturated job market, there is no shortage of job seekers needing help with finding jobs. If you have a knack for helping your friends and family find suitable job vacancies, you can help others too. Consider starting a career coaching business.
Creative business opportunities in Kenya
If you are best business to start in Kenya, you need to be creative and innovative so you can come up with something unique and fun. Here are creative opportunities you can explore.
8. Photography and cinematography
Photography and cinematography are some of the most captivating business opportunities in Kenya. These professions suit individuals who love documenting special moments. While there’s stiff competition in the sector, specialising in a niche, e.g., pet photography can win you many clients.
9. Furniture building
The furniture designing and building industry has grown over the years. The modern person wants comfy and aesthetic pieces. If you have carpentry skills, you should start a furniture building business, especially for custom pieces.
10. Event planning and management
You may not appreciate how demanding event hosting is until you host a party. This explains why most people begin event planning as a side hustle but end up doing it full-time. You can make money by planning birthday and graduation parties, parties for religious occasions, and even funerals.
11. Event space rental
There is a high demand for venues for weddings, corporate events, birthdays, and fundraisers in Kenya. When you look closely, you will realise that there are few venues to host events. Take this opportunity to start an event space rental business. Beware that setting up an event space may require a lot of capital.
12. Interior designing and decorating
If you have a passion for interior design, you need not look for a typical nine-to-five job. The interior design market has something for you if you can prove your skills. Many developers may not have the time or expertise to decorate their properties, and this is where you come in. Offer to do the walls, furniture, floors, and numerous other interior design elements at a fee.
13. Drawing and painting
There is a lot of money in creative art drawings, but one has to stand out in whatever they choose. The good thing is that creating art is not restricted to any one field. You can become a creative artist for just about anything you are good at. Some of the most popular options include pencil art, canvas water paints, and charcoal drawings.
14. Sewing and alteration
Source: UGC
Why not start a sewing and alteration business if you have sewing skills? After all, people will always wear clothes, and your services will never go out of fashion. This business does not necessarily require special training or a degree. All one needs is a certain level of skill and relevant equipment to get started.
15. T-shirt printing
If you have an eye and mind for great designs, you can start a t-shirt printing business. Some of the most common methods include screen printing and heat pressing. You can set up your business online or even work with institutions.
Online/ work-from-home business ideas in Kenya
Many people are now working from home because it is convenient and flexible. Below are remote business ideas you can explore.
16. Blogging
Blogging has not been commercialised enough in Kenya, as is the case in the Western world. When implemented correctly, blogging can easily be one of the most profitable businesses due to the numerous monetisation options. You only have to find a niche and target the right audience.
17. Freelance writing
Writing is an extensive field that cannot be exhausted, and it is one of the best business opportunities. A writer can be successful by focusing on a particular subject or type of writing. A freelance writer can choose among online articles, business plans, resumes, short stories, and even ghost-writing, among many others.
18. Software and app development
These are interesting times for IT gurus as the demand for their services is at an all-time high. As a result, software and app development is an amazing business opportunity. If you have the right skills, you can create apps and software for clients on different platforms, including Windows, Android, and iOS.
19. Online tutoring
Online tutoring is among the small business ideas in Kenya to explore. Note that you have to be good at what you intend to be tutoring in order to create a profound link with your students. Since the country has great internet coverage, you can easily set up an online tutoring business. Make sure you specialise in a particular niche to stand out.
20. Virtual assistant services
A virtual assistant is a self-employed person who provides administrative services to another individual or company from a remote location. If you are looking for an online job that lets you earn from your skills while giving you the freedom of working from home, then being a virtual assistant should be among your considerations.
21. Dropshipping services
Dropshipping is an innovative e-commerce business model in which the seller does not have to manage any physical products. Instead, you only have to set up an online store and partner with various suppliers who are ready to store, package, and ship orders to clients.
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22. Vlogging
Source: UGC
You have probably heard of PewDiePie and other YouTubers with millions of followers. Their journey to stardom often starts with simple web cameras and setups. From live-streaming games to teaching skills and everything in between, the things you can do on a YouTube channel are almost unlimited. Vlogging is among the best businesses to start with little money.
23. Translation services
The demand for multilingual people has recently increased. If you can speak two or more languages, you could consider starting a small language translation business. You can start looking for clients on freelance websites such as Flexjobs and Upwork and then slowly build your portfolio.
24. Affiliate marketing
An affiliate marketer promotes products of other companies and earns commissions on their sales. One of the most popular affiliate platforms is Amazon’s affiliate program. Affiliate marketing is often combined with information distribution models such as blogging to create a seamless mix of content and promotion.
25. Podcasting
Podcasts have been getting more traction over the last few years. The number of people who listen to podcasts has risen significantly in the last two decades. If you can engage people on a particular line of conversation, why not try a podcasting business?
26. Digital bookstore
Starting a digital bookstore with Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is a highly attractive venture due to the immense market size and numerous benefits it offers. With a vast reader base globally, your digital bookstore gains immediate access to a massive audience.
Food-related business ideas in Kenya
Food-related businesses come to many people’s minds when exploring small business ideas in Kenya. There are multiple food setups you can start in this country. People are always on the lookout for places with good food.
27. Bed and breakfast
When you mention bed and breakfast, it brings an image of relaxation in a roaring fireplace, sleep in a cosy bed, and breakfast the following morning. It is not a complicated business to start and all you need is space to entertain your guests, be it a guest house, a spare bedroom, or a servant quarter. If you love entertaining guests, then you can comfortably turn your home into a B&B.
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28. Home-based catering services
Source: UGC
If you have a knack for cooking, you can create a decent home-based catering business. You don’t have to look for an outlet and pay exorbitant rental fees. If you are doing catering services for small businesses, you can do it by yourself. However, if you get big clients, you may have to employ a few people for assistance
29. Food truck
With the restrictions brought about by the recent pandemic, aspiring restaurateurs can easily find success with a food truck. Food trucks come in different shapes and sizes and serve up a wide range of snacks and cuisines.
30. Baking business
If you have a passion for baking yummy delicacies, why not turn it into a money-making venture? You can do this by starting a café, shop, or even an online bake and deliver business.
31. Restaurant/café
Opening and operating a café is one of the most challenging and risky ventures. It can be pretty expensive too. However, if you are willing to put in the work, it is a very rewarding business which can grow to great heights. This calls for an ambitious culinary individual who is very entrepreneurial.
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32. Ice cream shop
Starting your own ice cream shop can be lucrative, especially with the right approach and location. Ensure you invest in quality ingredients to get delicious ice cream that will make customers come back.
Health and wellness-related business ideas
More Kenyans are conscious about their health and wellness, creating a high demand for health and wellness-related services and products.
33. Health and fitness training
You can make money if you can turn health and fitness into a business. There are not so many well-equipped gyms around. If you can get your hands on some capital, put in place a state-of-the-art gym, and your business will be a success story in no time. Note that you have or hire someone who has the right skills to train people.
34. Nutrition/dietary services
Source: UGC
Going hand in hand with health and fitness training is the demand for healthy food intake. Nutritionists and dieticians can tap into this niche to offer dietary services at a fee, including food planning and portioning.
35. Doula services
Interestingly, more Kenyan families are leaning towards home child deliveries. Doulas get to support, guide, and witness the miracle of new life. If you are a trained and licensed doula, you can offer doula services outside hospitals.
36. Massage therapy services
The massage therapy industry is booming and is a great way to earn a living. People like going for massage services as a way of relaxation and healing. If you are looking for a career that helps others feel better about themselves and improves their health, consider starting a massage therapy business.
37. Beauty and hair care services
Kenya’s beauty industry has undergone a massive transformation in the recent past. This has resulted in an increased demand for cosmetic products and services. If you set up a beauty salon or a barbershop/beauty salon and offer great services, you might just land yourself numerous clients.
38. Children’s daycare services
With the busy schedules associated with modern-day life, people need their children taken care of during the day. A significant number of people are wary of house-helps because they sometimes mistreat children in the absence of their parents. The alternative is taking children to a daycare centre. You can start the business in a small, rented room or even in your guest room.
39. Senior citizen assistance services
Senior citizen assistance is one of the best business opportunities in Kenya. There are several ways you can set up the business. For example, you can help senior citizens run errands, take them to social functions, and even help them around the house.
Outdoor-related business ideas
Many outdoor-related business ideas are quite engaging. Below is a look at ideals with the potential to make you a rich person.
40. Moving services
Every day, there is someone packing up boxes and moving out of their home or office to a different location. If you have ever moved houses, you know the hassle that comes with this transition. Moving companies are sought after to help people to move out of their homes.
41. Landscaping services
A landscaping business is for people who love working hands-on and are great with design. Even though you need some skills to start, some landscaping tasks are quite basic. You can work with individuals who own homes, schools, companies, and other institutions.
42. Pet sitting and grooming services
Source: UGC
Do you love animals? If so, then a pet daycare or grooming business might be the right business for you. While the pet business sector was not considered very promising several years ago, the sector has drastically changed. Still, the sector represents one of the top untapped business ideas in Kenya.
43. Car wash
Car wash services in Kenya are in demand. Owning a car has become a necessity in most households. This has created an opportunity for car cleaning businesses.
44. Car detailing
If you are a detail-oriented person and have a passion for cars, a car detailing business is certainly for you. It does not require much capital, and all you need is space and the necessary tools. If you set up a good company and impress clients, they will pay good money for your premium services.
45. Ride-sharing
Car owners can make extra cash and not affect their routines at all through innovative business ideas like ridesharing. For example, you can advertise your car as a taxi and pick up passengers while running your errands. There are modern-day ride-sharing apps that can easily implement this idea.
46. Entertainment lounge
There are many entertainment joints, but each is known for a particular reason. Despite being flooded, your lounge will never run dry if you have a unique service or product. Entertainment lounges offer many things, such as, music, food, drinks, and shows. Do a market analysis, and you will find a niche in which your entertainment joint will stand out.
Green business ideas in Kenya
Environmental sustainability and conservation is a big thing in the contemporary world. You can explore the green business ideas listed below.
47. Greenhouse farming
If you have the starting capital, greenhouse farming is among the best ventures to try. You can grow vegetables, fruits, or anything you deem fit for the market. Due to the significant capital outlay required, greenhouse farming is one of Kenya’s least implemented business opportunities.
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48. Recycling
Recycling is a great way to save the environment and earn money. Many products can be recycled and reused, but you will often find such products disposed of after first use. A good example is car tires that can be used to make sandals. If people can be as creative as making boats out of recycled plastic bottles, you can easily find your niche in this area.
49. Eco-friendly cleaning services
Source: UGC
Did you know we have organic and environmentally friendly cleaning products? You can offer eco-friendly cleaning services to small and large homes and businesses. The upside to this business is the sheer number of people who want a clean environment to live and work in.
50. Solar panel installation and repair services
Many homesteads and businesses are going green by opting for solar panels. Solar energy protects our planet from climate change. You can offer solar panel installation and repair services to homes and businesses and make some good cash.
Ways to develop business ideas if you have little capital in Kenya
Starting a business requires taking calculated risks. You must be willing to exploit an opportunity to make money. If you have little capital, use the techniques and strategies explored below for the best outcome.
- Your idea must solve a problem: We all have problems. Within problems lie opportunities. People want to pay for solutions, and it is up to you to come up with one.
- Identify an unmet need and exploit it: What are consumers complaining about? What do they wish they had? Answering these questions can help you recognise underserved needs, which could form the basis of your business idea.
- Analyse your skillset: For whatever skill you have, you can monetise it in Kenya. Carefully look at what you can and cannot do. Use what you can do to make money.
- Be innovative: Innovation means coming up with something new that solves an existing problem in society. If you invent something, patent or copyright it to avoid copying by other people.
- Save people’s energy and time: We live in a microwave generation, where we want things that save time and energy. Your idea should make life easier and offer convenience.
- Come up with cheaper yet effective solutions: Kenyans always want to save money, so they often buy cheap. Offering affordable yet effective solutions will attract customers.
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Which is the most profitable business to start in Kenya?
It is challenging to identify a single business that is the most profitable. The best option is to choose something you are passionate about and have the skillset for.
What business can I start with KSh 50,000?
There are multiple small businesses you can start with 50k in the country, including general kiosks, mobile money agent shops, crop farming, milk bars, car wash, and mitumba businesses.
What is the worst business to start in Kenya?
Being a rapidly developing country, Kenya has a wide range of businesses that would not do very well. Top among these is the executive passenger limousine service business. With the rise of ride-sharing platforms such as Uber and Bolt, the executive passenger limo business would really struggle.
There are numerous viable business ideas in Kenya, some requiring more capital than others. The best investment opportunities in Kenya today deal with solving everyday challenges.
DISCLAIMER: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!
Tuko.co.ke recently published an article about sorghum yield per acre in Kenya. Ranked as Kenya’s fifth most crucial grain crop, sorghum follows closely behind maize, wheat, rice, and barley in terms of agricultural significance.
Its cultivation is motivated by diverse purposes, serving as a staple food or cash crop in certain regions. If you are planning to grow sorghum as a cash crop, it’s advisable to research sorghum yield per acre in Kenya.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Source: 50 new business ideas in Kenya 2024 to start with different capital
