How to Start an Event Planning Business in Kenya [2024 Guide]

If you are thinking of starting an event planning business in Kenya, there are a few things you need to know. First, the event planning industry is booming, so there is plenty of opportunity for growth and expansion.

However, this also means that there is a lot of competition. You’ll need to offer something unique that sets your business apart from the rest to be successful.

That’s why we wrote this guide to help you get started. We’ll cover everything from how to start your business, to marketing and branding, to finding clients and making a name for yourself in the industry.

But before we get started, let’s cover the basics…

What Is an Event Planning Business in Kenya? 

An event planning business is, quite simply, a business that helps people to plan and execute events. This can include anything from weddings and birthday parties to corporate functions and charity galas.

As an event planner, you will be responsible for everything from coming up with the initial concept and theme of the event to booking the venue and caterers to managing the day-of logistics. In short, you will be the one in charge of making sure that everything goes off without a hitch!

What Does an Event Planner Do? 

An event planner is responsible for a wide range of tasks, all of which are aimed at ensuring that an event runs smoothly and according to plan. This can include:

• Developing the initial concept and theme of an event
• Booking the venue and caterers
• Managing the day-of logistics
• Coordinating with vendors
• Ensuring that the event stays within budget
• Setting up and breaking down the event space
• Providing on-site support to guests

…and more!

As you can see, there is a lot that goes into planning an event. However, with the help of an experienced and professional event planner, the process can be a breeze.

What Skills Do You Need to Start an Event Planning Business in Kenya?

If you’re thinking of starting an event planning business in Kenya, there are a few skills that you’ll need to have. These include:

• Excellent organizational skills: As an event planner, you will need to be extremely organized. This is because you will be responsible for coordinating a large number of different vendors and suppliers, as well as managing the day-of logistics for the event.
• Strong communication skills: In order to be successful in the event planning industry, you will need to have strong communication skills. This is because you will be dealing with a wide range of different people, from vendors and suppliers to clients and guests.
• Creativity: A successful event planner must be creative in order to come up with unique and memorable events.
• Attention to detail: Event planning is all about the details. From booking the perfect venue to finding the right caterer, every detail must be accounted for in order to create a successful event.
• Patience: Planning an event can be a stressful process, so it is important to have patience in order to be successful in the industry.

Why Start an Event Planning Business in Kenya? 

There are many reasons why starting an event planning business in Kenya is a great idea. First, as we mentioned earlier, the event planning industry is booming. This is due in part to the fact that Kenyans are increasingly busy and have less time to plan their own events.

Second, starting your own business gives you the opportunity to be your own boss and set your own hours. This is a great perk for those who want the flexibility to work around other commitments.

Finally, as an event planner, you will have the opportunity to use your creativity to design one-of-a-kind events that will be remembered by your clients for years to come.

How Much Does It Cost to Start an Event Planning Business in Kenya?

The cost of starting an event planning business in Kenya will vary depending on a number of factors, such as the size and scope of your business, the location of your operation, and the type of events that you plan.

However, in general, you can expect to spend between Kshs. 50,000 and Kshs. 500,000 to get your business up and running.

When starting out, you can invest as low as Ksh. 20,000 but you might not be able to get much done. The good thing is, you don’t have to buy everything you need.

In fact, you can hire almost everything when it comes to the event planning business. Some of the things you can hire when starting out include:

• Tents
• Chairs
• Decorations
• Lorries
• Public address systems
• and even caterers!

However, as your business grows, it is better to buy your own stuff. The good thing about this is that you get to cut out the costs of hiring them which can be expensive in the long term.

You can also make some money on the side by hiring out things like tends and chairs to other event planners.

How to Start an Event Planning Business in Kenya

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get into how to start your own event-planning business in Kenya.

Step 1: Decide Which Area of Event Planning You Want to Focus On

As we mentioned earlier, event planners can specialize in anything from weddings and birthday parties to corporate functions and charity galas.

Think about what type of events you’re most interested in and consider how you could best serve your clients in that area.

However, do not confine yourself. It is okay to be a Jack of all trades when you’re first starting out. This will allow you to get a feel for the industry and build up your portfolio before you specialize.

The benefit of specializing is that people will see you as a professional when compared to someone who does everything.

For instance, when you brand yourself as a wedding event planner, people who are looking to wed will more likely come to your instead of someone who does everything.

Step 2: Gain the Necessary Skills and Experience 

Now that you know which area of event planning you want to focus on, it’s time to gain the necessary skills and experience in that area.

The best way to do this is by taking some courses or attending workshops. There are many event planning courses available online and in person. These will teach you the basics of event planning and give you the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals.

In addition to taking courses, another great way to gain experience is by working with an already-established event planning company. This will give you the opportunity to see how the business works and learn first-hand from those who have been in the industry for years.

It is very important that you gain some experience before starting the event planning business in Kenya. You don’t want to disappoint your first client and build a bad name for yourself right from the beginning.

So, take your time and learn as much as you can!

Step 3: Create a Business Plan 

An event planning business plan will outline your business goals, strategies, and how you plan on achieving them.

Creating a business plan may seem like a daunting task. And that is true. You are not exactly going to like it. However, if you don’t want to second-guess your business-building process, this step is important.

Lucky for you, there are many resources available to help you get started. Just remember that your business plan doesn’t have to be very detailed. Include the things that will help you get a clear picture of what you should expect when starting an event planning business in Kenya.

Some of the things you will want to cover in your business plan include:

• The cost of starting the business
• Competition
• Market demand
• Profit projections
• Long-term potential

Things like the executive summary and mission statement are not really important unless you are looking to take a bank loan or bring in investors.

Step 4: Choose a Catchy Name and Brand Your Business 

Your business name should be reflective of the type of events you plan and should be easy to remember.

Once you’ve chosen a name, it’s time to start branding your business. This includes creating a logo, choosing a color scheme, and developing a tagline.

Your branding should be consistent across all of your marketing materials, from your website to your business cards.

Step 5: Choose A Business Structure

A business structure is a legal framework that you will operate your business under. The most common business structures for small businesses are:

• Sole proprietorships
• Partnerships
• Limited liability companies (LLCs)
• Corporations.

Each option has its own pros and cons, so it’s important to choose the one that is best for your specific business needs.

When you are just starting out, a sole proprietorship or partnership may be the best option. These structures are less complex and easier to set up than an LLC or corporation.

However, as your business grows, you may want to consider switching to an LLC or corporation. These structures offer more protection for your personal assets in the event that your business is sued or something else happens.

Step 6: Obtain the Necessary Permits  and Licenses

Before you can start operating your event planning business, you will need to obtain the necessary permits and licenses.

The specific permits and licenses you will need will vary depending on your business location and the type of events you plan.

For example, if you’re planning weddings, you might need to be licensed as a wedding planner in your county.

Some licenses and permits you will need to be an event planner in Kenya include:

• A Kenyan business permit
• A Kenyan VAT registration certificate
• An alcohol license if you’re selling alcohol at your events
• A food license if you’re serving food at your events

You can apply for most of these licenses and permits online through the eCitizen portal

Step 7: Get Insured 

As an event planner, it’s important to have the proper insurance in place to protect your business.

There are a few different types of insurance you should consider, including:

• General liability insurance – This type of insurance will protect you from any third-party claims of bodily injury or property damage.
• Professional liability insurance – This type of insurance will protect you from any claims of professional negligence.
• Event cancellation insurance – This type of insurance will protect you from any financial losses if an event is canceled due to weather or another unforeseen circumstance.

You can purchase insurance through an insurance broker or directly from an insurance company.

Step 8: Find Suppliers and Vendors 

As an event planner, it’s important to build relationships with suppliers and vendors. These relationships will come in handy when you’re planning events and need to outsource certain tasks.

Some suppliers and vendors you might need to work with include:

• Caterers
• Florists
• Rentals companies
• Entertainment companies

You can find potential suppliers and vendors by searching online or attending industry trade shows.

When you’re considering working with a particular supplier or vendor, be sure to check their reviews and references.

Step 9: Set Your Event Planning Fees

Your fees will vary depending on the type of events you’re planning, the size of the event, and the location.

When setting your fees, be sure to factor in the cost of supplies, labor, and overhead.

You should also consider the going rate for event planners in your area.

Once you’ve set your fees, be sure to communicate them to potential clients upfront.

Step 10: Develop A Marketing Plan 

Now that you’ve set up your event planning business, it’s time to start marketing your business.

There are a number of different marketing strategies you can use, including:

• Creating a website – Your website should be designed to showcase your event planning services. Be sure to include a portfolio of your past work.
• Social media – Use social media to promote your business and connect with potential clients. Create profiles on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
• Networking – Attend industry events and meet-ups to network with potential clients.
• Word-of-mouth – Spread the word about your event planning business to friends and family.

Developing a marketing plan will help you identify your target market and figure out the best way to reach them.

How Much Does an Event Planner Make in Kenya?

The amount of money you make as an event planner in Kenya will vary depending on experience, the type of events you’re planning, and the size of the events.

Event planners in Kenya with more experience and who specialize in large events can expect to make more money.

As an event planner, you can also expect to earn a commission on the sales of event tickets and other products.

The Bottom Line

Starting an event planning business in Kenya can be a rewarding and profitable venture.

By following the steps outlined in this article, you can increase your chances of success.

Remember to get the proper licenses and permits, insure your business, find reliable suppliers and vendors, set your fees, and develop a marketing plan.

If you do all of these things, you will be well on your way to becoming a successful event planner in Kenya.