26 Smartest Business Ideas With Little Capital In Kenya [2024]

We all would want to own a business in the country but are afraid to get started because we think we don’t have enough capital. You probably have searched endlessly for the smartest business ideas with little capital in Kenya but to no avail. 

But wait a second; how little is too little capital? Kenya allows people with as little as Ksh 1,000 or Ksh 2,000 to start a business. Other business ideas may require 5k, 10k, or even 30k, and those are the ones I’ll share.  

Do you know what they say about small businesses? “a small business is an amazing way not only to serve but also leave an impact on the world you live in,” according to American author Nicole Snow. 

You surely would want to leave an impact! I know I do, and I hope I can inspire you with these ideas to find your foothold and start grinding hard despite the harsh economic times. 

Here’s what you’ll learn from this piece:

• How to come up with a low-capital business idea in Kenya
• Five business ideas to start with 1k in Kenya
• Six business ideas to start with 2k in Kenya
• Four business ideas to start with 5k in Kenya
• Five business ideas to start with 10k in Kenya
• Six business ideas to start with 20k in Kenya

Here we go! 

In a hurry? Below is a summary of the best businesses to start with Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 30,000 in Kenya. 

Best Business Ideas to Start with Little Capital in Kenya

–	Business idea	Average Earning (Ksh)
1K Capital
1.	Mobile Hairdressing	Ksh 500 – Ksh 2,000 per day
2.	Beaded Jewelry	Ksh 500 – Ksh 1,000 per day
3.	Shoe Shining	Ksh 300 – Ksh 500 per day
4.	Liquid Soap Making	Ksh 1,000 profit
5.	Roasted Maize	Ksh 300 – Ksh 500 per day
2K Capital
6.	House Painting	Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 2,000 per day
7.	Mitumba Business	Ksh 500 – Ksh 1,000 profit
8.	Street Fruit Vending	Ksh 300 – Ksh 800 per day
9.	Online Freelancing	Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 5,000 per day
10.	YouTube Channel	Up to Ksh 150K or more per month
11.	Online Tutoring	Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 5,000 per day
5K Capital
12.	Street Food Selling	Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 3,000 per day
13.	Coffee Business	Ksh 300 – Ksh 500 per day
14.	Perfume Refill	Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 2,000 per day
15.	Ice Cream Vending	Ksh 300 – Ksh 500 per day
10K Capital
16.	Pima Weight	Ksh 300 – Ksh 500 per day
17.	Popcorn Business	Ksh 300 – Ksh 500 per day
18.	Small Barbershop	Ksh 300 – Ksh 1,000 per day
19.	Blogging Business	Ksh 2,000 – Ksh 200,000 per month
20.	Lunch Delivery Service	Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 2,000 per day
20K Capital
21.	Vacuum Cleaning	Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 2,000 per house
22.	Photocopy & Printing	Ksh 500 – Ksh 1,000 per day
23.	Daycare Business	Ksh 2,000 or more per day
24.	Nail Parlor	Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 3,000 per day
25.	Grocery Store	Ksh 500 –Ksh 1,000 per day
26.	Movie Shop	Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 2,000 per day

Ways to Develop Business Ideas for A Business to Start with Little Capital in Kenya

“Opportunities don’t happen; you’ve to create them,” advises American author and entrepreneur Chris Grosser. You have to find a smart way to invest your little capital, and here are some tips to help you develop business ideas with little capital in Kenya. 

1. Solve A Problem 

We all have problems, and within those problems lie opportunities. People want to pay for solutions, and it’s up to you to create one. But first, you ought to identify a problem. 

For instance, if the people in the neighborhood find it hard to clean their houses or do laundry because they are too busy, you can solve that problem by starting a cleaning service business. At Least that allows you to employ a few women from the neighborhood. 

2. Identify The Unmet Need 

What are consumers complaining about? What do they wish they had? Answering such questions can help you recognize underserved needs, which could form the basis of your business idea. 

For example, if you stay in a neighborhood that’s too dusty, you can start a shoe-shining business to target office workers who walk on foot. And if there’s a construction site with no nearby eateries, you can begin a launch delivery business. 

3. Look at Your Skillset 

What is it that you are so good at? You could be a handyman, a technician, a hairdresser, a marketer, a good cook, a writer, or a computer geek. 

For whatever skill you have, you can monetize it in Kenya. For example, you can start a home salon business if you have hairdressing skills, a home bakery business if you’ve baking skills, or a launch service if you are a good cook. 

4. Capitalize On Your Hobby 

We all have something we like doing, right? But have you ever thought of how you can monetize your hobby? For instance, if you enjoy writing, how about you try freelance writing or perhaps start a profitable blog? 

Besides a laptop, you don’t need much to start and can make much more as you grow. 

5. Invent – Create Something New 

‘Necessity is the mother of invention,’ so they say. Think of developing a product or service that answers people’s problems. When you do, they’ll pay you for it.

This is where you unleash the creative beast within you and distinguish yourself from the rest. More often, an invention takes more time and energy than money, so you must be ready for a few disappointments. 

6. Improve an Existing Idea 

As much as it’s wise to invent, no one forbids you from doing what has already been done – although better. The only exception is copyright work.

Let’s say many street vendors offer the same product; nothing stops you from providing the same. You have to make it better to catch the customer’s attention. 

7. Provide A Cheap Alternative 

Kenyans always want to save money, and that often means buying cheap. I’m talking of cheap, not in the sense of low quality but affordability. 

From meals to clothes, find something you can offer that’s cheaper than what’s there. For example, street food is more affordable than going to a restaurant, and financially you need less capital to sell food on the streets or in kiosks. 

8. Save People Time or Energy or Both 

Other than money, Kenyans want to save time and energy. For example, most construction workers and employers prefer that food is brought to them rather than them going to look for it. 

And when it comes to Mitumba clothes, you may make quicker sales by going to people’s homes rather than waiting along the road. 

Best Business Ideas with Little Capital in Kenya

Are you still stuck after going through the above tips? Then consider the low-capital business ideas shared below: 

Business Ideas to Start with 1k Capital in Kenya 

A thousand Kenyan shillings may be little, but it might be all you need to start your small business in Kenya. Here are ideas to inspire you: 

1. Mobile Hairdressing 

(Average Earning: Ksh 500 – Ksh 2,000 Per Day)

Are you a skilled hairdresser but do not have enough capital to open a salon? How about you become mobile? Start a mobile hairdressing business where you can make people’s hair at home. 

You need a few supplies to get started, which won’t cost you more than 1k; the clients will shoulder the rest. 

Assuming you charge Ksh 500 – Ksh 2,000 per client and get a client each day, you can make that much in a day.

2. Beaded Jewelry Business 

(Average Earning: Ksh 500 – Ksh 1,000 Per Day)

Think of making beaded jewelry like bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. All it takes are beads, beading cords, adhesives, and pliers. And with a packet of attractive beads going for about Ksh 100, 1K is more than enough to get started, and you can earn Ksh 500 – Ksh 1,000 as profit on a good day. 

3. Shoe Shining Business 

(Average Earning: Ksh 300 – Ksh 500 Per Day)

You can also start a shoe-shining business with 1k. The amount is enough for shoe polish and cream, brushes, a second-hand barber chair, and other small essentials. 

The best location for setting up this business is in town or along popular streets where you can make Ksh 300 – Ksh 500 daily. 

4. Liquid Soap Making Business 

(Average Earning: Ksh 1,000 Profit) 

With about Ksh 400, you can buy enough ingredients to make 10 liters of liquid soap or shampoo. That means you can make more than 20 liters if you invest 1k.

And when it comes to profit, you can sell a liter for Ksh 50 or more, giving you about Ksh 1,000 profit.

5. Roasted Maize Business

(Average Earning: Ksh 300 – Ksh 500 Profit Per Day)

Kenyans generally like roadside roasted maize. Though often overlooked, this can be a lucrative business. Let’s say you use Ksh 500 for maize and the other Ksh 500 for the additional supplies. You could make up to Ksh 300 – Ksh 500 profit on a good day. 

Business Ideas to Start with 2k Capital in Kenya 

Below are clever ways to invest Ksh 2,000 in Kenya and have good returns:

6. House Painting Business 

(Average Earning: Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 2,000 Per House)

House painting might be a dirty handy job, but it’s one of the best paying. Depending on the house’s size and the job’s complexity, you can charge Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 2,000 per house.

Regarding the supplies, the Ksh 2,000 will be enough to get the paint, brush, and masks you need to get started. 

7. Mitumba Selling (Piece by Piece)

(Average Earning: Average Ksh 500 – Ksh 1,000 Profit)

You don’t have to buy the whole bale to start a Mitumba business. You can buy from those with bales the pieces you want and sell them at a profit. 

Once you make enough, you can get into the bale buying and selling business. Depending on the clothes, you can make Ksh 500 – Ksh 1,000 profit from your Ksh 2k investment. 

8. Street Fruit Vending 

(Average Earning: Ksh 300 – Ksh 800 Profit)

Though many fruit vendors are on the street, there is still room for more. You can join the bandwagon and invest your Ksh 1k into fast-moving fruits like oranges, watermelons, bananas, and avocados. Your 2k could make you Ksh 300 – Ksh 800 profit on a good day. 

9. Online Freelancing 

(Average Earning: Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 5,000 Per Day)

Do you have a laptop or desktop at home? That’s what you need to get into online freelancing. Depending on the job, you can use the 2k for the internet bundles for the month and make Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 5,000 per day. 

Some of the best-paying online jobs you can do are freelance writing, editing, web design, virtual assistant, graphic design, and proofreading. 

10. YouTube Channel 

(Average Earning: Up to Ksh 150K or More Per Month)

Can you make exciting videos you could share online? The best place to do it is on YouTube. You can use your phone to create videos about anything, from tutorials to funny clips.

As for the Ksh 2,000, you can use it on the bundles, and depending on traffic, you can make up to Ksh 150K or more from views per month. 

11. Online Tutoring 

(Average Earning: Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 5,000 Per Day)

Are you a trained teacher or college graduate looking to make extra cash? Then consider online tutoring on PrePly, Chegg, TutorMe, OutSchool, and Skooli. 

You only need a laptop and can use the 2k on the bundles. On a good day, you could make Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 5,000 as an online tutor. 

Business Ideas to Start with 5k Capital in Kenya 

Now, if you’ve Ksh 5,000, below are intelligent ways to invest it: 

12. Street Food Selling 

(Average Earning: Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 3,000 Per Day)

Can you make Chapatti, Mandazi, Ugali, Githeri, chips, or other local delicacies on the street? Then you should give it a go, and 5k will just be enough to get started.

The best places are along busy roads and near markets and job sites where you can make Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 3,000 per day. 

13. Coffee Business 

(Average Earning: Ksh 300 – Ksh 500 Per Day)

Kenyans also enjoy coffee, which you can start selling with Ksh 5,000. The goal is to take advantage of employees who report to work so early and would want a quick coffee mid-morning.

When things are okay, you can make Ksh 300 – Ksh 500 per day, and you don’t have to work full-day. 

14. Perfume Refill Business 

(Average Earning: Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 2,000 Per Day)

The perfume refill business is among the fastest-growing businesses in the country, especially in town. Perhaps this is something you can invest your Ksh 5,000 in and get to make Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 2,000 on a good day.

15. Ice Cream Vending 

(Average Earning: Ksh 300 – Ksh 500 Per Day)

You probably often see ice cream vendors in town on a hot afternoon. That, however, doesn’t mean that you can’t join them. The 5k will be enough to get the ice-making supplies and ingredients, and you can make Ksh 300 – Ksh 500 per day.

Businesses Ideas to Start with 10k in Kenya 

Here are businesses to start with 10K capital. 

16. Pima Weight Business 

(Average Earning: Ksh 300 – Ksh 500 Per Day)

Weighing scales cost about Ksh 6,000 – Ksh 7,500 on Jumia and can support up to 300 kg. So, you’ll still have some money left from your 10k.

With this business, you can make Ksh 300 – Ksh 500 daily. You have to target a heavy-traffic street to do it. 

17. Popcorn Business 

(Average Earning: Ksh 300 – Ksh 500 Per Day)

You can get a decent popcorn-making machine for Ksh 7,000 – Ksh 8,000, leaving you at least Ksh 2,000 for the seeds bags and electricity. 

Given that most people like popcorn, you can make Ksh 300 – Ksh 500 daily, which is not bad if you run it alongside another business. 

18. Small Barbershop 

(Average Earning: Ksh 500 – Ksh 1,000 Per Day)

If you are a skilled barber, you can invest your 10k in a small barbershop in your neighborhood. You can get a cheap hair clipper for Ksh 3,000 – Ksh 5,000 to start with, and the rest can take care of the rent (about 2 – 3k), chair, and other necessities.

On average, you can make Ksh 500 –  Ksh 1,000 a day.

19. Blogging Business 

(Average Earning: Ksh 2,000 – Ksh 200,000 Per Month) 

Blogging is another business you can pursue with a 10k investment and make 2k – 200k monthly. The 10k will take care of the domain registration and hosting for a year, which may cost you about 5 – 8k, depending on the hosting company.

I, however, recommend Bluehost for the best uptime and customer support experience. 

20. Lunch Delivery Business 

(Average Earning: Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 2,000 Per Day)

How about you put your cooking skill to a more lucrative use? I’m suggesting you start a lunch delivery business where you get to deliver lunch to business people and office workers who don’t have time to go for lunch. 

The Ksh 10,000 will be enough to get you started, and you can make Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 2,000 per day. 

Business Ideas to Start with 20k in Kenya 

Consider these investment ideas if you’ve Ksh 20,000 to start a business in Kenya. 

21. Vacuum Cleaning Business 

(Average Earning: Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 2,000 Per House)

Vacuum cleaning may not be as popular as laundry care, but it’s picking up. With a decent vacuum cleaner, which will cost about 15k, you can vacuum people’s homes, especially those in towns, making Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 2,000 per house. 

22. Photocopy and Printing Business 

(Average Earning: Ksh 500 – Ksh 1,000 Per Day) 

You can also invest your 20k in a photocopy and printing business. If you go new, you can get a medium photocopy and printing machine for about 10k and use the rest for the other supplies and rent. And if you choose a good location, such as near schools, you could make Ksh 500 – Ksh 1,000 daily. 

23. Daycare Business 

(Average Earning: Ksh 2,000 or More Per Day) 

Do you have an extra spacious room at home that you can turn into a daycare? If you don’t, rent one for around Ksh 5,000 – Ksh 8,000 and use the rest on the license/permit, kids’ toy, and learning essentials. 

If you get at least 20 kids and charge them Ksh 100 daily, you’ll make at least 2K daily. 

24. Nail Parlor 

(Average Earning: Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 3,000 Per Day)

You should start a nail parlor if you can do pedicures and manicures and put on artificial nails (stick-on). It doesn’t have to be glamorous as that’ll cost much money, but you can make it simple and intimate with a 20k investment.

On a good day, you can make Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 3,000 per day. 

25. Grocery Store 

(Average Earning: Ksh 500 – Ksh 1,000 Per Day)

Another lucrative business idea to invest 20k in is a grocery store. These businesses do well in urban areas where you can sell various food products ranging from vegetables and fruits to cereals and animal products. On a good day, you can make Ksh 500 – Ksh 1,000.

26. Movie Shop 

(Average Earning: Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 2,000 Per Day)

Lastly, you can use the 20k to start a movie shop. Like most businesses on this list, a movie shop will do good in an urban neighborhood where you can find the highest population of movie fans. 

Depending on the day, you can make Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 2,000. Just ensure you get a license before starting and avoid copyrighted local content. 

Concluding Thought On Business Ideas with Little Capital in Kenya:

Cumulatively, you’ve at least 26 business ideas that do not require more than 20k. It’s all about making the wisest choice, and by considering your strengths and drive, you can start whatever business and run it.

For clarification on something mentioned in the piece, kindly talk to us on social media, and we’ll happily respond. 

Also Read:

• Businesses to Start with No Investment
• How to Make 5K Fast (11 Ideas!)
• Small Profitable Business Ideas in Kenya