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| Profitable Businesses You Can Start in Kenya With Between KSh 20,000 and KSh 30,000 |
Starting a business in Kenya no longer requires millions. With as little as KSh 20,000 to KSh 30,000, aspiring entrepreneurs can kick off a small yet profitable venture. In today’s harsh economy, especially with youth unemployment and limited job opportunities, many Kenyans are turning to low-capital businesses as a practical solution. Here are some viable business ideas you can start within this budget — practical, tested, and profitable.
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1. M-Pesa Agency (Sub-agent Model)
While setting up a full M-Pesa shop may cost upwards of KSh 100,000, you can start as a sub-agent with Safaricom through a master agent. Some master agents allow you to operate under their float, meaning your main cost is rent (a small kiosk or shop), a second-hand phone, and branding.
Capital breakdown: Phone - KSh 5,000, Signage - KSh 2,000, Table and Chair - KSh 3,000, Initial float - KSh 10,000, Rent - KSh 5,000
Expected monthly profit: Between KSh 7,000 to KSh 20,000 depending on location and traffic
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2. Smokie and Egg Business
A favorite for those operating in high-traffic areas like bus stops, estates, or near learning institutions. It is easy to start and manage, and you only need a trolley, a jiko, and stock.
Capital breakdown: Smokie trolley - KSh 12,000, Jiko & charcoal - KSh 3,000, Initial stock - KSh 8,000, Miscellaneous - KSh 2,000
Profit margin: Profit per smokie can be KSh 10-15; if you sell 100 daily, that’s over KSh 30,000 per month
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3. Mitumba (Second-hand clothes) Business
Gikomba and other wholesale markets in Kenya offer bales and selected pieces at affordable rates. You can begin by selling “camera” pieces (best-quality clothes) from the market and reselling them at a profit.
Capital breakdown: Stock - KSh 15,000, Rent (small stall) - KSh 3,000, Display & branding - KSh 2,000, Transport & miscellaneous - KSh 5,000
Expected profits: KSh 500 to KSh 1,500 per day depending on stock and selling location
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4. Mobile Phone Accessories Business
The demand for chargers, earphones, phone covers, screen protectors, and USB cables is ever-growing. These items are cheap to source and have high markups.
Capital breakdown: Wholesale stock - KSh 18,000, Display cabinet - KSh 4,000, Rent (stall or space) - KSh 4,000, Miscellaneous - KSh 2,000
Profit margin: Items have 50% to 100% profit margins. You can earn KSh 1,000+ daily in busy locations
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5. Online Freelancing Business (e.g., Transcription, Article Writing)
You don’t need a physical shop or rent. All you need is a decent phone or laptop and internet. Transcription and writing platforms like Upwork, Rev, and Fiverr offer endless opportunities.
Capital breakdown: Smartphone or second-hand laptop - KSh 18,000, Internet bundles - KSh 2,000, Training or course - KSh 5,000
Income potential: Beginners can earn KSh 10,000–30,000 monthly; experienced freelancers earn over KSh 50,000
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6. Fresh Juice and Fruit Salad Business
Health-conscious lifestyles are making this a booming street business. With a blender, a few fruits, and serving materials, you’re good to go. Great for estate areas, market sides, and busy roads.
Capital breakdown: Blender - KSh 4,500, Fruits & supplies - KSh 5,000, Table, utensils & branding - KSh 5,000, Rent or space license - KSh 2,000
Daily profit: Ranges from KSh 500 to KSh 1,500 depending on location
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7. Popcorn Making Business
Popcorn is easy to make and has low operating costs. This business thrives in estates, schools, cinema areas, and churches.
Capital breakdown: Popcorn machine (local) - KSh 12,000, Maize & oil stock - KSh 4,000, Branded packaging - KSh 3,000, Table & display - KSh 3,000
Profit potential: Daily profit can reach KSh 500–1,200 depending on foot traffic
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8. Beauty Products Reselling
Items like makeup, lotions, roll-ons, and hair oils can be bought wholesale in areas like Dubois Road (Nairobi) or online stores like Jumia and sold at a profit.
Capital breakdown: Stock - KSh 20,000, Branding, packaging & marketing - KSh 5,000, Transport - KSh 2,000
Profit margin: Most products offer up to 50% profit, with higher margins on makeup kits and perfumes
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9. Boiled Githeri and Beans Business
This is a daily staple for many Kenyans in urban and rural areas. Targeting construction sites, garages, or small offices can yield daily income.
Capital breakdown: Cooking pot & jiko - KSh 4,000, Stock - KSh 4,000, Plastic containers & serving bowls - KSh 2,000, Space license - KSh 1,500
Daily income: KSh 400–KSh 800; Monthly income up to KSh 20,000
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10. Mobile Shoe Cleaning and Repair
This is an emerging trend especially in urban estates, offices, and campuses. A well-packaged shoe cleaning service can become very profitable.
Capital breakdown: Shoe polish, brushes, detergents, and basin - KSh 3,000, Branding materials - KSh 2,000, Apron, gloves, bucket - KSh 2,000, Marketing & flyers - KSh 3,000
Profit potential: Cleaning charge per pair: KSh 100–200. With 10 clients a day, expect KSh 30,000+ monthly
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Final Word
The key to making any of these low-cost businesses profitable lies in location, consistency, marketing, and reinvesting your profits. Many Kenyan millionaires today started with less than KSh 30,000 — what separates them from others is the drive to start and the discipline to grow.
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If you're waiting for the “perfect” business idea or a huge loan, you may wait forever. Choose what matches your passion, start small, and scale gra
dually. Kenya’s streets are full of opportunity — all you need is to take the first step.
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