February 28, 2025
Starting a business doesn’t have to require millions of shillings. With as little as Ksh 200,000, you can create a profitable venture in Kenya.
This amount, if invested wisely, can help you establish a stable income source.
Here are viable business ideas that fit within a budget of 2OOK catering to various interests and skills:
Poultry farming is a profitable business in Kenya, with a consistent demand for eggs and chicken meat.
Here’s how you can get started with a budget of 200K:
Construct a simple chicken coop, purchase chicks (about 200 layers or broilers), and buy feed and vaccines.
With layers, you’ll sell eggs consistently, while broilers can be sold for meat after a few months.
With good care and management, you could break even within six months and start earning profits, especially if you sell to hotels or restaurants.
In Kenya, cyber cafés are still in demand, especially in areas where people need assistance with government form submissions, document printing, and browsing.
Purchase a few computers, a printer, and set up a small shop with desks and chairs. You can lease a small space and invest in internet service.
Offer services like browsing, printing, photocopying, and document typing. You can also add value-added services like CV writing and online form submission.
A well-located cyber café can yield steady daily income, allowing you to expand your offerings or add more workstations over time.
Food is always in demand, making a small restaurant or food kiosk a reliable business idea. Many people prefer quick, affordable meals for lunch or dinner, especially in busy urban areas.
Rent a small space, buy cooking equipment, and purchase initial ingredients. You can set up seating and start with simple, popular dishes like chapati, ugali, rice, beans, and stews.
A well-run kiosk in a high-traffic area can attract regular customers. Offering delivery to nearby offices or homes could also boost earnings.
Profit margins can be significant in the food business, with good potential to expand based on customer demand.
Laundry services have become increasingly popular in urban areas, as many people prefer outsourcing laundry due to busy schedules. With 200K, you can start a small-scale laundry service with potential for steady returns.
Rent a small space, purchase a washing machine, dryer, iron, and detergent supplies.
Charge per kilo or per item, with prices depending on the type of clothes or services offered (e.g., ironing, folding).
A laundry service with consistent clients can be highly profitable, especially if you establish partnerships with local apartment buildings or offices.
Mitumba businesses are popular and profitable in Kenya due to the high demand for affordable, quality clothing. With 200K, you can source a variety of clothing types to appeal to different demographics.
Purchase quality second-hand clothing bales, and set up a small shop or rent a stall in a busy area or market.
Sell individual items at a markup, depending on the quality and type of clothing.
With a good location and stock, a mitumba business can yield daily sales and profits, especially if you rotate stock frequently to keep offerings fresh.
Mobile money services are widely used in Kenya, and setting up a mobile money agency (like M-Pesa) is a good way to generate steady income.
The main investment goes into float (operating cash) for transactions, a shop or kiosk, branding, and basic equipment like a cash box and transaction books.
Earn commissions from deposits, withdrawals, and bill payments. You can also add services like airtime sales and utility bill payments.
Mobile money agencies located in high-traffic areas can earn steady commissions. Pairing with a small retail shop can increase revenue streams.
A grocery store selling fresh produce, vegetables, and fruits is a great way to serve a community while making a profit. This business is also adaptable to varying budgets, with a 200K investment enough to get started.
Rent a stall or small shop, buy shelves or display baskets, and source produce from local farmers or wholesale markets.
Sell fresh produce, with potential profits boosted by adding high-demand items like cereals, grains, and spices.
A grocery store with consistent customers can yield daily income, especially if you focus on fresh, high-quality produce and fair pricing.
If you have a knack for organization and creativity, an event planning and decoration business could be a rewarding venture. Events like weddings, birthdays, and corporate gatherings are common in Kenya, creating a constant demand for decorators.
Invest in essential decor items like tents, chairs, tables, flowers, and decorative lights. You can also rent additional items as needed for specific events.
Charge for full event planning or decoration services per event, with prices varying based on the scale and specifics of each event.
The potential for repeat clients and referrals is high, and profits per event can be significant with effective budgeting.
The beauty industry remains resilient and lucrative, with steady demand for hairstyling, barbering, and grooming services. With 200K, you can set up a basic salon or barber shop to attract local clients.
Rent a small space, purchase salon chairs, mirrors, and essential equipment like clippers, blow dryers, and hair products.
Earn income from haircuts, styling, and additional services like braiding or manicure/pedicure.
With good service and a convenient location, a salon can attract regular clients and provide a steady income stream.
If you’re passionate about photography or videography, this field offers flexibility and the potential for profit with minimal equipment.
Start by covering events like weddings, birthdays, and graduations.
Invest in a quality camera, tripod, and basic lighting equipment.
Charge per event or per session, with potential for add-ons like photo albums or edited videos.
Event photography/videography has high-profit potential, especially as you build a portfolio and reputation.
Location is key to most of these businesses. Choose an area with potential customers and good visibility.
Research your target customers’ preferences and needs to better tailor your products or services.
Social media platforms are powerful (and free) marketing tools. Use them to promote your business and connect with customers.
Quality service and customer satisfaction are crucial for building a loyal customer base, referrals, and repeat business.
With 200K, there are many profitable business ideas you can start in Kenya.
Choose one that matches your skills, interests, and market demand, and take the first step toward financial independence and entrepreneurship.