If you are looking for businesses to start with 20k in Kenya, here are several options available to you. There are various profitable business options to consider, such as food-related ventures, and more.
This list is designed to inspire and guide aspiring entrepreneurs like yourself. Whether you are a seasoned business enthusiast or a first-time entrepreneur, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Here are the 10 businesses to start with 20k in Kenya
1. Printing and Photocopying
To start a printing and photocopying business, you will need to find a suitable location for your shop. Ideally, you should look for a location that is easily accessible and has a lot of foot traffic.
This will ensure that your business is visible to potential customers. Additionally, make sure that the location has adequate space to accommodate your printing and photocopying machines and equipment.
Apart from printing and photocopying machines, you will also need other equipment and supplies for your business. This includes ink cartridges, paper, binding machines, laminators, and other stationery supplies. You can find suppliers who offer these items at affordable prices, and you can purchase them as per your budget.
Since there will always be a need for printing and copying services, opening a print shop or copy centre in Kenya might be a lucrative business venture.
2. Poultry Farming
Poultry farming involves raising domesticated birds for meat or eggs. It is a highly profitable business in Kenya due to the high demand for poultry products.
If you have a capital of 20k, you can start a small-scale poultry farming business. Before starting a poultry farming business, it is important to conduct thorough research. This will help you understand the market demand, the types of poultry breeds that are popular, the best poultry farming practices, and the costs involved.
There are different types of poultry farming businesses you can start, including broiler farming, layer farming, and poultry feed production. Determine the niche that suits your budget and resources.
Select a breed that suits your niche, resources, and market demand. The popular breeds in Kenya include Kienyeji, Kuroiler, Rainbow Rooster, and Kenbro. You can purchase the birds from reputable poultry breeding companies.
A poultry house is where your birds will live. Plan your poultry house based on the number of birds you intend to keep. The house should be spacious enough to accommodate the birds comfortably, with good ventilation, and easy access to food and water.
Feeding the birds is crucial for their growth and productivity. Purchase high-quality feed from reputable suppliers. You will also need equipment such as feeders, waterers, and egg trays.
Market your poultry products through various channels such as local markets, hotels, and supermarkets. You can also sell your products online through social media platforms and e-commerce websites.
3. Selling Mobile Phone Accessories
The rising popularity of smartphones means that starting a business providing mobile phone accessories in Kenya might be rather profitable. With only 20,000 Kenyan shillings, you may launch a startup with promising prospects.
Find out what products are in demand, what your target audience is, and who your competitors are.
Identify a niche market, such as selling:
Phone cases and covers, screen protectors, chargers and power banks, headphones and earphones, Bluetooth speakers, selfie sticks, phone stands and holders, armbands for running and workouts, car mounts and phone holders, wireless charging pads, phone wallet cases, USB cables, mobile signal boosters, portable photo printers, virtual reality headsets, phone camera lenses, external storage devices such as memory cards and flash drives, and phone cleaning kits.
Find a strategic location for your business. It could be a stall in a busy shopping centre, a kiosk on a busy street, or an online store. Consider the cost of rent, accessibility, and proximity to your target market.
Marketing your business is crucial to attracting customers and generating sales. You can use social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to promote your products, offer discounts and giveaways, and collaborate with influencers to increase brand awareness.
4. Selling Fruits and Vegetables
In Kenya, agriculture is a significant contributor to the economy. With just 20,000 Kenyan shillings, it is possible to start a small vegetable-selling business that can eventually grow into a profitable venture.
Look for a place with high foot traffic, such as a busy street corner or a market, where potential customers are likely to pass by. If you don’t have a permanent space, you can start by setting up a makeshift stall or a cart.
The next step is to source for fresh vegetables from local farmers or markets. With 20,000 shillings, you can purchase a good quantity of vegetables such as sukuma wiki, spinach, tomatoes, onions, carrots, and cabbages. Make sure to select high-quality vegetables to attract customers and keep them coming back.
You will need basic equipment and supplies to start your vegetable-selling business, such as a weighing scale, a chopping board, and knives. You will also need, crates, and baskets to pack and display your vegetables.
5. Fast Food Kiosk(Snacks)
Starting a fast food kiosk or snacks business in Kenya with only Ksh 20,000 may seem challenging, but with the right approach and determination, it’s possible.
The location of your kiosk will determine how many customers you attract and how much revenue you generate. Choose a location with high foot traffic, such as a busy street or near a market, school, or office complex. Ensure that the kiosk is easily accessible and visible to passers-by.
With a budget of Ksh 20,000, you can buy the basic equipment and supplies needed to start a fast food kiosk. You will need a cooking stove or gas cooker, cooking utensils, plates, cups, and cutlery.
Develop a menu that offers a variety of affordable fast food items such as burgers, fries, sausages, hot dogs, and samosas. Ensure that your menu is simple, easy to prepare, and appeals to your target market. You can also consider adding drinks and desserts to your menu to increase revenue.
To attract customers to your fast food kiosk, you need to promote your business. Use social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to market your business. You can also distribute flyers and posters in the surrounding area to raise awareness of your business.
6. Selling Ladies Handbags
You can create a small inventory of bags to launch your business. It is essential to choose high-quality materials for your bags, as this will help to increase the perceived value of your products. You may also want to consider working with a designer to create unique and eye-catching bag designs.
The next step is to identify sales channels for your bags. You can sell your bags online through social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. You can also sell your bags in person at markets and events. Additionally, you can approach small boutiques and stores in your local area to see if they would be interested in carrying your products.
When it comes to pricing your bags, you will need to consider the cost of materials, labour, and overhead costs. You may want to price your bags slightly higher than your cost to ensure that you are making a profit. It is also essential to be mindful of your target audience and their budget when pricing your bags.
7. Mitumba Business
Starting a Mitumba business in Kenya requires hard work, dedication, and a sound business plan, but with the right approach, it can be a profitable venture.
Research the market demand for second-hand clothing in Kenya, especially in the area you are planning to start your business. You can also research the competition and find out what they are offering and what you can do differently to make your business stand out.
Select a location for your Mitumba business that is easily accessible to customers and has high foot traffic. Find reliable suppliers who can provide you with a steady supply of second-hand clothing. You can also import clothing from other countries.
Set up your business by acquiring the necessary equipment and supplies, such as hangers, racks, and display cases. You can also consider setting up an online store to reach a wider audience.
Provide excellent customer service and build a loyal customer base by offering promotions, discounts, and other incentives.
8. Beauty Services (Salon)
To start a beauty and barber business, you need to invest in the necessary equipment. This includes hair clippers, hairdryers, hair straighteners, hair curlers, combs, brushes, scissors, and other grooming tools. You also need to purchase salon furniture such as chairs, mirrors, and tables.
Your beauty and barber business is only as good as your staff. Hire skilled and experienced staff who have a passion for the beauty and grooming industry. Ensure that they are trained on the latest techniques and are able to provide quality services to your clients.
Marketing is crucial to the success of your beauty and barber business. Use social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to market your services.
You can also use flyers and posters to advertise your business in your local area. Word of mouth is also a powerful marketing tool, so ensure that your clients are satisfied with your services and are willing to refer others to your business.
9. Selling Home Baked Products
As a baker, the quality of your ingredients plays a critical role in the final product. Invest in high-quality flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and other ingredients that will produce a tasty and visually appealing product. You can purchase these ingredients in bulk from wholesale suppliers to save on costs.
To stand out from the competition, consider starting with a niche product such as cupcakes, cakes, bread, or pastries. Focus on perfecting your recipe and developing a unique flavor profile that will attract customers.
10. Manicure and Pedicure Services
By conducting market research, you can determine the types of nail services that are in high demand, the price points that customers are willing to pay, and the marketing strategies that are most effective.
Once you have conducted market research, you can start to plan your business. With 20k, you can purchase the necessary equipment and supplies to launch your business. It is essential to choose high-quality products for your manicure and pedicure services, as this will help to increase the perceived value of your services.
You may also want to consider working with a professional nail technician to provide high-quality services to your clients.
The next step is to identify sales channels for your services. You can offer your services online through social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. You can also offer your services in person at events, pop-up shops, and other locations where your target audience is likely to be. Additionally, you can approach small beauty salons in your local area to see if they would be interested in partnering with you to offer your services.
