This article will look at the best business to start in Kenya. So if you’re looking to start a business in Kenya, we have some excellent advice.
Many factors go into choosing the right business to start. We will discuss these factors and how they can help you choose the best business for your needs.
We will also list the best small business to start in Kenya.
Let’s get started.
List of Best Small Businesses to Start in Kenya
I have divided the list of the best small businesses to start in Kenya into several categories depending on your capital or business requirements.
Here is a list of some small businesses to start in Kenya:
1. Business to Start With 10K in Kenya
These are businesses you can start with 10 thousand Kenyan shillings. These businesses include:
- Blogging
- Affiliate Marketing
- Freelancing Busines
- YouTube Channel Business
- Digital Influencer Business
- Home Salon Business
- Small Barbershop business
- Delivery business in Kenya
- Car Wash business
- Cleaning Services business
- Web & Graphics Designing Business
- Second-Hand Clothes Business (Mitumba)
- Ladies Shoes & Handbags Business
- Street food business
- Fruit Vending business
- Cereals business
- Farming
- Poultry business
- Hatchery Business
- Rabbit Rearing Business
The above businesses you can start with 10K require little capital. Therefore, if you have little money and are looking to start a business in Kenya, any of the above-listed businesses will make an excellent choice.
2. Business to Start With 20K in Kenya
With 20,000 Kenyan shillings, you can start the following business in Kenya. Please note the type and size of the business depend on the capital. This makes these businesses different from starting with the 10K mentioned above.
- Operating a Salon/ Barbershop
- Selling second-hand (Mtumba) Clothes
- Printing and Photocopying
- Poultry farming
- Selling Baby Diapers
- Running a Daycare/ school
- Car Wash business
- Movie shop business
- Coffee Shop business
- Cleaning services
- Selling Ladies bags
- Selling Fruits and Vegetables
3. Best Business to Start With 50k in Kenya
With a little more capital, i.e., 50,000 Kenyan shillings, you can start these businesses in Kenya without any problem.
Also, We might list the business above, but what are the size and quality changes? Because, well, it is 50K and not 20K or 10K.
Here is a list of businesses you can start with 50K in Kenya:
- Home Bakery business
- Salon Business
- Fashion design business
- Landscape architecture
- Barbershop Business
- Printing & Photocopy business
- Photo Studio business
- Car Wash Business
- Movie Shop business
- Catering Service Business
- Blogging business
- Ecommerce Business
- Mobile App Development Business
- Freelance business
- Dropshipping business
- Digital Marketing Business
- Small Scale Maize Farming
- Small Scale Poultry Farming
- Dairy Farming
- Bee Keeping
- Tree Planting business
- Grocery Store Business
- Thrift Store Business
- Local Kiosk
- Perfume refilling business
As you can see, the above small businesses do not require much, and most are popular in Kenya. The above businesses will help you make a living in Kenya.
Features of Best Business to Start in Kenya
You can start many businesses in Kenya; all have good returns and success. But what makes a business suitable for you?
Some things to consider are your experience level, skills, qualifications, and location.
Make sure that the business you choose is something that you will find fulfilling.
One way of ensuring the business is right for you is to ask yourself what you like doing. What time do you work best? Consider what kind of service or product would make your life easier.
It’s also good to ask yourself if you can see yourself doing this until retirement. Do you think you will enjoy the business years down the line?
We know that your emotions are essential in starting any new venture. If you feel that it is not suitable for you, it most likely isn’t something you will commit to.
Ensure you know your needs and how the business will fit into them. If you don’t think it is suitable, then look at other options, as there are plenty of businesses for sale in Kenya.
One thing to consider is that not all businesses need training or qualifications; they can pick some up quickly. If you like to read, many books can teach you about self-employment.
If you know your business will require sales or marketing, then make sure that this is something you enjoy doing.
We also suggest doing market research to know what customers want and how they behave.
Another great thing to consider is your skills and experience. If you feel a market gap, starting a business related to this need could be good.
Also, consider which industries are growing and how you can get involved. Maybe a new industry will take off, and you can join it.
Some good questions to ask yourself are:
- How much training do I need?
- What skills do I have?
- Do I require any licenses or qualifications?
- What resources will I need?
- Where can I source these resources?
If you are unsure where to start, then the most likely place is the internet. Some many forums and blogs that advise on starting your own business. These articles will help you discover what works and provide insight into how you should go about things.
It is always important to do your research before you start. It’s also good to see what other businesses in the area are up to and how they can help or hinder you.
Finally, we suggest you test the market and see any demand for your chosen product or service.
Factors to Consider for Best Business to Start in Kenya
Before starting a business, there are some factors you need to consider. These include but are not limited to the following:
1. A Business Idea
All businesses start with a business idea. If you don’t have a business idea, it will be hard to start a business. This is because it will be difficult for you to move forward without knowing what business to launch.
Before starting any business, try as much as possible to validate the feasibility of the specific market in which you want to operate. This way, you will have an idea of whether the market is ready for this business or not.
You can get feedback from potential clients and customers or conduct a survey. If no interested people are interested in your proposed business idea, it could be a dead deal and not worth wasting your time.
2. Knowledge of Expertise
Do you have what it takes to start a particular business? If not, do not attempt to start that business. You can also look for someone with the required expertise or knowledge to help you create the business.
3. Market or Demand
Determine if your proposed business idea is in high demand or not. You can do this by checking the number of people doing that particular business and its marketability if it already exists. This way, you will know how much competition you will likely face.
4. Start-up Costs
Do your homework to know the cost of starting the business. This way, you will learn how much money you need to raise before launching the business.
The start-up costs include but are not limited to the following:
- Rent or leasing space for use
- Lawyer’s fees and permits
- Furniture and equipment
- Insurance
- Plant and machinery (if any)
All these factors will determine the business to start in Kenya.
5. Capital and Finance
Unless you have enough money to start the business, do not create it. You can also look for investors or partners who could assist in starting the business.
6. Competition
An existing business should also form part of the factors to consider. If there is already existent competition in that business, it will be hard for you to profit.
The best small business to start in Kenya should have little or no existing competition.
7. Location
The location of your business will play a significant role in its success or failure. The best small business to start in Kenya should be in an easily accessible location where customers can easily come.
The location should also be near the target market. This way, you will make it easy for customers to come without any problems.
8. Staff
Another factor to consider is the staff needed to help you start and run this business. You need to have a competent and highly motivated team responsible for the smooth running of the business.
You can hire friends or family members with experience in starting a similar business. This way, they will save you money and give you invaluable advice on running the business.
9. Technology
Last but not least is technology. Technology will play a significant role in determining the success or failure of your business.
These days, technology is used to make life easier and more enjoyable. If you choose a business that does not use modern technology, the chances are that your business will fail.
It is essential to consider all these factors before starting any business.
In Summary
Which is the most profitable business to start in Kenya?
As discussed above, the most profitable business to start in Kenya is one you love and understand. If you know about something well and you love doing it, there is a high chance for this business to succeed.
If the business does not involve your skills and interests, chances are very high that it will fail. You need to make sure you choose a business you understand before starting.
