10 Profitable Small Businesses Kenyans Are Starting with Less Than Ksh 10,000 (2025)
Starting a business in Kenya doesn’t need millions. With as little as Ksh 1,000 to 10,000, you can launch a smart hustle that grows with time. Here are 10 low-capital ideas perfect for young entrepreneurs, students, and stay-at-home parents in 2025:
1. Selling Smokies and Eggs
With a trolley or even a simple basin, you can start selling smokies, boiled eggs, and kachumbari in busy areas.
Startup Cost: Ksh 2,000 – 5,000
2. M-Pesa Sub Agent
Become a sub-agent under a licensed M-Pesa agent. You’ll need float money and basic registration.
Startup Cost: Ksh 8,000 – 10,000
3. Kinyozi (Barber) on the Go
Buy a portable clipper and offer home visits or rent a chair in an existing Kinyozi.
Startup Cost: Ksh 3,000 – 7,000
4. Uji Power and Cereal Selling
Selling hot uji in estates or packed cereals (like ndengu and rice) in small quantities earns well.
Startup Cost: Ksh 2,000 – 5,000
5. Mitumba Bales by Pieces
Instead of full bales, buy sorted mitumba clothes and resell them at a profit online or by hawking.
Startup Cost: Ksh 1,500 – 5,000
6. Freelance Work Online
Offer writing, data entry, transcription, or graphic design services via platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
Startup Cost: Internet + smartphone or laptop
7. Fruit Selling at Estates
Buy fruits in bulk from Marikiti or Gikomba and resell them door-to-door or at a roadside stand.
Startup Cost: Ksh 3,000 – 6,000
8. Making Liquid Soap or Detergents
Learn to make soap from online tutorials and start selling to households and shops.
Startup Cost: Ksh 2,500 – 5,000
9. Car Wash with Buckets
Start by washing cars manually in residential areas—no machine needed.
Startup Cost: Buckets, soap, sponge (Ksh 1,000 – 2,000)
10. TikTok and Facebook Market Reseller
Use free social media to resell household items, clothing, or cosmetics. Partner with suppliers.
Startup Cost: Smartphone + bundles
Final Word
You don’t need a lot of money—just consistency and creativity. Tafuta biashara leo, anza na kidogo, grow na bidii!