Starting a business is one of the most effective ways to improve your financial future and gain personal freedom. However, succeeding in Kenya’s competitive business environment requires more than just luck—the success or failure of your venture largely depends on the idea you choose.
A weak business idea, no matter how well executed, is unlikely to yield results. On the other hand, a strong, well-chosen idea can set you on the path to becoming your own boss—and beyond.
This article explores the 10 best business ideas in Kenya, carefully selected to cover a wide range of industries. Whether you’re risk-averse or ready to dive in, there’s something here to inspire you.
What’s The Best Business to Start in Kenya? 10 Ideas Discussed
No matter your industry, there’s always an idea that sparks creativity and sets you on a path to success. Here’s a curated list of ten small business ideas in Kenya that you can start with little capital, guaranteed to inspire and motivate:
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1. Selling Car Accessories
The number of registered motor vehicles in Kenya continues to rise daily, creating a booming market for car accessories. Young, style-conscious car owners are particularly keen on customizing their vehicles, making this one of the most promising small business ideas with minimal startup capital.
You can choose to specialize in a specific category, such as car pockets (we’ll tell you what they are in a few), or diversify into a variety of accessories, including:
- FOB key covers
- TPMS sensors
- Steering wheel covers
- Ignition key covers
The key to success lies in understanding your target market and sourcing the right accessories. By leveraging social media marketing and traditional sales techniques, you can efficiently reach potential customers.
Example: The Car Pocket Business
Car pockets—small adhesive slots used to neatly hold insurance stickers on windshields—offer an excellent entry point into this business. Here’s a simple breakdown of how it can work:
- Purchase 500 insurance sticker pockets at Ksh50 each from China, including import costs.
- Market and sell them on social media platforms for Ksh800 per piece.
- That’s a potential revenue of Ksh400,000, from an initial investment of approximately Ksh35,000 (including shipping and marketing).
This is just one example of a business idea you can explore with less than Ksh50,000. With a bit of creativity and targeted marketing, you can turn a small investment into a thriving business.
Interested in the Car Accessories idea? Generate a 10-page PDF business plan for it now. >>Get Started.
2. Back to School Items
Back-to-school materials are always in high demand, especially with Kenya’s shift to the Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC). Today, parents are required to buy a wide range of learning aids for their children, including:
- Crayons
- Modeling clay
- Rim papers
- Textbooks
The list goes on.
A smart approach to this business is buying these items during the off-season and stocking up for the back-to-school rush and midterm periods when demand surges. If you have a larger budget, consider importing in bulk to take advantage of even lower prices and resell at a premium.
Example: The Rim Paper Business
Rim papers, widely used in schools, experience significant price fluctuations:
- During the off-season, a rim costs Ksh450.
- During peak seasons, the price can rise to Ksh750 or more.
While the profit margin per unit may not seem huge, the high demand for these products means you could sell hundreds in a single day, making it a lucrative business opportunity.
By capitalizing on seasonal shortages and strategic stockpiling, you can build a profitable business in the back-to-school supplies market.
Interested in the Back to School idea? Generate a 10-page PDF business plan for it now. >>Get Started.
3. Strawberry Farming
You’ve probably heard it countless times—agriculture is the backbone of our economy. But did you know that strawberry farming is one of the most profitable agribusiness ventures you can start with minimal capital?
Unlike other crops that require vast land, strawberries can thrive on just ⅛ of an acre, making it possible to sustain a steady base of repeat buyers.
Getting Started
To set up a ⅛-acre strawberry farm, you’ll need an initial investment of Ksh100,000 to Ksh150,000. The best part? Strawberries mature in as little as 60 days, meaning you can hit the market quickly and start earning returns.
Expected Yields & Profits
- A well-maintained ⅛-acre farm can yield up to 1 tonne per season (estimated at 8 tonnes per acre), with harvesting done two to three times a week.
- With farmgate prices averaging Ksh500 per kilo, a successful season could bring in up to Ksh500,000 in revenue.
Key Considerations
For the best returns, it’s advisable to set up your farm near major towns and cities, ensuring a steady demand for your produce during harvest time. With proper planning and management, strawberry farming can be a highly lucrative agribusiness venture.
Interested in the Strawberry Farming idea? Generate a 10-page PDF business plan for it now. >>Get Started.
4. Posho Mill Business
If you’re looking for a profitable venture to start in informal settlements or rural areas, the posho mill business is worth considering. Kenyans from all walks of life love their ugali, making maize milling a stable and reliable business opportunity.
Startup Costs
Investing in a maize milling machine will cost anywhere between Ksh75,000 and Ksh200,000, depending on factors such as milling capacity and country of origin. A fully-fledged posho mill setup (including the machine, space rental, and initial stock) can cost as little as Ksh200,000, though the figure can rise to Ksh500,000 or more depending on location and logistics.
Revenue & Profit Potential
A well-located posho mill in a busy market center can generate between Ksh1,000 and Ksh5,000 per day in sales revenue. After accounting for expenses, this translates to a significant net profit, making it a viable long-term investment.
Who Should Consider This Business?
If you’re thinking about retiring in the rural areas or looking to establish a stable business in informal settlements, a posho mill is a low-risk, high-demand venture with slow but steady returns.
Interested in the Posho Mill business idea? Generate a 10-page PDF business plan for it now. >>Get Started.
5. Broker Things on Jiji
Ever heard of Jiji? It’s one of Kenya’s leading classified ads platforms, where people post items for sale and connect with potential buyers. While there are many similar platforms, we’re using Jiji as an example for context.
How This Business Works
This is a low-capital, high-potential business that relies on smart sourcing and strategic selling. Here’s how you can get started:
- Research Fast-Moving Products
- Identify items that Kenyans frequently order online, such as blenders, flat irons, blow dryers, and other small appliances.
- Find the Best Suppliers
- Source these items from wholesalers in downtown Nairobi or other competitive suppliers to get the best prices.
- Set Up a Payment-on-Delivery System
- Partner with reliable delivery services, such as Pick Up Mtaani, boda boda riders, or G4S, to facilitate smooth and secure transactions.
How to Start with Minimal Capital
- Approach wholesalers and politely request to take photos of the products you intend to sell.
- Post these high-demand products on classified ads sites with a reasonable markup.
- Once you receive an order, buy the item from your wholesaler, package it, and dispatch it using your delivery partner.
- The customer pays upon delivery, eliminating the need for large upfront capital.
Why This Business Works
No large inventory required – You only buy items when an order is confirmed.
Minimal risk – No need for expensive stock or storage space.
Quick sales cycle – With the right pricing and marketing, you can make multiple sales per day.
This business is perfect for hustlers (or even campus students) who are street-smart, resourceful, and ready to take action! And just to add, it is one of the few business ideas in Kenya that you can start with less than Ksh10,000.
Interested in the Drop-Shipping Services (on platforms like Jiji) business idea? Generate a 10-page PDF business plan for it now. >>Get Started.
6. School Digitization
With over 40,000 primary and secondary schools in Kenya, the education sector presents a lucrative business opportunity for forward-thinking entrepreneurs. In today’s digital age, schools are increasingly adopting technology-driven solutions, creating a high-demand market for digitization services.
Untapped Opportunities in School Digitization
From biometric attendance systems to meal card access control, the possibilities are vast. The good news? You don’t need to be a tech expert to tap into this market!
Here’s how you can get started:
- Biometric Attendance & Access Control
- Import biometric school attendance systems in bulk.
- Study their user manuals and watch YouTube tutorials to understand their setup and maintenance.
- Offer installation and training services to schools at a premium.
- Digital School Diaries & Communication Systems
- Help schools implement digital student diaries to streamline communication with parents.
- Develop automated SMS/email systems for fee reminders, event notifications, and academic updates.
- School Websites & Online Presence
- A majority of private schools lack websites or visibility on Google.
- Offer affordable website design services and help schools establish a professional online presence.
- Optimize their listing on Google My Business to enhance search visibility.
Why This Business is Worth Exploring
Minimal competition – Many schools are yet to fully embrace digitization.
Recurring revenue streams – Schools will need ongoing tech support and maintenance.
Scalability – Once established, you can expand to multiple schools and regions.
This is a high-potential venture that allows you to start small and think big. The education sector is ever-growing, and by helping schools embrace digitization, you could build a profitable and sustainable business.
Interested in the School Digitization Services idea? Generate a 10-page PDF business plan for it now. >>Get Started.
7. Become an eMobility Influencer
Not all business ideas will make you instant profits, but with consistency and strategic positioning, you can carve out a niche and become a key player in a fast-growing industry. One such opportunity lies in eMobility, a sector that is just beginning to take off in Kenya.
Why eMobility?
The green revolution is gaining momentum. Boda bodas are going electric, companies like eBee are introducing electric bicycles, and hybrid and electric vehicles are slowly but surely making their mark on Kenyan roads. Yet, there are very few eMobility influencers in Kenya today!
This presents a golden opportunity to establish yourself as a go-to expert in the field.
How to Get Started as an eMobility Influencer
- Create a Blog, YouTube Channel, or TikTok Account
- Consistently share insights, reviews, and tutorials on electric vehicles and mobility trends.
- Engage with enthusiasts, potential buyers, and industry players.
- Cover High-Interest Topics
- Common hybrid car problems and how to fix them.
- Best electric motorbikes available in Kenya.
- Advantages of eBikes and why they are the future.
- How to troubleshoot electric motorbike issues.
- Monetize Your Influence
- With growing attention, eMobility companies will be eager to partner with you.
- You can earn through sponsorships, affiliate marketing, ads, and collaborations.
Why This Idea Has Massive Potential
Low competition – Few people are talking about eMobility in Kenya.
Future-proof – The industry is just getting started and is set to grow.
Diverse income streams – From paid promotions to YouTube ads and brand collaborations.
If you’re looking for a high-potential niche that’s still in its early stages but promises massive opportunities in the coming years, eMobility influencing is certainly worth considering.
Interested in the eMobility Influencer idea? Generate a 10-page PDF business plan for it now. >>Get Started.
8. AI Canvas Wall Art
Wall art is always in demand, making it a great business opportunity, especially for those passionate about art and design.
Two Approaches to This Business
- Becoming an Art Retailer
- This is the simpler route.
- Identify a reliable canvas printer and partner with them.
- Purchase ready-made prints and market them to end consumers.
- Typically, you can markup the price significantly—for instance, buy at Ksh1,000 and sell for Ksh3,500, depending on your market.
- Printing and Selling Your Own Canvas Art
- Requires investment in a canvas printer and a computer.
- You can print your own designs or offer customized prints.
- Sell directly to retailers (e.g., hawkers, interior designers, online buyers) or to end consumers.
- While this approach requires higher initial capital, it provides greater control and long-term profitability.
Why This Business Holds Huge Potential
Growing Demand – Wall art is popular in homes, offices, and commercial spaces.
Flexible Startup Costs – You can start small as a retailer with under Ksh10,000.
AI-Generated Art – The rise of AI-powered designs makes it easier to create and sell unique art pieces.
Whichever path you choose, the wall art business has strong profit margins and is future-proof, making it a lucrative venture for both beginners and experienced entrepreneurs.
Interested in the AI Canvas Wall Art idea? Generate a 10-page PDF business plan for it now. >>Get Started.
9. Drone Piloting
The drone industry in Kenya is rapidly gaining momentum. Drones are being utilized for a variety of purposes, including aerial photography, surveys, agriculture, and security. Given the growing demand, there is a limited number of individuals who are properly licensed to operate drones, creating a significant opportunity for those with the right qualifications.
To start a drone piloting business, the first step is to undergo the necessary training and obtain the appropriate certification. Fortunately, drone piloting is typically a short course, and those who complete it are eligible for certification by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).
The cost of a typical drone piloting training and licensing program ranges from Ksh130,000 to Ksh150,000, depending on the training facility.
In addition to the training fees, aspiring drone pilots will need to invest in a drone and begin marketing their services. The demand for drone piloting skills is continuously increasing, making it a promising business venture in today’s digital age.
Interested in the Drone Piloting idea? Generate a 10-page PDF business plan for it now. >>Get Started.
10. Water Bottle Sublimation
Water bottles have become a basic necessity, particularly for modern-day corporate women. However, did you know you can customize these bottles and sell them to clients looking to add a unique touch to their accessories?
Starting a water bottle sublimation business is relatively easy. Begin by investing in blank sublimation water bottles, which can be purchased affordably on platforms like Alibaba. You will also need to invest in a few basic items or lease them from those who already own them, including:
- Tumbler press machine
- Sublimation paper
- Heat-resistant tape and gloves
- Laptop with graphic design software
The cost to produce custom water bottles can be as low as Ksh500 per bottle, including the cost of the bottle and printing. You can then retail them for Ksh1000 or more.
While the profit margins may be modest, they are sustainable, especially considering that many corporate institutions and organizations frequently order bottles for their employees or customers.
This business also opens the door to a broader corporate printing market, which is expected to continue growing in the near future.
Interested in the Water Bottle Sublimation idea? Generate a 10-page PDF business plan for it now. >>Get Started.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many exciting, low-cost business ideas you can explore in Kenya. However, like with any other venture, it’s essential to start with a solid business plan. A well-thought-out plan will help you execute your ideas more effectively and serve as a valuable tool when seeking investment or financing for your business.
If you’re looking for even more business ideas, our 100 Profitable Business Ideas in Kenya book offers a comprehensive list to inspire you. This detailed guide not only provides a wide range of business ideas but also offers in-depth explanations and free mentorship to help you succeed.
So, what are you waiting for? Take the first step toward bringing your ideas to life. We look forward to hearing about your success soon.
100 Profitable Business Ideas in Kenya PDF
With over 10 years of content writing experience, Mercy is a lead assigning editor at Bizsasa.com. A certified direct-response copywriting specialist, she also holds a Diploma in Project Management from the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM) and a CPA II from the Kenya Accountants and Secretaries National Examinations Board (KASNEB).