Interested in starting a profitable business in Kenya? We put together profitable business ideas in Kenya you can start today.
This article delves into the realm of innovation, presenting a comprehensive guide to unleashing the entrepreneurial spirit and thriving in the ever-evolving ecosystem of Zimbabwe.
Why Kenya?
Kenya like every other African country is witnessing a remarkable transformation over the years.
With a growing population, increasing access to technology, and a surge in connectivity, the country is a place to start a business in this internet age.
So the time is ripe for individuals to seize the opportunity and embark on a journey that merges tech with business acumen.
And in this digital age, where the world has become interconnected, Kenya stands poised to leverage its vast resources and talented youth to build sustainable and scalable businesses.
By embracing technology, Kenya can overcome challenges, create jobs, and drive economic growth.
Let us now explore some profitable business ideas in Kenya that hold immense potential for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Profitable Business Ideas in Kenya
1. Start a payment app
A payment app lets you accept payments from anywhere, using your mobile phone or tablet. It’s best for business owners and professionals to get payments for products or services occasionally or irregularly.
Starting a payment app is an excellent way of making passive income online. It doesn’t require much initially, and the revenue can be significant.
Payment apps are quite popular nowadays, allowing people to pay for goods and services with the tap of a button on their phones. Creating a new payment app can help you capture a share of this growing industry and virtually endless niche for your business.
2. Start a tour company
Starting a tour company is a great way to bring your love of travel to life. You can share your passion with others and help make their dream vacations come true!
There are many types of tour businesses, so choosing something you are passionate about and knowledgeable about is best. Here are a few of the most popular tour companies to start in Kenya:
- Food & drink tours
- Adventure & sporting tours
- Sightseeing & historical tours
- Shopping tours
It’s also essential to determine what mode of transportation you want for your tour company, as this will determine the initial startup costs needed for your company.
3. Start a travel agency
Are you a passionate traveler with entrepreneurial skills? Then starting a travel agency can be a great career choice for you.
As a travel agency, you’ll be responsible for linking travelers to providers of all the travel and tourism-related services such as accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, tour guides, local adventure, etc.
To maximize earnings, negotiate discounts from the industry service providers, and charge travelers within the market rate.
4. Start a content writing company
Content writing is one of the profitable business ideas in Kenya. It involves writing, editing, and publishing content in a digital format. Examples of content include a blog post, product description, and podcast script—eBooks, press releases, or landing page content.
Becoming a content writer allows you to work as your boss. Therefore, you choose whatever working schedule suits you and take a manageable workload. Moreover, content writing helps you develop essential skills you may not obtain from regular writing.
Content writing is a highly-on-demand service, as companies compete for the online audience who often begin their shopping journey by searching for relevant and educative content online.
Therefore, a content writing company is an excellent source of passive income. To start a content writing company in Kenya, research the market and choose a suitable niche.
Sketch a proper business plan and create a website. Hire a pool of talented writers and leverage modern technology to streamline operations.
5. Start an online advertising agency
An online advertising agency helps businesses promote their products or services on the internet.
To start this business on a budget, first learn the basics of digital marketing through free online resources.
Create a professional website and set up profiles on social media platforms to showcase your skills.
Build a portfolio by working on mock campaigns or offering discounted services to friends and family, and gradually market your services to attract clients.
6. Start a web design & online marketing business
If you know about website design and marketing concepts then starting your own web design and online marketing business could be the perfect opportunity for you to do so.
The online marketing industry is the second largest industry in the United States, this shows you how big this niche is. The online marketing industry is massive. It is estimated to grow by 30% annually, reaching $400B in the next four years.
7. Start an ecommerce platform
Starting an ecommerce platform is one of the profitable business ideas in Kenya. Over the past decade, eCommerce has become an indispensable part of the global retail framework. According to statistics, over 2 billion people prefer shopping online.
While brick-and-mortar stores are still making more sales compared to online sales, the adoption of eCommerce is still rising, mainly because of the increased speed and convenience of online shopping.
Therefore, starting an eCommerce platform could set you on the right path to building a futuristic business.
8. Start a landscaping business
A landscaping business is engaged in maintaining lawns and gardens, trimming trees and shrubs, and providing landscape maintenance and beautification services. Landscaping costs vary depending on the size and location.
Once the type of service is decided, the list of tools and equipment can be purchased. The best way to succeed in a landscaping business is to provide quality service. This will not only retain existing clients but also promote and attract new customers.
9. Start a crowdfunding platform
Raising money for your project can be difficult. Crowdfunding is one way to get funding through a large number of smaller investments.
If you have some expertise in a particular area that may be useful to other people, there’s no better time to take action. The crowdfunding revolution is happening right at your fingertips.
Crowdfunding has exploded over the past year, and you need to be a part of it. The Worldwide crowdfunding market share is expected to increase by $240B from 2021 to 2026.
Crowdfunding is one of the quickest ways to get funding and build your brand.
10. Start a consulting business
Consulting businesses are booming, more so than ever before, and seeing year-over-year growth. With an accumulated value of about $250B, the global consulting industry is one of the biggest markets within the professional services sector.
If you want to start your own consulting business with valuable insights from industry experts, reading about their entrepreneurial journey will help you decide how you should go about it.
11. Start an event planning business
Event planners handle different tasks related to making the business a success. Some of the event planner’s responsibilities include:
- Conducting research
- Creating the event design
- Finding an ideal site
- Arranging for food, décor, and entertainment
- Planning logistics to and from the event
- Sending invitations
- Supervising at the site etc
To start this business on a budget, begin by honing your organizational and communication skills.
Next, create a detailed business plan outlining your services, target market, and pricing structure.
Utilize free or low-cost online tools for marketing, and consider starting small by offering services for smaller events before expanding your business as you gain experience and resources.
12. Become a mobile personal trainer
Do you love helping people through their fitness journey? If you want a great side hustle to earn extra income, consider becoming a personal trainer.
The fitness trainer side hustle can be an adamant industry to earn good money. However, once you develop a reputation as a good trainer, you can get more clients through referrals. You need to register for the certification course to start offering personal trainer services in Kenya.
To attract your first clients, consider online advertising, and seek referrals from every customer.
13. Start a handbag business
A handbag business involves designing, producing, and selling handbags and other accessories, such as wallets and clutches. The business can be run online through an e-commerce website or physical retail stores.
To run a successful handbag business, it is essential to have a unique and stylish product line that stands out from competitors.
This can be achieved through market research, staying up-to-date with fashion trends, and offering a variety of materials, colors, and sizes.
Marketing and branding are also crucial for attracting and retaining customers. This can be done through social media campaigns, influencer partnerships, and collaborating with fashion bloggers and stylists.
Another important aspect is pricing and pricing strategy. It is essential to price the products competitively while considering the cost of materials and labor.
Finally, customer service is crucial to building a loyal customer base. This includes responding promptly to customer inquiries and complaints, offering excellent customer service, and providing flexible return and exchange policies.
Starting and running a handbag business requires creativity, attention to detail, and strong business skills. It can be a lucrative and rewarding venture with the right strategies and dedication.
14. Start a coffee cafe business
A coffee shop is a popular spot for customers to enjoy freshly brewed coffee, tea, and light snacks in a comfortable and welcoming environment.
These cafes are typically furnished with comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and a pleasant ambiance that provides a relaxed environment for people to gather, work or unwind.
To succeed in this business, it is essential to offer high-quality coffee, create a pleasant atmosphere, and provide excellent customer service.
With the increasing demand for specialty coffee experiences, starting a coffee cafe can be a lucrative business opportunity that caters to the widespread love for coffee and the need for communal spaces to enjoy it.
15. Start a mobile photography business
Want to start your own photography business? You’re not alone. With the rise of social media and photo-sharing, blogging, and online retailing, it’s never been easier to start making money behind your camera.
There are photographers shooting weddings, creating images for ad campaigns, freelancing for magazines, touring the world, taking photographs of destinations — the list is endless!
To start mobile photography in Kenya, research the target audience and determine which specialization area is more lucrative.
Invest in high-quality, professional cameras, lenses, and a computer with professional software photo-editing software.
16. Start an online car sales business
The online car sales business involves selling cars online through an e-commerce platform or website.
To run this business, you will need a reliable source of car inventory, a website or e-commerce platform to list the cars for sale, and a payment gateway to process transactions.
One of the benefits of running an online car sales business is that it allows you to reach a wider audience, as customers can view and purchase cars from anywhere in the world.
It also allows you to operate the business from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection.
To run a successful online car sales business, you must understand the car market well and have strong marketing and sales skills. You must also build trust with potential customers and provide excellent customer service.
Regarding financial investment, you will need to consider the cost of acquiring the car inventory and setting up a website or e-commerce platform.
However, the potential for profit in online car sales is significant, as the market for used cars is constantly growing.
17. Start a food truck
Food business is one of the profitable business ideas in Kenya. It offers customers a variety of meal options out of a mobile truck.
This basically operates inside a large vehicle equipped with kitchen and food products. Starting a food truck is a dream for many people, but it’s more challenging than it looks.
To make it work, you need the ideal location and menu.
To start a food truck business in a particular city, it is mandatory to check what kind of food trucks are already operating, identify a gap, and bring in some new experiences.
Then, with the right plan and the right approach, you can be on your way to starting your own food truck empire.
18. Start a stationery business
A stationery business sells stationery products such as paper goods, notebooks, greeting cards, and envelopes.
The best part about starting a stationery business is that it’s relatively easy and inexpensive to get started.
Since there are so many different types of products available in this industry, there are endless opportunities for creativity, customization, and expansion.
You could even start out small by selling your products on Etsy or eBay before opening up an actual storefront.
19. Start a consulting business
Consulting businesses are booming, more so than ever before, and seeing year-over-year growth. With an accumulated value of about $250B, the global consulting industry is one of the biggest markets within the professional services sector.
If you want to start your own consulting business with valuable insights from industry experts, reading about their entrepreneurial journey will help you decide how you should go about it.
20. Start an exterior home cleaning service
Exterior home cleaning washes away dirt, dust, and grime accumulation from exterior walls, windows, and sometimes, even the roof.
The global cleaning services market is growing rapidly owing to the rising awareness about the importance of hygiene and increased concerns about occupants’ wellbeing.
With the acceptance of home cleaning services on the rise, starting an exterior cleaning service can be a good business opportunity.
21. Start a barber shop
Are you passionate about men’s grooming and looking to start a low-investment business with a high-profit margin? A barbershop can be a great business idea since it will never hit a low a season. Men and boys always look for grooming, no matter how bad the economy is. Therefore, starting a barbershop can be a profitable business venture.
22. Start a freelance writing business
Freelance writing can be a good career choice if you are looking for a flexible online job.
Working as a freelancer gives you the flexibility to define your work schedule. You can work from home at any time. Freelance writers work across various niches, writing about various topics assigned by the client,
To earn good money as a freelance writer, you need the following personal qualities:
- Strong writing skills
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Stay on the cutting edge
- Be a self-starter
- Be up-to-date with the current writing tools & writing trends
- Proper communication skills
23. Start a real estate business
Are you a qualified architect with a broad range of knowledge in the real estate field? Starting a real estate business can be a profitable venture.
Real estate involves purchasing, selling, managing, or investing in land and buildings.
To become a successful real estate business owner, you must have finely honed visual awareness and a strong understanding of various building materials and structures.
24. Start a soap making business
Are you looking for an easy business you can start from home? Soap making is a relatively easy cottage business you can start today.
Soap is one of the products you will find in every household. Therefore, soap is a product that will remain in demand, making soap making business a lucrative idea.
To start a soap-making business from home, research the competition and choose the niche your business will focus on. You can make scented soaps mixed with essential oils or non-scented soaps for washing utensils.
Choose a business name and create a business plan indicating your entity type, mission statement, and soap marketing strategy.
25. Start a bakery
Everyone loves baked goods, be it sweet items like cakes, muffins, and cookies or savory baked food like pizzas, buns, bread, and puff pastry.
Baking takes a lot of effort and patience, which is why many people buy baked items from stores or restaurants instead of baking them at home.
Starting a bakery can be a rewarding business opportunity if you have a passion for baking. If you plan to start a bakery, consider that happy customers often become repeat customers. Therefore, always focus on quality and work on customer satisfaction.
To start a bakery in Kenya, pick an ideal format. Some options include:
- Counter-style bakery
- A hybrid bakery with a cafe,
- Food truck with a bakery
- Home bakery.
Write a suitable business plan and choose the correct location.
26. Start a babysitting service
If you have some spare time at home, you can start babysitting services for couples who need extra support.
Here are the steps on how to start a babysitting business.
- Avail for training/credentials related to babysitting
- Register your business
- Apply for Licenses/Permits
- Open a bank account for business transactions
27. Start a laundry business
Starting a laundry business can be a fulfilling and lucrative venture for entrepreneurs looking to make a difference in their communities. With the right equipment and a commitment to providing excellent customer service, this business idea has the potential to thrive in a variety of locations.
One unique aspect of starting a laundry business is the opportunity to offer specialized services, such as eco-friendly detergent options or same-day turnaround for busy professionals.
Additionally, partnering with local dry cleaners or offering pickup and delivery services can set your business apart from competitors and attract a loyal customer base.
In terms of upfront costs, starting a laundry business will require a significant investment in commercial-grade washing machines and dryers, as well as a convenient and well-located storefront.
However, with the right marketing strategies and a focus on providing top-notch service, this investment can quickly pay off and result in a thriving business.
Overall, starting a laundry business is a rewarding and potentially profitable venture for entrepreneurs who are passionate about making a positive impact in their communities.
With the right approach and a commitment to excellence, this business idea has the potential to succeed in a variety of settings.
28. Start an online news
Running an online news is one of profitable business ideas in Kenya because of the rapid pace of technological advancements. It’s constantly evolving and creating different business opportunities.
Starting an online news channel can be a great business opportunity for videographers with some journalism skills.
Millennials have become more adaptive to the latest technologies and viewing patterns, with most prefer watching news online.
According to statistics, more than eight in ten Americans watch news through digital devices like smartphones, computers, and tablets.
Therefore, starting an online news channel can be a profitable venture.
To start making money through your channel, focus on growing the audience so that marketers and advertisers can reach out for the airing of their advertisements through your channel.
29. Become a computer refurbishing business
Computer refurbishing is the process of restoring used computers to working conditions. Refurbishers typically purchase used computers from individuals or businesses, and then they clean them up, install new parts, and test them to make sure they are in good working condition.
To start this business, you’ll need skills in data recovery, hardware repair, and software troubleshooting. It is a perfect idea for those who have an interest in technology and a knack for repairing electronics.
With the ever-growing popularity of laptops, tablets, and smartphones, there is a great demand for refurbished computers. And with data science and data analytics, you can easily identify which computers are in high demand and how to best refurbish them.
Starting this type of business is a great idea for those with an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for technology. If you can navigate the regulations, this can be a lucrative business with a lot of growth potential.
30. Start a bread bakery
You’ve heard the term “breadwinner”, but did you know there is a growing market to bake bread, which could potentially make you a “breadmaker?” If you love baking but want to make extra money, consider a bread making business. The industry is flourishing and has tons of growing potential. It is a small scale manufacturing business that can be started with little investment & from the comfort of your home.
31. Start an etsy business
If you are an artist looking for ways to turn your skills into revenue, Etsy is your platform.
Etsy is a marketplace for artists and can bring in extra income or even replace your current job.
You can create art pieces and create a successful Etsy shop. Once your Etsy shop is online, consider joining a team to help you learn Etsy’s basics and how to market stuff on Etsy.
32. Start a waste disposal business
Starting a waste disposal business involves collecting, transporting, and disposing of various waste materials, including household, commercial, and hazardous materials.
This business is essential for keeping communities clean and safe, and it is also a growing industry with increasing demand for sustainable waste management solutions.
To start a waste disposal business, you will need a reliable fleet of vehicles and appropriate equipment for collecting and transporting waste.
You will also need to obtain the necessary licenses and permits and secure contracts with clients and waste processing facilities. Proper insurance coverage is also essential to protect your business from potential liabilities.
Successfully running a waste disposal business also requires maintaining a high level of customer service and adhering to local, state, and federal regulations for handling and disposing of waste materials.
It is important to stay up-to-date on industry trends and invest in training and education for your employees to ensure the highest levels of efficiency and safety.
Starting a waste disposal business can be rewarding and lucrative, but it requires careful planning and a commitment to providing excellent service to your clients.
By following these guidelines, you can be well on your way to building a successful and sustainable waste disposal business.
33. Start a dog training business
Professional dog trainers can be an incredibly fulfilling profession, especially for dog lovers.
You can choose to work as an independent dog trainer or work under a company as a part-time trainer.
However, note that dog training takes more commitment for a part-time gig.
To get started, you need some education to understand how dogs behave and train them in new tricks. You will find tons of online resources on dog training.
Alternatively, you can work as an intern with local dog trainers to acquire the skills before setting up your dog training side hustle.
34. Start a direct mail service consulting business
Direct mail is a form of marketing that involves sending physical pieces of promotional material through postal service or other courier services to a home or business.
The consulting service provider understands the complex nature of direct mail marketing and, as the expert, works collaboratively with the client to create and implement the direct mail strategy that guarantees results.
Therefore, to become a direct mail consultant, you must understand how direct mail works.
To start your business, choose a niche and identify target customers. Then, market your services to your target customers, compelling them why your service is important to their business.
35. Start an e-book writing business
An eBook business is profitable and flexible, letting you start a business from anywhere, while it is a low-cost business that is easy to start. You can make a living self-publishing and selling eBooks online as long as you are ready to invest your time and money in it.
Anyone can start an eBooks business! Just choose a niche that interests the target audience, and ensure in-depth research.
36. Start a copywriting business
A copywriter creates clear, compelling copy to sell products and/or educate and engage consumers.
To become a copywriter, focus on covering the basics, plan your copywriting business and choose the services you intend to offer.
To develop your brand, establish a marketing strategy, and offer quality services to your audience. Email marketing, newsletters, and other digital marketing tools can help you create a successful copywriting business.
37. Start an email marketing tool
An email marketing tool, also known as an ’email tool’, is a software application that helps you create, manage and automate email campaigns. Basically, it’s a program that allows you to write and send bulk emails.
Email marketing is one of the most effective marketing channels around. It can be used to generate leads, increase sales, create subscribers, improve your SEO rankings and reach more customers than you would with a blog or website.
The email marketing industry is booming. The global email marketing tool market size is expected to reach $2.53B in 2028.
Making an email marketing tool business is as easy as buying a domain and hosting account, but that is just the beginning.
You will soon start to see the endless possibilities for creating tools that will be used by entrepreneurs, startups, and even real estate agents.
38. Start a medium publication
Medium is one online platform that allows writers to sign up, post articles, and earn. You can write content from home in your pajamas and reach an extensive audience.
Medium publications can earn you anywhere from $200 to $1500 per month, you definitely can make money through Medium’s Partner Program, used by thousands of writers. A great way to monetize your posts without having to worry about using ads.
You will earn more by continuing to hone your craft through consistent writing and increasing your readership. For those who are more serious about blogging, consider setting up an alternative website and promoting it on Medium.
39. Start a mechanical keyboard business
Beginning a mechanical keyboard business can be a straightforward process making it one of the profitable business ideas in Kenya.
These keyboards, which have a mechanical switch for each key, are built to extend durability and improve typing comfort compared to typical keyboards.
Mechanical keyboards have become exceptionally popular, spanning from budget-friendly, no-frills options to high-end, customized keyboards.
After your research on the market, you will have to find reliable suppliers for mechanical keyboard components, including switches, keycaps, and PCBs (printed circuit boards). You may also need a manufacturer for assembly.
With a focus on quality and customer satisfaction, you can build a successful business in this niche.
40. Start an employee training business
Companies use different methods and programs to train and develop employees, hoping to boost their performance.
A training program also helps build an employee’s confidence by providing a better understanding of the industry and the responsibilities of his role.
To attain this goal, companies hire trainers from private practice.
Starting an employee training and development program can be a great business opportunity for experts and professionals in different sectors like safety, security, cyber security training, etc.
To start the employee training business, choose a niche, and develop the training curriculum and a training approach. Popular training methods include computer-based training and on-site and off-site lectures.
41. Start a child care business
Starting a childcare business is a great way to build a steady income, which is why it’s one of profitable business ideas in Kenya.
You will have the opportunity to be your boss and set your hours even from home.
You will have the satisfaction of building one-on-one relationships with children and watching them grow over the years.
A childcare business is an excellent idea. It is both a personal and economical investment for its owners. This is especially true if you are considering starting your non-profit organization or becoming licensed to provide child care.
Running a childcare business allows you to help children develop while also making money. As with any business endeavor, running a childcare business has its ups and downs, but it can be very rewarding.
42. Start a taxi cab business
If you are an experienced driver and know your city well, starting a taxi cab business can be a very lucrative side hustle.
Here are the steps on how to start a taxi cab business.
- Secure your business licenses
- Secure financing and purchasing equipment
- Purchase a commercial insurance
43. Start a car rental business
Starting a car rental business can be a profitable venture for those interested in the auto industry. Retail and corporate are the main segments within the car rental industry.
Retail car rentals focus on individuals who rent cars for shorter periods, while corporate car rental targets companies that want to transport clients or employees.
If you are starting a car rental business in Kenya, target airports, hotels, railway stations, commercial offices, and other high-traffic areas.
Market your business, hire employees who will manage the operations and keep records, and purchase business insurance for both cars and employees.
44. Start a sustainable clothing line
Starting a sustainable clothing company can seem like a daunting task but it’s one of the profitable business ideas in Kenya. With the right skills and resources in place you will succeed in the business.
And thanks to more and more technologies becoming available there is a greater chance of success than has ever been had before.
The sustainable clothing market shrunk from $6.35B in 2019 to $6.14B in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its adverse economic impact.
But the sustainable clothing market size will keep growing in the coming years, Experts predict it will reach $8.25B by 2023.
45. Start a disc jockey service business
If you’re passionate about music and loves to entertain people — it only makes sense to start a DJ service business. Disc jockeys, DJs for short, are entertainers who help create a party atmosphere at any event. With the growing cost of party preparations, Disc Jockeys are becoming more in demand than ever.
Listed are the steps to start a disc jockey service business.
- Register your business name
- Consider contacting your U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
- Purchase your equipment
- Get insured
- Find clients and promote your business
46. Start a SEO agency
Starting an SEO agency company is one of the profitable business ideas in Kenya. Your job will be to provide search engine optimization services to businesses. The function of an SEO agency is to help businesses rank higher in search engines through organic or paid means.
SEO is a rapidly growing industry, with experts across all aspects of the field already making six-figure incomes and expecting to see these earnings grow dramatically over the next few years.
Getting into SEO today, before it gets too saturated, will allow you to establish a strong base in a new career, with an excellent chance for success.
It’s easier than ever to start your SEO agency in Kenya. The tools are there, and the competition isn’t as stiff as it used to be.
If you’re considering starting an SEO or digital marketing agency, it might be a good idea to learn how other digital agencies succeed.
47. Start a handmade paper goods business
The handmade paper goods market is growing globally due to the increase in environmental consciousness among people. The gift of handmade is a tradition with a long history.
According to data collected by the US Census Bureau, each year the number of handmade goods made by individuals in the USA rises by 3%. Handmade paper goods are not an exception.
The handmade paper goods market size is expected to reach $7.3B by 2020. The business of crafting paper goods was largely untouched until the start of Etsy, which has since grown into an international curated marketplace.
Those who could craft unique and innovative pieces landed themselves a successful eCommerce store, living off of bare-bones websites and making their creations available to customers far and wide.
48. Start an insurance agency
Are you hoping to start an agency in the service industry? How about starting your own insurance agency?
In the past decade, the insurance industry contributed more to the US GDP than banks for the first time. Insurance statistics show that the industry has been pretty good lately, and the trend is not slowing anytime soon.
Factors driving growth in the insurance sector include sustained economic growth, better interest rates, and greater investment income. Besides, insurance companies adopted investments in technological and operational efficiencies during the pandemic, a move that has helped the industry thrive.
Perhaps you are an insurance agent wanting to quit a 9 to 5 job and start a new chapter of self-employment.
Or maybe you are considering a career change and seeing potential in the insurance industry. Whatever the reason for wanting to start an insurance agency, it can be a great idea.
However, building an insurance agency is no small task. Ensure you have enough equity and get ready to work hard and make smart decisions.
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