10 Best Businesses to Start in Kenya

The business structure of Kenya is changing quickly, and new prospects in many different fields are emerging. Whether your search is for a low-capital venture or a big, profitable company. This article outlines the list of the 10 best businesses to start in Kenya.

List of the 10 Best Businesses to Start in Kenya in 2025

1. E-commerce Business

Driven by better internet access and wide smartphone use, online shopping is fast expanding in Kenya. Starting an e-commerce shop offering house goods, technology, or fashion might be quite profitable. Online store setups are simple thanks to sites such as Jumia, Kilimall, and Shopify.

How to Start:

• Choose a niche—fashion, electronics, cosmetics, etc.).
• Create an online store
• For logistics, team with nearby delivery companies.

2. Mitumba (Second-Hand Clothes)

The need for cheap fashionable clothes is in high demand, an excellent source of reasonably priced second-hand clothing in Nairobi is Gikomba Market.

How to Start:

• Choose a niche—kids’ clothes, designer brands, shoes, etc.
• Get supplies from Toi Market or Gikomba.
• Sell from a physical store, an e-commerce website, or social media.

3. Cyber café

A cyber café remains a smart business concept in Kenya given the growing need for online services such as job applications, eCitizen transactions, and academic publishing.

How to start:

• Look for a strategic spot in a crowded area.
• Make investments in a printer, fast internet, and PCs.
• Provide more services, including document laminating and mobile money transactions.

4. Agribusiness (Agro-Processing and Farming)

The Kenyan economy is mostly based on agriculture, so agribusiness still presents excellent investment prospects. Among the most profitable farming operations are dairy, greenhouse, and poultry farms.

How to start:

• Decide on a viable farming project, say chicken farming or mushroom farming.
• Get land or lease space.
• Sell to restaurant and supermarket sales.

5. Car Wash

A good number of people, from youths to the elderly, acquire cars and motorcycles; car washing is a better job to start due to this.

How to start:

• Look for a strategic spot where cars flow strongly.
• Make water recycling systems and premium vehicle wash machine investments.
• Provide extras, including engine washing and interior cleaning.

6. Real Estate and Airbnb Entrepreneurship

Kenya’s real estate market is still expanding, and Airbnb rentals are becoming a more and more common substitute for hotels. Short-term rental homes in Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nairobi draw both domestic and foreign visitors.

How to start:

• Invest in a prime location apartment or house.
• Lists your house and registers on Airbnb.
• Offer good services including quick Wi-Fi and airport pickups.

7. Videography and Photo Business

Many people now want professional photography for both personal and corporate purposes as social media has grown. Among the most lucrative offerings are product photography, event coverage, and wedding photography.

How to start:

• Get editing tools and a good camera.
• Post your offerings on social media.
• For more gigs, team with event planners.

8. Dropshipping Business

Dropshipping lets you provide items without maintaining inventory. While suppliers handle inventory and shipping, you can market goods including electronics, fashion accessories, and cosmetics.

How to start

• Pick a niche and create an online store.
• Work with dependable local wholesalers or Alibaba’s vendors.
• Market your shop with Google and Facebook ads.

9. Food Delivery (via Bolt, Uber or Private Company)

Many Kenyans would rather order food than cook, given hectic work schedules. Serving office people and students, a food delivery company might be rather profitable.

How to start:

• Cooking meals yourself or working with nearby eateries.
• Order from a smartphone app or WhatsApp.
• Provide reasonably priced shipping rates to draw in business.

10. Blogging and freelance writing

Strong writing abilities will enable you to launch a blog or a freelance writing business. Content for websites is needed by many companies, so you may make money from e-books, SEO material, or article writing.

How to start:

1. Start by registering on websites including Upwork, Fiverr, or PeoplePer Hour.
2. Create a portfolio to draw new clients paying well.
3. Launch a blog and profit from Google AdSense or affiliate marketing.

In essence, whether you choose freelancing, agriculture, or e-commerce, success relies on your marketing plans and commitment. Choose a company fit for your available funds and interest, then expand your clientele via digital channels.

Others Include:

Opening Grocery Store

Starting a grocery store is simple; all you need to do is find a place in a market area. Buy those maize and beans in wholesale prices and acquire licenses from the government authorities.