Starting a business in Kenya no longer needs millions. With as little as Sh20,000, you can begin small and grow with time.
One affordable idea is the mitumba business. You can start by selling second-hand clothes at local markets like Gikomba or Toi Market. According to traders, some mitumba bales start from as low as Sh5,000.
Another option is the small food vending business. Preparing and selling chapati, smokies, boiled eggs, and mandazi can earn you quick daily profits. Some vendors make up to Sh1,000 per day in busy areas.
Mobile phone accessories also provide a good opportunity. With less than Sh20,000, you can buy earphones, phone cases, and chargers in wholesale shops in Luthuli Avenue.
If you have basic baking skills, starting a small cake or snack business is possible. Some youths are baking cupcakes from home and making up to Sh500 profit per day using small ovens.
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Selling drinking water and juice along busy roads or offices is also profitable. Some people sell 500ml bottled water at Sh30, which they buy at Sh15 in wholesale.
Shoe shining services are another smart choice. In bus stations and town centers, some shoe shiners make over Sh500 per day using a startup kit that costs less than Sh10,000.
You can also explore freelancing services like writing, graphic design, or online marketing. Many young Kenyans now earn from freelancing platforms like Upwork and Fiverr using just a smartphone or borrowed laptop.
Printing and photocopying is another low-cost option. Some people start by hiring space within an existing shop to save on rent and equipment costs.
Even though these businesses need little capital, they require discipline and good customer service to grow.
In conclusion, small businesses are possible even with low savings. With creativity and consistency, many Kenyans are turning Sh20,000 into successful daily hustles.
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