If you’re living in a rural area or small town, the idea of starting a business can seem daunting. But it doesn’t have to be!
There are plenty of rural business ideas in Kenya and small towns like cleaning services, grocery stores, or a restaurant business.
So if you’re ready to take the plunge, read on for some rural business ideas in Kenya inspiration.
Why You Should Start a Rural Business in Kenya
Are you looking for small-town business ideas that are both profitable and fulfilling? If so, starting a profitable business in a rural location may be the perfect option for small business owners like you.
Here are four reasons why you should start a rural business:
- There is less competition: In a rural area, you are more likely to be the only business of your kind. This gives you a unique opportunity to build a loyal customer base.
- You can tap into an untapped market: By starting a business in a rural area, you can serve a customer base that has previously been underserved. This could lead to high profits and strong word-of-mouth marketing.
- You’ll have lower overhead costs: Rent and utilities tend to be cheaper in the villages than in major metropolitan areas. This will give you more room to reinvest in your business and grow your bottom line.
- Be a big fish in a small pond: As the owner of a small town business, you’ll have the chance to make a real impact in your community. This could lead to personal satisfaction and a sense of pride in your work.
Rural Business Ideas in Kenya
Here are 50 great rural business ideas in Kenya. Many that don’t even require funding from a business loan to get started!
1. Small business website creation
Almost everyone knows you need an online presence. But many business owners don’t know anyone to build a site or what to do from there. Offer the service to Mom and Pop small businesses in small towns, build the sites, and get paid!
2. Woodworking
Many rural areas have no shortage of wood and trees available. Woodworking is in high demand and can be for huge projects or small intricate plaques. Both methods are a creative way to make really good money as a small town business.
3. Do surveys online
You can earn a couple hundred bucks a month without leaving your home completing online surveys.
4. Resell tickets
It’s pretty much all done online now. Buy low, sell high, enjoy low rural cost of living!
5. Furniture restoration
Buy old, worn-out furniture cheaply, restore it and touch it up, and then resell it at a higher price! There is a lot of old and hand-me-down furniture available in any small town to turn into a successful business.
6. Hauling/large truck rental
Whether someone needs heavy furniture moved across town, to the local auction house, or are looking to pay someone for scrap removal, just owning a large truck for hauling can open up many doors for you.
7. Firewood delivery
If you grew up in cities, you might be surprised how many homes in small towns are still heated via wood burning stoves. Firewood delivery is a big business in many rural areas.
8. Sell stock photography
Every outdoor, travel, or rural blogger can tell you the difficulty they’ve had finding the perfect picture for things you would think there would be plenty of photos for. Many sites allow photographers to upload and sell their pictures, like Shutterstock, to help you get your photography business off the ground.
9. Sell stock video
Those walks by the mountains or the woods might be second nature to you, but many bloggers would love video footage of that. Many stock photo sites also sell stock video. There are also sites that specialize in stock video.
See Also: What to Pack for a Safari in Kenya
10. Off-the-grid power installation
Many farms, rural homes, and cabins in small towns are looking to install some solar panels or a windmill. If you know (or learn) how proper setup and installation works for off-the-grid energy, that’s in high demand even in the most rural of areas.
11. Rural ride sharing
You might not automatically think of this as a small-town business idea. After all, Uber and Lyft are all about the city life. If you live in a town of 1500 miles from the next nearest rural village, no luck. But if you were known as the person happy to offer ride services, that could be really solid for rural areas known for valuing independent living. And you get to know your neighbors and provide a great service along the way!
12. Cabin or long-term camp construction for tourists
Whether an on-property guest cabin, long-term camp on heavily wooded property, or someplace to get even further from it all this is a great niche business for rural areas. Don’t forget to YouTube the process for even more potential income!
13. Teach computer skills courses
Many very rural areas and small towns are last in line when it comes to infrastructure to support new technology. Things you take for granted like email, social media, and safe online browsing are actually skills adults in rural areas are eager to learn, that you can turn into your own business.
14. Storage units
Even in many rural areas, sometimes you have too much stuff. Or you’re moving and can’t take it all in one go. Storage units are a reliable, relatively passive income business idea for rural areas.
15. Antique stores
You see a lot of these in some rural areas. Great hobby to business, and can work extremely well if you focus on online sales from your physical location.
16. Rural blogger
Micro affiliate sites might be a thing of the past, but many rural bloggers are doing really well. Cover local news and hidden attractions, share the beauty or uniqueness of a local area, and work with local partners while monetizing online.
17. Create local campsites
What to do if you have a lot of scenic land with nothing on it? Whether setting up cabins, an RV site, or primitive camping, this is a great rural business idea.
18. Bed and breakfast
A lot of people love heading a few hours from nearby cities into the country for a rural B&B. Whether a traditional Bed and Breakfast or Airbnb, there is a lot of demand out there for rural weekend getaway locations that can lead to a lucrative business.
19. Animal training
Are you great with animals? There’s always a demand for this. Don’t overlook specialties in rural communities. If you have a knack for training, hunting or tracking dogs, there’s a very big target market for that.
20. Menial services
Rake leaves, mow ten acres before a family goes on vacation, shovel sidewalks, talk to local farmers/ranchers about odd jobs that need to get done. There’s always a market for menial services.
21. General handyman
Keeping up a house is work and there are plenty of repairs that might be needed that are too small for local contractors. Secure some loose gutters for local residents, fix damaged door knobs, replace one sheet of damaged plaster, etc. A general handyman can make some pretty good scratch if the work is good and they’re reliable.
22. Junkyard operating (junk hauling)
You can get paid a lot to haul a lot of junk or work with site clean up for major projects, or with enough land, even operate a junkyard. Rusted out cars aren’t going to move themselves.
23. Land rental
Sometimes there’s lots of acres you aren’t using that someone else is happy to rent. Case in point: our Grandma used to have many acres of farmland unfarmed in a conservation project. The local paperwork for it became worse and worse, while funding was cut. Two local brothers whose family she knew approached her about renting the land to farm. They worked out a deal and both sides are very happy.
24. Second-hand store
A good second-hand store is a find no matter where the location. Go specialty with something always needed (like clothing), or go general. Especially in smaller rural villages that don’t have specialty stores or a local flea market, a secondhand store can do very well, so this can be a pretty profitable small-town business idea.
25. Specialty restaurant or tavern
Every list of small business ideas for rural areas has a restaurant or bar on it as a business model. This can work, but these are hard businesses in the best of times. If you can offer a special dish, style of food, or theme, you’re more likely to thrive.
26. Food truck
Why not? No rent, you can work out deals with the town or nearby towns to be there for special events, local factories to be there for lunch break, and lower overhead. Food trucks aren’t just for the cities.
27. Landscaping/lawnscaping
Who doesn’t want a good-looking lawn? Someone with an eye for detail who loves outdoor work could do well with this as a business opportunity.
28. Car wash
If you own the only car wash in town, you have a pretty good setup (you can learn how to start a car wash business here ). It’s the perfect business idea.
See Also: 213 Business Ideas in Zimbabwe to Start This Year
29. Cleaning services
No one likes to clean. At some point, everyone’s house needs cleaning, and as small-town business ideas go, this is an easy one to start.
30. Maintenance & home upkeep
Independent living is a big deal to much of an aging rural population. Offering services where once or twice a week you come by to help with food prep, grab things from the basement, or do minor repairs and upkeep is a great way to serve and create a helpful side business. Also good for non-handyman types who recently moved to the country.
31. Open an arcade
If you’re the one place for young people to hang out, for adults to hit that retro feeling, it can be very profitable business. Not to mention the type that attracts people from other nearby rural towns.
32. Drink joint
This is a great business for a rural area and make sure to serve food too.,kikm,ip-
33. Small engine repair
Lawnmowers, weed whackers, washer/dryer, vacuum cleaners, farm equipment. There are many things that have small engines that people don’t want to replace. If you can offer actual repairs, you could do well.
34. Local tour guide
What’s different or unique about your area? What’s the local history? Find out and become a local tour guide to tourists.
35. Plumber/HVAC services
Even small towns can often support multiple plumbers. If you don’t mind the work, it’s a good business that will always be in demand.
36. Electrician
Electricians get trained, and then they get paid. May require a lot of traveling if you’re the only one in the area, but you’ll be paid quite well.
37. Property sale prepping
Someone getting ready to sell a property may not have time to properly prep it. Mow the lawns, mind the paint, and do a thorough cleaning of the inside. Make the property look its best before listings or showings.
38. Virtual Assistant (VA)
As long as you’re in a rural area with solid Internet, working as a VA is an option.
39. Freelance writer
Writing can be done from any location you can jump online. Maybe a rural setting will help with inspiration?
40. Local YouTuber
Interest in videos off the beaten path and non-tourist destinations has never been higher.
41. Rural podcaster
No one knows local issues like someone living and working in the area. Start a rural podcast, talk to local officials or experts to see what’s going on
42. Local artist/creative handicrafts
This covers a wide array of creative products. Set up an Etsy shop, hit local flea markets, 4th of July celebrations, farmers market, or other special events.
43. Online flipper
Call it retail arbitrage, call it reselling, call it what you want. Buy low, sell high.
44. Rural infrastructure development
There is a massive market for individuals and companies who can do it. Especially when it comes to developing rural internet.
45. Home watching services
Who is going to watch the house while a family’s gone for a two week vacation? Who’s going to feed the pets, or bring in the mail? Home watching or home sitting services are handy in rural areas.
46. Local fishing/hunting guide
Know all the good fishing spots? Is your area known for deer, pheasant, or even wild hog hunting? Being a local guide can be a great way to earn serious money doing something you already love.
47. Start a small fuel/gas business
Even in a rural area, a gas/fuel business can actually do very well. Tends to be easier to manage than a grocery store.
48. Build a business around a local rural need
There are many challenges that most small rural communities share. But each area also has unique challenges or needs that aren’t being met. Look around, take a look at what demand is not being meant, and build a business around that localized need.
49. Sewing and alteration
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.
50. 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.
Exploring Rural Business Ideas in Kenya
If you’re living in a rural area, the concept of starting a business might seem challenging. However, it’s important to recognize that there are numerous viable business ideas tailored to such settings.
See Also: 17 Untapped Business Opportunities in Africa
These ideas can not only thrive but also bring economic growth and stability to rural communities. So, if you’re ready to embark on the journey of entrepreneurship in a rural context, here’s a collection of compelling business concepts to consider:
Cultivating community growth
In small towns and rural areas, the impact of a well-thought-out business can extend beyond profits. It can become a cornerstone of the community, driving local growth and fostering a sense of belonging.
Meeting underserved needs
One of the advantages of setting up shop in a small town is the opportunity to identify and address unmet needs. By catering to demands that larger businesses might overlook, you can create a niche market that thrives on personalized service.
Profitable ventures with low competition
Small towns often lack the extensive competition found in urban centers. This opens doors to innovative enterprises that can flourish without the constraints of fierce competition.
Rural resilience
Rural areas possess a unique resilience, as the connection between residents is often stronger. Starting a business in such a community not only contributes to your success but also fortifies the fabric of the region.
Balancing innovation with tradition
Small-town businesses have the chance to blend innovation with cherished traditions. This dynamic allows for the creation of enterprises that resonate with both modern trends and timeless values.
Nurturing entrepreneurship: By launching a business in a rural area, you play a pivotal role in encouraging others to explore entrepreneurship. Your success can inspire and motivate fellow residents to follow suit, thereby promoting economic diversity and stability.
Enhancing quality of life
A well-established rural business contributes to an improved quality of life for its residents. It provides essential services, fosters local talent, and adds charm to the community’s identity.
Sustainable Growth: In many cases, rural businesses have a built-in commitment to sustainability. They often emphasize local sourcing, eco-friendly practices, and community support, contributing to the overall environmental and economic health of the region.
A catalyst for change
Entrepreneurial ventures in rural areas have the power to catalyze positive change. They can pave the way for infrastructure development, attract tourism, and elevate the overall standard of living.
Seizing the rural opportunity
Starting a business in a regional or small-town setting isn’t just about commerce; it’s about embracing a lifestyle and embracing the potential for lasting impact. As you explore the possibilities, remember that your entrepreneurial journey in these areas can yield rewards that extend far beyond financial success.
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