Are there really any businesses to start in Kenya with 5K? What if I tell you there are a number of them? I know, 5k seems quite a dismal amount to venture into business but there are businesses in Kenya where you can actually start with that amount or even less. The main point here is to get your hands on something that at the end of the day will earn you some cash. Today therefore we are going to look at businesses to start with 5k in Kenya.
Let’s roll.
Businesses to start with 5k in Kenya
1. Make and Sell Pillows
There are different types of pillows ranging from sofa pillows, throw pillows, and bed pillows. A pillow cushion from Gikomba goes for around 70 to 150. Additionally, You will also find a fundi who can make them for you at a cheaper price. All you need to do is to get all the required material.
You can then market your pillows around your neighborhood and even online. Online especially social media platforms seem to be a go-to place to find potential customers particularly Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can either hire influencers or use ads to promote your pillows at a relatively lower cost. Don’t forget to tell your friends and family about your venture too.
2. Drinking Water Distribution
This is another business that does not require much in terms of capital. Target areas where people experience water scarcity, uptown areas, and areas with salty water. Almost all of the Nairobi metropolitan depend on borehole water thanks to the short and unreliable supply of water by the city water company.
Of all the borehole water, nearly half turn out to be salty hence not suitable for drinking and cooking and that is where you come in.
Start out by distributing flyers and telling people what you do. Once you get your first three clients then you are good to go.
Buy bottled water, especially from 10 liters and above from a trusted brand at a wholesale price, and do deliveries upon request. One word of caution though, don’t overcharge.
3. Design, Make and Sell Gift Bags
If you are creative, then you can tap on this opportunity by designing gift bags that are beautiful and appealing to buyers.
The materials won’t cost you more than 5k because the materials are cheap and readily available. All you need is a few tutorials which most of which are found on youtube.
The best way to market your bags is online, especially on social platforms. You can also reach out to individual businesses and offer to make them customized bags for their products.
4. Underwears and Socks
Almost everyone has a pair or more of undergarments or socks therefore a lucrative business one can start. They range from underwear, panties, bra, vests, and boxers. With your 5k at hand, you will be able to stock enough and make good money selling them.
Make sure you get a good supplier with a good price for a higher chance of ripping good profits.
5. Make and Sell Doormats
You can easily learn mat-making skills on youtube and make a living out of it. It is very lucrative as you can spend 3,000 on materials that would make three mats and one mat goes for around 3,000 shillings.
All you need is the skill, needles, mat mesh, scissors, crotchet, and wool. A nice mat would definitely attract a buyer so be good at it and see it grow to be a great venture.
6. Sell and Install Wallpaper
Many people are opting for wallpapers to avoid conflicts with their landlords over painting walls. Now, why not be the one to sell the wallpapers to them? Or better yet, install the wallpapers at a fee? It’s a good business with a limited number of people engaged in it.
Eastleigh is the best place to find wallpapers at a cheaper price normally around 1,000 per roll. You can then sell them at 2,000 inclusive of installation fees.
You also can complement your wallpaper hustle with TV mounting as these ventures seem to go hand in hand with each other.
7. Sell Mitumba Shoes and Clothes
85% of Kenyans have embraced mitumba clothes and that is great in a business point of view. There is a great market for both mitumba clothes and shoes and all that is required of you is to start out. Gikomba is the best among the rest in places where you can find second-hand clothes at a cheap price.
Find a good wholesaler. By good I mean one with great products be it T-Shirts, Shirts, dresses, etc at a competitive price. Location determines whether you will sell or not so be very particular. A place with many people passing is an ideal choice.
8. Perfume Refilling Business
The perfume business is quickly gaining momentum in the Kenyan space, therefore, being one of the most lucrative businesses in Kenya to start on a low budget.
Start by buying small container perfumes at around 100 shillings and reselling them for at least Ksh 180. Master what your customers need and deliver. That way you will grow.
5K isn’t enough to buy stock as well as rent a space therefore you can reach out to someone you know that has a space already up and running especially a boutique, M-PESA shop, or a salon. That way you can tap on their already existing customers.
9. Selling and registering mobile lines
Kenyan mobile companies such as Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom are looking for new subscribers. They do so through agents who register new subscribers. With the 5k, you can be one of them, earning a handsome commission of over 18,000 every month.
All you need is an agent’s line used to register new subscribers and a place with huge traffic mostly around bus stations.
10. Selling ice cream
We all love ice creams, especially on a hot sunny day.
This is another business you can comfortably start with 5k. Once you know how to make ice cream, target high-traffic places like learning institutions, parks, and busy streets for a better chance of success.
