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Starting a business in Kenya doesn’t always require a huge amount of capital. With as little as Ksh 50,000, you can launch a profitable venture that grows over time. Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or a full-time business, this guide covers 50 low-cost, high-profit business ideas you can start today.
Why Start a Business with 50K in Kenya?
- Low risk – You won’t lose huge investments if things don’t work out.
- Quick returns – Many small businesses generate daily or weekly income.
- Flexibility – You can start part-time while keeping your job.
- Scalability – Some businesses can grow into large enterprises over time.
Now, let’s dive into the best business ideas you can start with 50K or less in Kenya.
1. Food & Beverage Business Ideas
1. Fruit & Vegetable Stand
- Capital: 10K – 50K
- Profit Potential: 5K – 20K daily
Sell fresh fruits & veggies in high-traffic areas.
2. Smokies & Sausages Business
- Capital: 10K – 30K
- Profit Potential: 500 – 2K per day
A fast-selling street food with high demand.
3. Home-Based Bakery
- Capital: 20K – 50K
- Profit Potential: 10K – 50K monthly
Sell cakes, mandazis, or cookies from home.
4. Packaged Drinking Water (Ice Water)
- Capital: 15K – 50K
- Profit Potential: 300 – 1K per day
Sell chilled bottled water in busy areas.
5. Tea & Coffee Hawking
- Capital: 5K – 15K
- Profit Potential: 500 – 3K daily
Ideal near offices and construction sites.
2. Retail & Supply Business Ideas
6. Second-Hand Clothes (Mitumba)
- Capital: 10K – 50K
- Profit Potential: 10K – 50K monthly
Source from Gikomba and sell in local markets.
7. Mobile Airtime & Bills Payment
- Capital: 5K – 15K
- Profit Potential: 200 – 1K daily
Use apps like PesaPal, M-Pesa, or Airtel Money.
8. Beauty & Cosmetics Shop
- Capital: 20K – 50K
- Profit Potential: 10K – 30K monthly
Stock lotions, wigs, braids, and nail polish.
9. Phone Accessories Kiosk
- Capital: 15K – 50K
- Profit Potential: 5K – 20K monthly
Sell earphones, chargers, and phone cases.
10. Cereals & Groceries Retail
- Capital: 20K – 50K
- Profit Potential: 5K – 15K weekly
Stock rice, sugar, flour, and cooking oil.
3. Online & Digital Business Ideas
11. Freelance Writing
- Capital: 0 – 5K (for internet)
- Profit Potential: 10K – 100K monthly
Offer blog writing on Fiverr or Upwork.
12. Social Media Management
- Capital: 0 – 10K
- Profit Potential: 15K – 50K monthly
Manage business pages for brands.
13. Print-on-Demand T-Shirts
- Capital: 10K – 30K
- Profit Potential: 5K – 50K monthly
Design & sell custom T-shirts online.
14. Affiliate Marketing
- Capital: 0 – 5K
- Profit Potential: 5K – 100K monthly
Promote products & earn commissions.
15. YouTube Channel (Monetized)
- Capital: 5K – 20K (for basic equipment)
- Profit Potential: 10K – 500K monthly
Create viral content & earn from ads.
4. Service-Based Business Ideas
16. Laundry Services
- Capital: 20K – 50K
- Profit Potential: 15K – 50K monthly
Offer washing & ironing for busy professionals.
17. Home Cleaning Services
- Capital: 5K – 20K
- Profit Potential: 10K – 40K monthly
Clean homes & offices for a fee.
18. Car Wash Business
- Capital: 20K – 50K
- Profit Potential: 15K – 70K monthly
Set up near busy roads or estates.
19. Event Photography
- Capital: 30K – 50K (camera & editing)
- Profit Potential: 10K – 100K per event
Cover weddings, birthdays & corporate events.
20. Shoe Repair Kiosk
- Capital: 10K – 30K
- Profit Potential: 500 – 3K daily
A low-cost business with steady demand.
5. Farming & Agribusiness Ideas
21. Poultry Farming (Kienyeji Chicken)
- Capital: 20K – 50K
- Profit Potential: 10K – 50K monthly
Sell eggs & meat to local markets.
22. Rabbit Farming
- Capital: 15K – 40K
- Profit Potential: 10K – 30K monthly
High demand for rabbit meat in urban areas.
23. Mushroom Farming
- Capital: 10K – 30K
- Profit Potential: 15K – 50K monthly
Fast-growing & profitable agribusiness.
24. Urban Vegetable Farming
- Capital: 10K – 30K
- Profit Potential: 5K – 20K monthly
Grow spinach, kale, or tomatoes in sacks.
25. Bee Keeping (Honey Production)
- Capital: 20K – 50K
- Profit Potential: 10K – 50K monthly
Sell pure honey to supermarkets.
6. Creative & Handmade Business Ideas
26. Handmade Jewelry
- Capital: 5K – 20K
- Profit Potential: 5K – 30K monthly
Sell beaded necklaces & bracelets online.
27. Customized Gift Baskets
- Capital: 10K – 30K
- Profit Potential: 5K – 25K monthly
Package & sell for birthdays & weddings.
28. DIY Home Decor
- Capital: 10K – 30K
- Profit Potential: 10K – 50K monthly
Make wall art, candles, or woven baskets.
29. Thrift Store (Online or Physical)
- Capital: 20K – 50K
- Profit Potential: 15K – 60K monthly
Resell second-hand items at a profit.
30. Leather Sandals & Bags
- Capital: 15K – 40K
- Profit Potential: 10K – 50K monthly
Handmade leather products sell well.
7. Transport & Logistics Business Ideas
31. Boda Boda Transport
- Capital: 30K – 50K (down payment)
- Profit Potential: 500 – 3K daily
A reliable daily income source.
32. Courier Services
- Capital: 20K – 50K
- Profit Potential: 15K – 50K monthly
Deliver parcels within your town.
33. Bicycle Delivery Service
- Capital: 10K – 30K
- Profit Potential: 5K – 20K monthly
Deliver groceries & documents.
34. Car Hire (Tuko-Tuko)
- Capital: 30K – 50K (deposit)
- Profit Potential: 20K – 80K monthly
Rent out your car for events.
35. Mobile Car Wash
- Capital: 10K – 30K
- Profit Potential: 10K – 40K monthly
Wash cars at clients’ homes or offices.
8. Health & Wellness Business Ideas
36. Gym & Fitness Coaching
- Capital: 20K – 50K
- Profit Potential: 15K – 100K monthly
Offer personal training sessions.
37. Herbal Products (Aloe Vera, Moringa)
- Capital: 10K – 30K
- Profit Potential: 10K – 50K monthly
Make & sell natural health products.
38. Massage Therapy
- Capital: 10K – 30K
- Profit Potential: 15K – 60K monthly
Mobile or home-based massage services.
39. Organic Skincare Products
- Capital: 15K – 40K
- Profit Potential: 10K – 50K monthly
Make & sell natural soaps & lotions.
40. Healthy Meal Prep Delivery
- Capital: 20K – 50K
- Profit Potential: 15K – 70K monthly
Sell to fitness enthusiasts & offices.
9. Tech & Repair Business Ideas
41. Phone & Laptop Repair
- Capital: 20K – 50K
- Profit Potential: 15K – 100K monthly
High demand for repair services.
42. Solar Products Retail
- Capital: 20K – 50K
- Profit Potential: 10K – 50K monthly
Sell solar lamps & chargers.
43. CCTV Installation
- Capital: 30K – 50K
- Profit Potential: 20K – 100K monthly
Offer security solutions to homes & shops.
44. Computer Training Classes
- Capital: 20K – 50K
- Profit Potential: 15K – 60K monthly
Teach basic IT skills in your area.
45. Drone Photography Services
- Capital: 40K – 50K (used drone)
- Profit Potential: 20K – 150K monthly
Cover events & real estate projects.
10. Other Unique Business Ideas
46. Pet Grooming Services
- Capital: 15K – 40K
- Profit Potential: 10K – 50K monthly
Pet owners pay well for grooming.
47. Airbnb Hosting (Renting a Room)
- Capital: 20K – 50K (for furnishing)
- Profit Potential: 15K – 100K monthly
List a spare room on Airbnb.
48. Car Tracking Device Sales
- Capital: 20K – 50K
- Profit Potential: 20K – 80K monthly
Sell & install tracking systems.
49. Kids’ Party Planning
- Capital: 20K – 50K
- Profit Potential: 15K – 70K monthly
Organize birthdays & school events.
50. Freelance CV Writing
- Capital: 0 – 5K
- Profit Potential: 10K – 50K monthly
Help job seekers create winning CVs.
Final Thoughts
Starting a business with 50K in Kenya is possible if you choose the right idea. Focus on low-cost, high-demand ventures with quick returns. Whether you prefer food, retail, online, or service-based businesses, there’s something for everyone.
Which business will you start? Let us know in the comments!
📌 Pro Tip: Start small, test the market, and scale up as you grow.
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