Views:0 | By: Lenah With the right idea, location, and commitment, you can launch a profitable venture with little capital and grow it steadily. Here are 10 businesses you can start in Kenya with low capital—including how much you could earn monthly.

1. Mitumba (Second-Hand Clothes)
Startup Capital: KSh1,000–30,000
Affordable fashion is always in demand, and mitumba sells fast in both estates and open markets. Small traders earn about KSh30,000–80,000 per month, while bigger stalls in busy areas can exceed KSh100,000.

2. Grocery/Kiosk Business
Startup Capital: KSh5,000–50,000
Everyday items like vegetables, fruits, sugar, and bread sell daily with quick turnover.
A small kiosk can make KSh25,000–60,000 per month, while a larger grocery shop in a busy estate can reach KSh100,000+.

3. Car Wash Services
Startup Capital: From KSh10,000–30,000 depending on setup
Car owners want quick, affordable cleaning—especially in Nairobi and other towns.
With 10–20 cars daily at KSh150–300 each, you can earn KSh45,000–90,000 per month. High-end car washes earn much more.

4. Home Baking & Catering
Startup Capital: KSh5,000–20,000 (oven, ingredients, packaging)
Cakes, mandazi, and snacks are in constant demand for birthdays, weddings, and daily consumption.
Part-time bakers make KSh20,000–50,000 per month; established ones with regular orders earn KSh80,000–150,000.

5. E-Commerce & Drop-Shipping
Startup Capital: KSh5,000–15,000 (website/online shop + marketing)
Online shopping is growing fast; you don’t need to stock items—just sell and have suppliers deliver.
Beginners make KSh20,000–40,000 per month; serious e-commerce stores can bring in KSh80,000–200,000+.

6. M-Pesa Agent Business
Startup Capital: KSh25,000–40,000 (float + licenses)
Mobile money is essential in Kenya, and transactions happen daily.
Busy locations generate KSh30,000–70,000 per month in commissions. Very prime spots can exceed KSh100,000.

7. Freelancing / Blogging / Virtual Assistance
Startup Capital: KSh5,000–10,000 (internet, laptop, phone)
Writing, design, social media, and blogging are growing globally. All you need are skills and consistency.
Freelancers earn KSh20,000–100,000 per month; successful blogs can make KSh50,000–200,000+ from ads and partnerships.

8. Food Vending (Snacks, Smokies, Eggs, Fruits)
Startup Capital: KSh5,000–25,000 (trolley, stock, permits)
Fast-moving, affordable food is popular in estates, bus stops, and campuses.
Daily earnings of KSh1,000–3,000 = KSh30,000–90,000 per month.

9. Poultry & Small-Scale Farming
Startup Capital: From KSh20,000 (chicks, feed, structure)
Eggs and chicken meat are always in demand in hotels, homes, and schools.
A small flock can generate KSh30,000–60,000 per month; scaling up pushes income beyond KSh100,000.

10. Soap Making & Cleaning Products
Startup Capital: KSh2,000–5,000 (chemicals and packaging)
Households,schools,and businesses need affordable cleaning.
Selling to locals, schools,and shops can bring in Ksh 20,000-50,000.