The high rate of unemployment in Kenya has become a major issue. Government and non-governmental organizations have identified self-employment as the solution to this issue. They have, therefore, provided resources to small and growing businesses.
There are so many businesses to start, but one must conduct thorough research to identify a viable business. It is also advisable to venture into a company that they are passionate about.
Here is a list of the top ten profitable businesses to start with less than 50k:
- General shop: To get daily household goods like sugar, flour, and salt, Kenyans use the nearest retail shops to buy them. The kiosk is one of those businesses that only requires a little capital and can generate profit, particularly in densely populated areas. To start this business, one has to identify an ideal location and follow the procedure for creating a general kiosk, i.e., getting a license.
Salon/ Barbershop: This is one of the first growing businesses in Kenya. One can establish these businesses to develop them into an executive setup. Offering quality services and maintaining a client base, especially in urban areas, can guarantee you a good profit margin. Securing a cheap premise and purchasing essential hair equipment can cost less than 50k.
- Selling Eggs, Smokies, samosas, and sausages: People love this kind of snack, and one can sell a good number of them in a day, especially in a bus stage. To start this business, one has to purchase a trolley, eggs, smokies, flour for baking samosas, onions, tomatoes, chilies, and charcoal, which might cost less than 50k. One can start with a small quantity as you gradually grow.
- Grocery shop/kibanda: the demand for fresh fruits and vegetables in urban areas is very high.50k is enough money for Mama Mboga to establish a kibanda, which will, in turn, raise a good amount of profit.
- Mobile money agent: Most Kenyans use various money transfers like Mpesa, Airtel Money, and T-cash, but the most popular one is Mpesa. Mesa shop, or any other money transfer shop, has recently become a great business opportunity that requires little capital to start and, in the end, accrues good profit. Setting up this business in a high-population area is one of the critical factors to consider.
- Dairy shop: Milk is in higher demand in urban areas. Consider a dairy shop if you are weighing up which business to start. Selling fresh and quality milk, you are sure to get quite a number of customers and good profits. Starting a milk shop can cost less than 50k. You need a reliable supplier for you to become successful. Later, as you grow, you can purchase milk at ATMs.
- Car wash: Many people own cars, and most owners are busy with their daily duties, making it difficult for them to wash their cars at home. This has created a Profitable business opportunity. One can start by handwashing; you can purchase the machine as the business grows. It would help if you also considered setting up your business in an accessible water source and a spacious place that fits several cars. You might also need people to assist you if you have several customers.
- Mitumba Business: Selling Mitumba clothes is the most profitable business that only requires a little capital. The demand for mitumba clothes is high because they are unique and affordable. You can start this business by choosing the best from those who open bales (cameras) and sell them at a higher price or open a bale.
- Fruit vendor: selling fruits is one of the most profitable businesses; with 50k, one can start selling fruits, and the demand for fruits, especially juicy ones like mangoes, has a very high demand. Selecting a good location with more people will assure you a good profit. You can set up a fruit vending business on the streets or the roadside, or you can also choose to deliver to customers in their places of work.
T-shirt printing: This is one of the businesses that many people need to learn about. Many would want to customize the t-shirts, jerseys, and hoodies. It only requires a little to establish and is the most profitable business. With a screen made from cheaply accessed materials and squeegee, you can start your t-shirt printing services. It would help if you considered an accessible place for your clients.
