19 Lucrative Businesses to Start With 50K in Kenya [2024 Ideas]

There are many businesses you can start with 50k in Kenya. In fact, for most people, the problem is not finding the right business, but choosing from the thousands of options.

Unfortunately, as is with most things involving money, choosing is not easy. You want something that guarantees a good return on investment. However, there is a lot of work that goes into choosing the best businesses to start with KSh 50,000 in Kenya.

To make your decision easier, we did plenty of research looking at factors like location, cost of starting, profitability, ease of starting, and long-term potential. So, if you are still on the fence about how to invest 50k in Kenya, this guide will come in handy.

Let’s dive right in!

Profitable Businesses to Start with 50K in Kenya in 2023

What type of business can I start with 50k in Kenya? This is a common question among people looking to venture into a small business.

To help you out, we did some research to establish the top businesses you can start with KSh 50,000 or less.

While doing our research on the businesses you can start with KSh 50,000 we have categorized the list into four different categories. These are:

• Online businesses – You can do these online from the comfort of your home
• Agribusinesses – Involves selling of agricultural products and services
• Service-based businesses– Offering services directly to customers
• Retail businesses – Selling products directly to consumers

Profitable Online Businesses to Start With 50K in Kenya in 2023

Here are some of the best online business ideas in Kenya to start with 50k

• Blogging
• Dropshipping
• Freelance writing
• Digital marketing
• Virtual assistance

1. Blogging

If you have only KES 50,000 or less and want to start an online business, you cannot do better than starting a blog. You don’t need much to start blogging. All you require is a domain, hosting space, and content.

If you are not very confident about your blogging abilities, you can start with a free blog to build confidence and then upgrade later to a more professional site.

That said, starting a blog in Kenya is relatively cheap.

Here is a quick breakdown with rough estimates.

• Domain name: About KES 1,500 yearly
• Hosting: About KES 3,500 yearly
• Premium theme: About KES 6,500 one-time purchase. A premium theme is optional but good if you want your blog to look professional.

Note that these charges will likely vary based on the hosting company you are using.

Other things you might spend money on include:

• Content creation
• A good logo
• Site design
• Premium tools and services such as Yoast and Semrush
• Marketing and so on

All in all, you won’t spend more than 50K to get started with your blog in Kenya.

2. Dropshipping Business in Kenya

The dropshipping business model eliminates the need for upfront inventory investment, making it a cost-effective way to start a business. The e-commerce sector in Kenya has been rapidly growing, with a projected value of over KSh 277 billion by 2024. ¹ And while dropshipping hasn’t picked up that much momentum, it is still a viable business idea since you can sell your products to the international market.

This makes it one of the best businesses to start with 50k in Kenya.

To put it simply, you don’t hold any inventory in this business model. You make money by indirectly selling the products to customers without handling the packaging and shipping.

Here is a rough illustration of how dropshipping works. ²

So, basically, you market something that you don’t have in stock, the customer makes an order, you forward that order to the supply and the supplier ships the product to the customer. This is a great idea since you don’t have to buy and keep a stock that you might not end up selling.

3. Freelance Writing in Kenya

This is perhaps one of the easiest online businesses you can start with KSh. 50,000 in Kenya. This is because all you need to run this side hustle is your writing skills and a laptop or PC with an internet connection.

Most of the things you will be doing won’t cost money. These include writing samples, looking for clients, and doing the actual writing tasks.

Before you can start looking for clients, you will need to invest in your skills. In particular, you need to have:

• Good writing skills that match client needs
• Research skills
• Fast typing

You can learn all of these for free but if you need more engaged learning, you should consider registering for a freelance writing course.

What You’ll Need

• Laptop: You can get a good laptop for less 30k.
• Editing software: This is optional, but you might need premium editing software like Grammarly to help you polish your articles. A good software can cost less than KSh. 2,000 per month.
• Skills: You can learn most stuff about article writing for free but you can also consider registering for a course and getting certification to boost your credibility.

4. Virtual assistant business

Virtual assistants are personal online assistants to companies and individuals who need assistance with things like email management, and social media updates .

As a virtual assistant in Kenya, you will be paid by clients to complete small tasks that will ultimately help them save time. This job is particularly suitable if you are looking for a part-time income-generating avenue.

With 50K, you can get a laptop or desktop plus the relevant software needed for running your virtual assistant business successfully. Some of the programs you might need are:

• MS Office
• Photoshop
• Xero accounting software
• Calendar
• Asana

5. Creating and Selling Courses

There is a reason why I think selling courses is one of the best businesses to start with 50k in Kenya.

You see, as more people seek to learn new skills to beat the competitive job market, there is an increasing demand for online courses. Why? Because people want to learn quickly and efficiently. You can’t get that in a traditional school.

Because of this demand, the e-learning market in Kenya is expected to reach a value of $59.38 million in 2023. ³ That’s more than KSh. 8 billion!

This means that there is a huge opportunity to create and sell courses in Kenya. The best part? You don’t need a lot of capital.

Best Agribusinesses to Start With 50K in Kenya

• Cereal shop
• Grocery store
• Dairy business
• Butchery
• Poultry farming
• Beekeeping
• Goat farming

6. Grocery Store

Ever thought of being a Mama Mboga? Maybe it’s about time you do. Combine a busy place with great wholesale prices from your supplier and you will have a booming grocery store. Apart from groceries, the only concern is the location.

Get a simple room and customize it with shelves, if your main target is the high-end community. If not, there is no harm in getting a space by the road and making a kibanda. 50k is more than enough for starters.

7. Cereals Shop

Most Kenyan homes don’t go a week without eating cereals. For this reason, a cereal shop makes for one of the most profitable businesses to start with 50k in Kenya.

You can effortlessly source cereals in the country. You will need to do your research, see what goes and what doesn’t. The best place to put it up is in a shopping Centre or near estates.

If possible, procure your cereals straight from the farmer. Contrary to that, establish which suppliers have the most affordable prices for legit produce.

8. Milk Business in Kenya

While a milk ATM might be off your reach, you can still sell milk with an investment of less than 50K. You will need a fridge, or better yet, a freezer. For fresh milk, get in touch with the actual farmers. They will sell the milk to you at a fairer price.

You can get creative and make some sour milk as well. People love that, and it is a little more expensive than fresh milk. Maintain high quality and people will be flocking in no time.

9. Butchery Business

This is another great business you can start with about 50k in Kenya. Like most businesses, your location is key. If you can’t land a spot in the shopping Centre, an area a lot of people pass through is a commendable alternative. In terms of equipment, you will need a freezer. Cater to your customer’s specific needs.

Besides that, you also need other basics like a weighing scale, chopping boards, and cutting tools. Sell different types of meat to attract a larger customer base.

10. BeeKeeping Business

Another great agribusiness to start with 50k in Kenya is beekeeping. Bee farming is a lucrative business for those interested in rural areas as you can sell honey and make other products from the bee wax.

Your capital will be used to buy hives, and frames among other things depending on your chosen business model. You also need to train on proper beekeeping before you start running this venture successfully.

With 50K, you can buy several hives and all the other equipment needed for bee farming and begin making some cash flow from this home-based business.

Getting into Bee Farming will require that you do some research and understand how this industry works.

11. Poultry farming

The poultry market in Kenya is a thriving industry ⁴ with immense potential for entrepreneurs looking to start a business with limited capital. In recent years, the demand for poultry products, including eggs and chicken meat, has been steadily increasing due to population growth, changing dietary preferences, and a rising awareness of the nutritional benefits of poultry products.

In fact, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization, 96% of Kenyans frequently consume chicken.

FAO

This presents a golden opportunity for aspiring poultry entrepreneurs to tap into this lucrative market and build a successful venture.

To start a poultry business in Kenya with KSh 50,000, it is crucial to have a clear plan and allocate your funds strategically.

While starting a poultry business with KSh 50,000 may seem challenging, with proper planning and resource allocation, it is indeed possible to establish a thriving venture. You can start with only a few birds and then as your business grows and generates profits, you can reinvest them to expand your operations, improve infrastructure, and increase the size of your flock.

12. Goat Farming

This is another livestock farming business that can fit well with your start-up capital. Goats are the most profitable animals you can keep as a farmer yet very easy to look after.

A mature goat will cost around KES 8,000 and goats give birth every five months so your investment goes a long way compared to other livestock animals.

Another good thing about this business is that it can be done in both urban and rural areas which means you get to choose where you want to set up your farm.

Goat meat is also very popular in Kenya (especially mbuzi choma) which means there is a high-profit margin if you do this business right.

Best Service Businesses Ideas to Start With 50K in Kenya

• Nail parlor
• Daycare business
• M-PESA agent business
• Photo studio
• Dry cleaning

13. Dry Cleaning

Anyone looking for the best business to start in Kenya with 50k cannot ignore the dry cleaning business.

This hustle is quickly picking up in Kenya, as people become busier (or lazier) and need help cleaning their clothes.

In fact, according to several reports, the demand for reliable dry cleaning services in Kenya has soared. ⁵ What does this mean? It is a great time to start a dry cleaning business.

To start, you will need to find a location where most of your target customers reside. You will also need to invest in equipment, rent, licenses, and cleaning supplies.

Read the complete guide to learn about everything you need to start this business.

14. Nail Parlor

With an increasing demand for nail services and a rising focus on self-care and beauty, starting a nail parlor business can be a lucrative venture. According to recent statistics, the beauty and personal care industry in Kenya is worth around US$2.03bn in 2023, ⁶ and is expected to grow annually by 7.65%. This highlights the immense potential for entrepreneurs in this sector.

With only 50k, you might not be able to start a classy nail parlor. However, with careful planning and strategic allocation of funds, the 50k should be able to get you off the ground.

So, as much as you want your nail parlor to be stylish and welcoming, do not go overboard with your budget. Start with essentials and then as your business starts to pick up, you can invest in other things.

15. Photography Business in Kenya

As social media becomes more profound, there is a growing demand for visual content meaning that the need for professional photographers has grown. And even though smartphones have greatly impacted the photography industry in Kenya, the demand for professional camera people hasn’t been affected. ⁷

In fact, statistics show that the photography industry in Kenya is on a steady upward trajectory, with an increasing number of individuals and businesses seeking professional photography services. Weddings, events, fashion shoots, product photography, and corporate assignments are just a few examples of the diverse range of opportunities available.

While 50k might be too low, starting a photography business requires more than just owning a camera. It demands skill, creativity, and the ability to build strong relationships with clients. So, with a strategic allocation of your KSh 50,000 investment, combined with your passion and dedication, you can embark on a rewarding journey in the photography industry in Kenya.

16. Daycare Business in Kenya

So many moms are career women now, and domestic managers are proving to be untrustworthy. As a result, parents are resorting to taking their children to daycare. To come up with one, you need enough space for at least 5 kids to play around comfortably.

Once you get the space, you have to make it child-friendly. Paint cartoons on walls and get numerous toys to entertain them. Get a person or two to help out if needed, on manageable terms. A budget of 50k covers it.

Best Retail Businesses to Start in Kenya with 50K

• Ice cream business
• Hardware store
• Mitumba business
• Bakery business
• Small restaurant

17. Second-Hand Clothes/Mitumba Business

Clothing is a basic need, at any given time, we need them. For this reason, starting a mitumba business in Kenya as a side hustle could prove to be very profitable.

Like any other business, you will need a strategic location with a lot of people. After that, get a bale of baby clothes or lady dresses which go for 12k to 22k according to quality.

Keep in mind that the kind of mitumba clothes you sell depends on your location. For instance, if you are based near a college or university, it is wiser to get a bale of dresses or jumpsuits compared to baby clothes.

18. Small Bakery Business in Kenya

How good are your culinary skills? If you can make some tasty and presentable bakes, you can easily invest Ksh 50,000 into a cake business. To avoid a lot of hassles, be a home baker. Thanks to this, you will only need to worry about the equipment. The two major appliances you need are an oven and a fridge.

After that, get other essentials and ingredients you will need. By the end of the day, 50k will cover all the necessities. You can add other baking luxuries as the business picks up.

19. Ice Cream Selling in Kenya

You don’t need a fully operational company to start making ice cream. You only need a freezer, packing material if necessary, the ingredients, and a tutorial video. From the comfort of your home, you can begin this business for less than 50k, especially if you already own a freezer.

Target areas near schools or parks. Alternatively, you can advertise your ice cream online. For diversity, make a variety of flavors and sizes.

The Bottom Line

With a bold vision and a capital of 50,000 Kenyan shillings, the possibilities for starting a successful business in Kenya are truly limitless. From the vibrant streets of Nairobi to the bustling towns across the country, entrepreneurs are carving their own paths and reaping the rewards.

So, whether you choose to dive into the world of e-commerce, unlock the potential of agribusiness, or tap into the ever-growing online business industry, there are countless opportunities awaiting your entrepreneurial spirit.

Remember, success is not solely measured by the size of your investment, but rather by the dedication, creativity, and resilience you bring to the table. So, dare to dream, take calculated risks, and let your 50,000 shillings be the fuel that ignites your journey towards a prosperous and fulfilling future.

1. ClickPesa, State of e-commerce in Kenya
2. Shopify, What Is Dropshipping and How Does It Work?
3. Statista, Online Learning Platforms – Kenya
4. Poultry World, Chicken the favourite in Kenya as the sector continues to develop
5. Mulberrys Garment Care, The Future of the Laundry & Dry Cleaning Industry
6. Statista, Beauty & Personal Care – Kenya
7. The Star, The changing fortunes of commercial photography