In 2025, Kenya is expected to offer a fertile ground for business growth driven by various factors such as a supportive policy environment (by the government) and technological advancements. Additionally, the country’s youthful population is definitely driving innovation and change.
Kenya, known for its untapped potential and resilience, presents great opportunities for entrepreneurs with different budgets. As such, significant opportunities have opened up for small businesses in the past few years. This has helped entrepreneurs to start their businesses with minimal capital, thus creating more income opportunities.
In this segment, we discusses some of the relatable small business ideas to start with a small budget.
Start a Barbershop
Grooming services are an integral part of daily activities, thus making barbershop services essential in society. If you are seeking for a small business idea, a barbershop should be one of your priorities.
To start this business, you need the right tools and a working permit. The basic startup cost is broken down below:
- Rent (one month)—at least Shs 5000
- Equipment
Towels/basins/aprons—at least 5000
Clippers—From Shs 3000
Chairs—from 5000
Mirrors as from SHS 2000
- Licensing
Business permit—From Shs 5000 to 15000 (depending on your county).
Health certificate– from Shs 3000 – 5000
This business can be set up in both rural and urban areas. For you to reap great profit from a barbershop, you should consider good customer service, favorable pricing, and, most importantly, having it located in a business-oriented area.
Secondhand Clothes (Mitumba)
The mitumba business in Kenya involves selling secondhand clothes. Serving both large and small importers to small traders, the Mitumba business is another excellent small business idea. This business has also created employment opportunities for many young people in the country. The key drivers of the success of the mitumba business are affordability, variety, and durability.
The most important part is that a small-scale entrepreneur with an initial capital of as low as Shs 1,000 can venture into the business.
- How to start a mitumba business in Kenya
If you fail to be strategic, you may not succeed no matter how much you invest. You simply have to do your research (on your market) and choose a strategic location. You should also choose the right niche, as it’s essential for success. You may want to specialize in children’s clothes, vintage designs, shoes, or even women’s clothes.
Thereafter, identify a supplier who is capable of delivering high-quality products. This will eventually build relationships with reliable, high-quality sources, thus thriving in the mitumba business.
Start a bar soap production business
It’s a fact that everybody uses soaps, be it in rural or urban areas, at home or at school. This definitely makes it a product with high demand. If you’re a small-scale entrepreneur, a soap production business is another considerable idea.
Interestingly, making a bar soap is a form of art that can turn into a well-paying venture.
Soap business is not only a profitable venture but also an incredible small business idea: its minimum investment cost is as low as Shs 5000.
Blogging/Content creation
In the digital world, blogging and content creation are incredible ways to make money. This involves creating high-quality content on your own blog and getting rewarded through monetization.
First, you must purchase a domain (from Shs 1000) and host your website (from 2000-5000) on the basic plan. Thereafter, you’re required to design your website to desired features. After your website is ready, you can now choose a niche and make valuable content.
Lastly, monetize your content through various platforms such as Google AdSense, Ezoic, Mediavine, MonetizeMore, and Google Ad Manager. You can also earn from your blog via affiliate marketing, selling services, or selling goods. Blogging is definitely an advisable small business idea that can help you generate recurring income.
