Securing employment in Kenya is almost as difficult as starting a business without the right information. Understandably, many Kenyans, with formal education or without, are turning to business as they search for their dream jobs.
Entrepreneurship is almost always a sure bet to financial freedom. But success in business is not assured without a great, viable idea, capital, determination, and sheer hard work. And before making it to your dream job, some of which are not guaranteed, it is important to survey the factors affecting your preferred business, including location, population and demand.
The business ideas listed below will help you pick what best interests you. These ideas are easy to start, considering their low capital requirement, and easy-to-run nature.
1. Selling second-hand clothes
This is one the most popular business in Kenya, but tricky to run. The ‘Mitumba’ business is not capital intensive. With as little as Ksh. 1,000, you can start selling mitumba clothes. All you need is to get a good source of clothes. Most people buy at Gikomba and Muthurwa markets in Nairobi. Depending on the location and type of clothing, you could make profits of up to 100% and more.
2. Boda boda business
This is one of the lucrative business ideas in Kenya that young people especially are venturing into in large numbers. If you are still looking for a job and have some money saved up, this is a good business start.
A motorcycle in Kenya costs from Ksh. 65,000 to Ksh. 120,000. It means that with less the 100K, you can go into boda boda business. Dealers work with banks to allow credit facilities, so with some deposit you can get a bike and pay monthly instalments from the earnings.
The good thing about this business is that you can be sure that at the end of the day, you can make a comfortable Ksh. 1,000. If you can’t ride it yourself, you can always employ someone.
3. Poultry Farming
Starting a chicken rearing business requires a seed capital of as low as Ksh. 20,000. Profit increases as you increase the number of chicken.
With chicken, you can maximize on egg production or chicken meat. You however, need to work on gaining as much knowledge as you can on chicken feeds and vaccines, to avoid illnesses.
4. Printing and photocopy
If you are in college or university, this is one of the most profitable businesses you can start. You could also venture into the business if you are living near a college or university. You will need to purchase a computer, printer and photocopy machine.
Establish good work ethic, good pricing, and professionalism in your job.
5. Cleaning service
It took Alex Nyaga the CEO of Parapet, one the biggest cleaning service providers in the country, only Ksh. 10,000 to start. He started by hiring women who would clean houses in estates at a charge of Ksh1000 and would pay these women Ksh500.
Before long, the business had grown and he was able to register a company and now makes over Ksh. 15 million in a month. As you can see, you don’t need much to start a home cleaning business.
6. Juice blending/fruit business
You need a seed capital of about Ksh. 10,000 to buy a blender and other containers. You can help people adopt healthier lifestyles by starting a juice blending and fruit stand.
Simply identify a reliable supplier, maintain cleanliness, and you are good to go.
7. Selling women handbags and shoes
With a high demand for good fashion and style, this business is set to boom in a busy location. People in this business get their supplies from places like Eastleigh or Uganda.
With social media and online business booming, selling your stuff online is a great start. You can then create a Facebook page for your business, then boost a few posts to reach as many people as you want.
8. Cereals Business
Choose a good location and you are on your way to a booming business. You can get your supplies from wholesalers or directly from farmers. From here, you can buy them wholesale and distribute to other sellers within your locality.
To conclude, it doesn’t matter how much capital you put into a business. Any business with the right determination will succeed. Get as much information as you can on the business you are interested in, then invest your time, effort and determination in it.
