20+ Business Ideas with Little Capital in Kenya

Have you ever fantasized about Launching your own company in Kenya? Perhaps you think that this is not something that requires little capital investment. Well, good news! There is the benefit that you do not always have to spend upwards of thousands of dollars to take the first step in your entrepreneurial journey. Actually, most of the successful businesses in Kenya are business ideas with little capital in Kenya and a great deal of effort.

Introduction to  Business Ideas with Little Capital in Kenya

This post will introduce you to more than 20 low-cost business ideas that you can implement in your country or state. These are ideas that one can consider whenever he or she would like to be one’s own employer but without considering the heavy investment cost. If you’re a crafty person, a social butterfly, or have a particular talent this article has an idea that will work for you.

As we all know every huge corporation that you see at this moment began from nothing. The trick is to start with what you have and develop it gradually. Well, are you all set to start working on your aspirations? The next step is to find the ideal small-start business for you!

Why Start a Small Business?

• You can test your idea without risking too much
•  It’s easier to manage and learn as you go
• You can grow your business over time

 Tips for Success

1. Start with what you know or are passionate about
2. Provide excellent customer service
3.  Be patient and persistent
4.  Learn from your mistakes and keep improving

Skill-Based Businesses You Can Start Today

Do you have a special talent or skill? You might be sitting on a gold mine! Here are some businesses you can start using the skills you already have:

 1. Freelance Services

Are you good at writing, designing, or coding? You can offer these skills online as a freelancer. Many companies are looking for talented people to help with projects. 

How to start:

1. Make a list of your skills
2. Create accounts on websites like Upwork or Fiverr
3. Build a simple portfolio showing your best work
4. Start bidding on jobs that match your skills

 2. Online Tutoring

Are you an expert in a subject? Maybe you’re great at math, languages, or science. You can teach others online and get paid for it.

How to start:

1.  Choose the subjects you want to teach
2. Set up a quiet space for online classes
3. Sign up on tutoring websites or create your own website
4. Spread the word on social media and among friends

 3. Event Planning

Do you love organizing parties or meetings? Event planning might be perfect for you. You can start by planning small events and grow from there.

How to start:

1. Plan a few events for friends or family (even for free) to gain experience
2. Create a simple website or social media page to showcase your work
3.  Network with local vendors (caterers, decorators, etc.)
4.  Start with small events like birthday parties or baby showers

4. Photography Services

Got a good eye for pictures? Turn your photography hobby into a business. You can take photos at events, do portrait sessions, or even sell your photos online.

How to start:

1. Practice taking different types of photos (people, events, nature)
2. Create a portfolio of your best shots
3. Set up a social media account to showcase your work
4.  Offer to photograph events for friends and family to build experience

 5. Social Media Management

Are you always on social media? Why not get paid for it? Many small businesses need help managing their social media accounts.

How to start:

1.  Learn about different social media platforms and their best practices
2. Create eye-catching content for your own social media as a sample
3.  Reach out to local small businesses and offer your services
4. Start with managing one or two accounts and grow from there

6. Web Design Services

Are you good with computers and have an eye for design? Many small businesses need websites. You could help them get online.

How to start:

1. Learn basic web design skills (HTML, CSS, WordPress)
2. Create a website for yourself as a sample
3. Offer to design websites for friends or local businesses
4. Use social media to showcase your work

7. Virtual Assistant Services

Are you organized and good at managing tasks? Many business owners need help with emails, scheduling, and other office work.

How to start:

1. Make a list of tasks you can handle (email management, data entry, etc.)
2. Set up a home office space
3. Create profiles on freelancing websites
4. Reach out to small business owners who might need help

8. Baking and Catering

Do you love cooking or baking? Turn your kitchen skills into a business. You can start by making food for small events or selling baked goods.

How to start:

1. Choose your specialty (cakes, local dishes, healthy meals, etc.)
2. Practice making your best dishes
3. Take great photos of your food
4. Share your creations on social media and with friends
5. Start with small orders for friends and family

9. Graphic Design Services

Do you have a knack for creating eye-catching designs? Many businesses need help with logos, posters, and other visual materials.

How to start:

1. Practice using design software (like Canva or Adobe tools)
2. Create a portfolio of your best designs
3. Offer to design for local businesses or non-profits
4. Share your work on social media and design websites
5. Network with other business owners who might need design help

10. Fitness Training

Are you passionate about health and fitness? You could help others get in shape as a personal trainer or group fitness instructor.

How to start:

1. Get certified as a fitness trainer (look for online or local courses)
2. Decide if you want to train people one-on-one or in groups
3. Create simple workout plans for different fitness levels
4. Find a space to train (local park, your home, or partner with a gym)
5. Promote your services on social media and through word-of-mouth

Final Thoughts on Skill-Based Businesses

Why these types of Businesses are great:

1. Low start-up costs: You’re using skills you already have, so you don’t need to buy much to get started.
2. Flexibility: Many of these businesses let you work from home or set your own hours.
3. Room for growth: As you get better and build a reputation, you can take on bigger projects and charge more.
4. Personal satisfaction: Using your skills to help others can be very rewarding.

Tips for Success

• Start small and learn as you go
• Provide excellent service to build a good reputation
• Be patient and persistent
• Keep improving your skills

Product and Service-Based Businesses

Now let’s explore some businesses that focus on selling products or providing services. These ideas often require a bit more setup than skill-based businesses, but they can still be started with little money.

11. Mobile Money Agency

Help people send and receive money as a mobile money agent.

How to start:

1. Contact mobile money providers like M-Pesa about becoming an agent
2. Find a good location with lots of foot traffic
3. Save up for the initial float (the money you need to start transactions)
4. Learn about the rules and fees for mobile money services

12. Mitumba (Second-Hand Clothes) Business

Sell affordable, second-hand clothes to your community.

How to start:

1. Research where to buy Mitumba in bulk
2. Start with a small batch of clothes to test what sells best
3. Set up a stall in a local market or sell from home
4. Use social media to show your best items

13. Food Delivery Service

Connect hungry customers with local restaurants or home cooks.

How to start:

1. Partner with local food businesses
2. Get a reliable mode of transport (bike, motorbike, or car)
3. Create a simple menu or app for customers to order from
4. Start in your neighborhood and expand as you grow

14. Cleaning Services

Offer home or office cleaning services in your area.

How to start:

1. Gather basic cleaning supplies
2. Set your prices and the types of cleaning you’ll offer
3. Start with friends and family to build experience
4. Ask satisfied customers for referrals

15. Agricultural Produce Selling

Buy fresh fruits and vegetables from farmers and sell to consumers.

How to start:

1. Find local farmers to buy produce from
2. Choose a good spot to sell (market, roadside, or door-to-door)
3. Learn how to store produce to keep it fresh
4. Start with a small variety and expand based on what sells well

16. Mobile Car Wash

Offer convenient car cleaning services at people’s homes or offices.

How to start:

1. Invest in basic car washing equipment
2. Create a price list for different types of washes
3. Start in your neighborhood and ask customers to spread the word
4. Consider offering special deals to attract new customers

17. Pet Care Services

Provide services like dog walking, pet sitting, or grooming.

How to start:

1. Decide what pet services you want to offer
2. Get some basic pet care supplies
3. Start with friends’ pets to gain experience
4. Use social media to share cute pet photos and attract customers

18. Home-Based Daycare

Look after children in your home while their parents are at work.

How to start:

1. Make sure your home is safe for children
2. Check local regulations for home daycares
3. Start with a small number of children
4. Create daily schedules and activities for the kids

19. Handmade Crafts

Create and sell unique, handmade items like jewelry, art, or home decor.

How to start:

1. Choose a type of craft you enjoy making
2. Buy materials in small amounts to start
3. Sell at local markets or online through social media
4. Take good photos of your products to attract buyers

20. Transport Services

Offer transportation services using your own vehicle.

How to start:

1. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition
2. Decide on your service area and prices
3. Join a ride-hailing app or start with airport pickups
4. Always prioritize safety and good customer service

Your Business Journey Starts Here

We’ve covered a wide range of business ideas that you can start with little money in Kenya. Whether you’re skilled at something specific or want to sell products or services, there’s an opportunity for you.

Remember these key points as you start your business:

1. Start small and grow step by step
2. Learn from each experience, good or bad
3. Focus on providing great service to build a loyal customer base
4. Be patient – successful businesses take time to grow

The most important thing is to begin. Choose an idea that excites you, do some research, and take that first step. Your small start today could become a big success tomorrow!

Conclusion

It doesn’t mean that in order to start a business one needs to raise funds or make a major investment. As we have already seen, there are various ways in Kenya to transform your talents, hobbies and ideas into successful businesses with little money to spare. Such scenarios include offering freelance services, online tutoring, operating mobile money lending businesses, selling clothes made out of second hand and many more.

Let me leave you with some more closing thoughts as you prepare to make your foray into the world of business:

1. There is nothing wrong in starting small, just don’t forget to reach for the stars in your head: Start moving from what you have by citing and aspiring for the taller building slowly.
2. Seek out ways to give value: Good quality customer service is one of the few things that will enable you to stay in business amidst competition.
3. Flexibility is the way to go: Ensure you have a strong focus on your key learnings from your experiences and are willing to change how you do things depending on the changing situation.
4. Make yourself known and do what needs to be done: Create networks with other businesses and customers towards other entrepreneurs.
5. Be resolute. Patience is a virtue and where one should understand that accomplishment does not come within just a short period.

If you are a student seeking a side hustle, a stay-at-home mum looking for some money or any individual who fantasizes of being her/his own boss, there is a business opportunity waiting for you. The most crucial thing is just to take the first step.

Now, which of these business ideas excites you the most? What skills or resources do you now have that could be commercialised in some form?

Frequently Asked Questions