Best Online Businesses in Kenya to Start in 2024

Emmanuel Chekumbe

This article will list the best online businesses in Kenya, which you can start quickly with little or no capital. I will also list the following questions you might have regarding online business opportunities in Kenya:

  • Which online business is legit in Kenya?
  • Do I need to register my online business in Kenya?
  • What is the most profitable business in Kenya?
  • What is the best online business in Kenya?

So let’s get started.

What business can you start online?

1. Website design & Development Business

The first profitable online business in Kenya is designing and developing websites, with most people starting this business because of the high demand of Kenya’s flourishing economy. Online businesses need to have an online presence to gain market share.

This kind of business can operate purely online and serve clients from all over the world. There are many people in Kenya offering this service. However, I recommend researching before hiring someone to ensure you get the best deal.

Requirements to start a Web Design business:

  • A computer with an internet connection.
  • Web design skills (If you don’t have any, take courses).
  • Business Registration if you will serve Kenyans and operate an office in Kenya.
  • Marketing skills.

2. Web hosting Reseller Business

This online business is another good business you can do in Kenya, starting with little or no capital. You can then grow it into a big business, from which you will make good money.

You buy web hosting at cheap rates in this business and sell them higher after adding promotions such as promotional banners, advertisements on social media, etc.

Requirements:

  • A computer with an internet connection.
  • Marketing skills to promote your web hosting packages.
  • A Website where you will list and offer subscriptions to clients
  • Access to a good web hosting company that sells reseller packages
  • Ability to set up a payment gateway like M-Pesa.
  • Customer support skills
  • Knowledge of web hosting and related skills

Resellers should be registered businesses if they are providing services to Kenyan clients.

3. Blogging

Blogging is another online business in Kenya where many people make good money. You can use blogging to promote affiliate products and other people’s businesses.

This online business is one of the easiest in Kenya, where you don’t need special skills or equipment; all you need is dedication and time to create good content for your blog.

Requirements:

  • A computer with an internet connection
  • A blog check this article on how to start a blog. You can also contact Nabaleka.com to help you set up your blog.
  • Writing skills
  • Internet research skills
  • A hosting account

4. Online tutoring business

Many Kenyans need Online Tutoring, and this is one best profitable online businesses you can start in Kenya. Online Tutoring means teaching students online through thInternetet, where you could be working from home or anywhere else.

These students pay for your services online using PayPal or M-Pesa, so you don’t have to deal with cash transactions. Online learning platforms like YouTube EDU provide the necessary training for tutors.

5. YouTube channel business

You might have noticed that many young Kenyans are starting Vlogging and making money online. This online business is one of the most fantastic online businesses in Kenya, where you can start today and make your income grow fast.

Requirements:

  • A computer with an internet connection.
  • A camera (most Smartphones have good cameras)
  • Video editing software and skills to edit videos
  • YouTube channel
  • A Niche and good content

6. eCommerce business

Another great business opportunity in Kenya is an Online shop where you buy or manufacture goods and sell them online to get more customers. This business requires good marketing skills.

However, this is a business of enormous investment, so starting small with little capital and growing the business over time is advisable.

7. Digital Marketing Consultant business

Digital marketing is broad and covers several areas of online marketing.

Digital marketing consultants are in high demand these days, and you can start a business quickly with little or no capital.

You can start by learning the basics of Online advertising on social media platforms like Facebook ads. You can then make money from consulting businesses about running digital advertising campaigns for their business.

Types of Digital Marketing to start in Kenya include:

a. Email marketing services

This kind of digital marketing business is massively profitable. All you do is help other businesses with their email requirements, such as

  • List building
  • Data mining
  • Maintaining email lists for clients.
  • Email campaign management

b. Social Media Marketing Business

This is another excellent online business in Kenya where you can make money quickly. Online businesses need marketing to get their products out there, and companies will pay you good money if you can manage their online marketing campaigns.

Social media marketing works on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

c. Search Engine Marketing.

Another highly specialized digital marketing business in Kenya is Search Engine Marketing (SEM). This form of Online marketing requires you to work closely with Online businesses to rank their products high on Search engines like Google.

8. Dropshipping Online Business in Kenya

Dropshipping is a business where you can order products from suppliers and sell them online to get more customers. You don’t have to stock any products or deal with shipping.

This Online business in Kenya is best for young people who want to make money online without worrying about the production, storage, and shipping of goods. Young entrepreneurs can also work with Online suppliers and intermediaries to profit.

You can open an Online dropshipping business without any investment, but you need good online marketing and sales knowledge.

9. Freelancing Business

Another profitable online business in Kenya is freelancing. Online businesses need Online workers from time to time for various Online services.

As a freelancer, you can work at home or anywhere and get paid for your Online marketing skills, graphic designing knowledge, blog writing, and other skills that clients might want.

Freelancing is one of the easiest online businesses to start in Kenya. You can get your first Online client quickly after starting the business.

Freelancing is also ideal for people who want to work part-time and make more income.

10. Social Media Influencer Business

This Online business in Kenya involves influencing customers on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter with Online products.

You can make money by posting Online reviews of new products, becoming an affiliate for Online companies, and promoting products on your social media accounts.

This business is best for people with an excellent Online presence, like celebrities and highly influential bloggers.

Which online business is legit in Kenya?

The word “Legit” has various meanings:

a. Approved by the law or competent authority; legal.

b. Lawful; not forbidden by law; permitted; allowable; as it is legit to use a trademarked name for a related product.

c. It can also mean the business makes money and is not a scam.

For online businesses in Kenya, legit means operating your online business legally by registering your business with the Registrar of Companies. It also means that the type of online business is not a scam.

This article only lists legit online businesses one can do in Kenya and make money.

Do I need to register my online business in Kenya?

The answer depends on the type of online business you are doing in Kenya. To sell services or products to Kenyans, you must register your online business in Kenya.

In 2020, the Kenyan Government introduced the Digital Service Tax (“DST”) through the Finance Act 2019. This new tax became active in January 2021 and is meant to tax all income through a digital marketplace.

So yes, if you plan to sell services or products to Kenyans, you must get the business recognized by the Government of Kenya.

What is the most profitable online business?

There are several factors to consider when choosing an online business in Kenya.

How much money do you want to make? What are your skills and knowledge? Are you willing to learn new Online skills? Can you gain high traffic to your Online site? How long will it take to become profitable (break-even)?

Depending on what Online businesses you choose, it will take different times to reach the break-even point. Online businesses in Kenya that require significant initial investments, like Online stores, can take a long time before breaking even.

So if I list the most profitable business in Kenya, I will lie to you since it depends on you and your online business.

Share This Article
As a Digital Marketing Specialist, Emmanuel writes about the latest trends in digital marketing. He is always up-to-date on the latest tools and techniques and enjoys sharing his knowledge. Connect with him on Linkedin
Exit mobile version