17 Most Profitable Businesses to Start in Kenya

ByTristram Ouma

Mar 13, 2022
Most profitable businesses

Last updated on March 2nd, 2024 at 05:46 pm

In this post, I will discuss about unique and most profitable businesses in Kenya. Also, In this list, you will be able to find which demanding business in Kenya can fit your capital or if you have enough you can pick from any of it.

Are you ready? Let’s dive into it.

Which are the most profitable businesses in Kenya 2023?

  • Travel Agency Business
  • Boda Boda Business
  • Cake Making Business
  • Garbage Collection Business
  • Mobile Money Transfer
  • Photography Business
  • Car Washes Business
  • Web Design and Other Digital Services
  • Taxi Business
  • Spare- parts Sales Businesses in Kenya
  • Catering business
  • Cereal Shop
  • Hardware Business
  • Fruit Vending Business
  • Start a Butchery Business
  • Start a Coffee Shop Business

Here is a list of the most profitable businesses ideas in Kenya that you need to start even if you don’t have that much:

1. Travel Agency business

With an increasing number of individuals seeking to travel to learn more about their nation and other countries, the travel agency industry in Kenya is becoming a unique and one of the most profitable businesses idea.

You don’t need a fleet of vehicles, buses, planes, or jets to start a travel agency in Kenya. You simply need to become a certified partner with an existing tour operator, choose the finest sites for people to visit, and allow them to sign up for the trip.

The difference between what clients pay you and what you pay the firm is your profit in this business.

Therefore, a profitable travel agency can roughly earn 100k per month or more.

With enough time, you might be able to save enough money to purchase your buses, planes, and jets.

2. Boda Boda business in Kenya( one of the demanding businesses in Kenya)

Most people still live in doubt that If Boda Boda is the most profitable business ideas in Kenya.

Don’t dismiss or dismiss the thought of owning a fleet of Boda Bodas, okay? It’s a lucrative enterprise with a lot of potential for profit. See why farther down.

According to statistics, there are approximately 600,000 commercial bikes (Boda Boda) in the country, out of a total of 4.8 million motorcycles.

Fair enough, most Boda Boda operators earn around Ksh. 1,000 per day, implying that the Boda Boda sub-sector earns around Ksh. 500 million every day.

The Boda Boda industry has been thriving in Kenya since the Kenyan government eliminated import taxes on motorcycles. Another aspect is that commerce is transnational.

You’ll need experienced and licensed riders, as well as some motorcycles, to get started.

However, a decent motorcycle costs between Ksh. 60,000 and Ksh. 180,000. This capital, on the other hand, is for individuals who want to ride a single motorcycle. This sum will be used to purchase a new motorcycle helmet, as well as insurance, fuel, and safety gear.

Why not invest in a few motorcycles and get started on this most lucrative businesses in Kenya?

Also read: how to register a business in Kenya

3. Cake Making Business in Kenya

Cakes are in high demand these days, as practically every occasion necessitates one. Birthdays, marriages, graduations, business festivities, baby showers, bridal showers, and even smaller servings for individuals who simply love to eat cake in the absence of all of these events are all possibilities.

To start the most profitable cake-making business in Kenya you’ll need outstanding baking and marketing skills, as little as Ksh.50,000, and a perfect location to start a cake-making firm.

Also, make sure your company has a strong web presence and that your clients are getting a decent deal.

4. Garbage collection Business-Unique Business idea in Kenya

Garbage collection is one of the most profitable businesses in Kenya. Following the county government’s devolution of rubbish collection, private companies can now provide this service to people in estates and municipalities.

If you’re thinking about beginning a business ideas, waste collection can be a good place to start.

And, because it isn’t yet packed, there’s a lot of money to be made due to the lower collection. Also, as more real estate businesses seek to develop properties outside of major cities, the future of waste pickup appears promising. As a result, there will be more dwellings for which to provide services.

The first thing you should do is visit a few residences and negotiate a fee for collecting from them. Maybe Ksh. 2000 each month and you’ll be OK.

5. Mobile Money Transfer Business

These are most profitable businesses ideas to start in Kenya. The practice of sending money through mobile phones is here to stay, which means that mobile money businesses like Airtel and Mpesa will be there for a long time. Kwa Jirani, KCB and Equity agent, is in the same boat.

Starting a mobile money transfer business is a fairly simple process. All you need is money in your account, a suitable location with foot traffic, and a secure shop to rent. You might begin with the Mpesa shop and work your way up to other services.

Starting a Mpesa business is the most profitable mobile money business idea you can start, and doing so automatically makes you an agent for Safaricom, Kenya’s leading mobile money service provider.

6. Photography Business in Kenya– Another demanding business idea in Kenya

Photography is a most profitable businesses idea in Kenya, and it’s quickly becoming one of the country’s most profitable industries.

Nonetheless, Photographers are in high demand from both individuals seeking a personal portrait and businesses seeking coverage for workplace events and celebrations.

In this business, having a good camera, the correct lenses, outstanding photography skills, and a presence on social media is the best way to get started.

As a photographer, you have the option of focusing on a certain topic or branching out into other areas.

You have an eye for capturing everything as a photographer. Nature, the scenery, weddings, birthdays, and any other type of occasion are all examples of this. You must, however, choose a specialty.

7. Car wash Business in Kenya

The vehicle wash business is a service industry that, if done well, may help you earn a lot of money. It includes taking care of vehicles, such as washing them to make them more appealing and increasing their resale value.

Because individuals with higher incomes are ready to spend more money on their automobiles, the most profitable car wash businesses in Kenya include services like car detailing.

Car washes are common in most neighborhoods and cities, so if you open one, you’ll be in good business.

8. Web Design and Other Digital Services

Having an online presence is the next big thing for businesses all across the world, and Kenya is following suit.

Fortunately, there are few digital service providers, which means there is a large market ready to be exploited.

Offering web design services is one way to break into this market (you can easily learn how to make a website online for free or by attending a short-term course at one of the many institutions).

Following site design, you can expand your digital services to include digital marketing, social media management, and search engine optimization, among other things.

9. Taxi Business in Kenya

To start a taxi business in Kenya, you must meet the following criteria: You must be at least 21 years old, have passed your driving test, and have three years of experience behind the wheel.

 

Make sure the interior and exterior of the car are constantly clean and tidy.

Hire drivers who are qualified and experienced, as well as those who meet the National Transportation and Safety Authority’s (NTSA) regulations. Get insurance for your taxi, as well as for the drivers and passengers who will be riding in it.

10. Spare- parts Sales Businesses in Kenya

In Kenya, starting an auto parts business might be a rewarding venture. Keeping track of the auto components that one has on hand is critical in this type of business.

 

You’ll face numerous issues and decisions along the route that you’ll have to ponder and make. Business owners can enhance their profits by stocking their stores with more than just auto components. If you’re planning to start an auto parts business in Kenya, all of these pieces of advice are invaluable.

11. Cosmetics Business

Starting cosmetics businesses in Kenya can be a profitable venture. You can make a lot of money with the increased demand for beauty products.

In Kenya, the cost of opening a cosmetic shop ranges between Ksh 100,000 and Ksh 500,000. When starting a business, the first step is to create a business plan. Decide what services and products you will sell and what is missing from the market that you can fill.

Find low-cost cosmetics wholesalers in major cities like Nairobi. Choose which cosmetics products and services to provide. However, to make a profit from your cosmetics business, you will need customers.

And you can earn between Ksh. 3000 and Ksh. 5000 per day if you are aggressive enough. Profit margins are usually around 40% on average.

It implies that you could earn up to Ksh. 40,000 in a month. The success of any business is determined by the number of customers and the amount of advertising; with this in mind, I hope you can easily start a thriving beauty shop business in Kenya.

12. Catering Businesses in Kenya

Catering is another most thriving business idea in Kenya. Weddings, corporate events, graduation ceremonies, family gatherings, and burials are among the most common events that necessitate catering services.

However, a good business name will aid you in marketing your catering company. Also, It is best to write a business plan before starting a business.

For example, you must determine your business catering angle.

In Kenya, starting a catering business costs at least Ksh. 160,000. The majority of the startup costs will be spent on purchasing cooking equipment. Pots, sufuria and pans, grills, knives, and cutting knives are some of the catering equipment that you will need to purchase. And from a single event, you can make a profit of over Ksh. 15,000

13. Cereal Shop Business

Cereals businesses in Kenya are among the top lucrative businesses that a common mwanainchi can venture into.

In this type of business, you should be equipped with the basic skills to be able to manage this business until it turns out successful. And It requires a minimum capital of Ksh.15,000 to start your cereal business. In brief, the cereal business is the best business opportunity that one would go for in Kenya due to its minimum requirements.

14. Hardware store business in Kenya

If you want to start a profitable hardware manufacturing business in Kenya, you need to find a fast-growing region and identify customers with high purchasing power.

 

You need to learn some secrets of the hardware business and set yourself apart from your competitors.

A single business license can be obtained from the county office for Ksh. 10,000 per year. The starting capital for a hardware business depends on the location and size of the business. You need at least Ksh 600,000 to start a small hardware manufacturing business.

Your store can be equipped with the following products: nails, cement, roofing sheets, plumbing pipes, gutters, and tiling. You also need a KRA ETR machine to pay business tax and a POS system. Startup Capital for Kenya’s Hardware Business

15. Fruit vending Business

Another most profitable businesses in Kenya that you can start with is $50,000. As more and more people take care of their health, the demand for fruit has risen across the country.

For instance, in hot weather, people like to eat fruits, especially juicy fruits such as mango, pineapple, and orange. As a result, choosing a good location ensures that your business will always have a good customer base.

One of the great things about fruit vending machines is that you don’t have to rent a store. You can still make good money by opening a street or roadside shop. Fruits can also be delivered to customers’ offices and homes.

16. Butchery Business in Kenya

Butchery is a profitable venture in Kenya since many people like eating meat, whether it is nyama choma, wet fry, meatballs, or Ishigaki. The cost of starting a butchery in Kenya depends on the size of the business and its location. To start a medium butchery business in major towns like Nairobi, Nakuru, Mombasa, Eldoret, and Kisumu, you will need at least Ksh. 200,000 as startup capital.

Having a good business plan, you can manage your business and forecast how much it can generate monthly.

You will also need a single business permit that costs around Ksh 10,000 per year. Business Location should also be put into consideration.

Consider your location and meat supply price and other expenses before you decide on the kind of meat you want to sell. If you sell 100 kilograms in a day, you will have made a profit of Ksh 10,000. In a month, you can earn more than Ksh 40,000 profit. You need to find a reliable meat supplier near your business location.

17. Coffee Shop Business in Kenya

This is a unique business idea in Kenya to start.
Starting a café in Kenya, regardless of the location and capital calls for proper business planning.

Understanding the legal requirements for running a business in Kenya will save you a lot of trouble.

You need an ideal location to run a coffee business, a location that has traffic of foot customers. Don’t set up your coffee shop somewhere customers cannot notice or where there are no customers at all

For a small restaurant or café that could spaciously fit 10 – 15 seaters, you could get a space that ranges from Ksh.7, 000 – KSh.15, 000 in an urban area. Your business name is your brand name and you need a name that resonates with you and your target customers. Register your Café Business. This is a way of telling the government you exist and keeping your business legally safe.

As a coffee shop owner, you need to acquire mandatory licenses to operate your café. Your small café is required to comply with tax regulations and the only way to ensure it does is through KRA. Getting a KRA pin for your business is very easy nowadays as everything is online now. Get your county Business Permit and licenses.

I hope you now have a complete list of the most profitable businesses in Kenya. And this helps you know what to put money and time into. Thank you for reading please share.

How to Start a most profitable business in kenya

Starting a most profitable business in Kenya is not as daunting as it may seem. With the right strategy, you can get your business up and running in no time. That said, it’s important to understand the local market and the challenges that come with running a business in Kenya.

To help you get started, here are some tips on how to start most profitable businesses in Kenya:

1. Research the Kenyan Market

The first step to launching a successful business in Kenya is to understand the local market and its unique characteristics. Research Kenya’s population, demographics, industries, and key sectors. Look at the existing businesses in the area and identify potential opportunities.

2. Develop a Business Plan

Having a well-defined business plan is essential for any successful business idea. Take the time to develop a comprehensive business plan that outlines your business objectives and strategies. This plan should also include a financial forecast and a marketing plan.

3. Secure Capital

Securing capital is critical for any business. Consider different financing options such as angel investors or venture capitalists. You can also apply for business loans and grants from various government agencies.

4. Choose a Business Model

Choose a business model that will work best for your business. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of different business models, such as a sole proprietorship, a partnership, a limited liability company, or a corporation.

5. Hire Quality Employees

Finding the right employees is essential for any business. Make sure you hire people who are dedicated, hardworking, and share your vision. Properly train and motivate your staff to ensure that they are able to deliver quality results.

6. Market Your Business

Marketing is essential for any business idea. Develop a comprehensive marketing strategy and make sure to use the right channels to reach your target market. Use online marketing strategies such as SEO and social media to spread the word about your business.

These are just some of the tips on how to start the most profitable businesses in Kenya. With the right strategy, you can get your business up and running and make it successful.