Starting a business with as little as Ksh 500 in Kenya is possible, especially in ventures requiring minimal capital and leveraging skills or resources you already have. 

These businesses focus on high-demand, low-cost products or services that can quickly generate income and grow with reinvestment.

Top Business Ideas to Start with Ksh 500 in Kenya

Here are some low-capital business ideas:

Selling Snacks

Snacks like samosas, boiled eggs, mandazi, and smokies are highly popular and affordable to start.

How to Start

• Use Ksh 500 to buy ingredients like flour, eggs, or smokies.
• Prepare and sell outside schools, bus stops, or markets.

Expected Profit

• Selling a boiled egg or smokie at Ksh 20–30 can yield a daily profit of Ksh 300–1,000 depending on sales volume.

Mobile Airtime Reselling

Airtime reselling is a simple and effective way to earn.

How to Start

• Use Ksh 500 to buy airtime in bulk from a mobile service provider (e.g., Safaricom, Airtel).
• Sell in smaller denominations to customers.

Expected Profit

• Earn a 5–10% profit margin on each airtime sale.

Selling Vegetables

Selling vegetables is a daily essentials business with high demand.

How to Start

• Purchase fresh vegetables (e.g., sukuma wiki, tomatoes, or onions) from a local market like Gikomba or Marikiti.
• Sell them near residential areas or door-to-door.

Expected Profit

• You can double your capital, earning a daily profit of Ksh 300–800.

Homemade Liquid Soap

Making and selling liquid soap is a low-cost business with a ready market.

How to Start

• Use Ksh 500 to buy soap-making ingredients like caustic soda, water, and dye.
• Package and sell to households or small businesses.

Expected Profit

• A liter of liquid soap can sell for Ksh 50–100, earning you Ksh 1,000–2,000 weekly with reinvestment.

Selling Fruits

Fresh fruits are in demand due to their health benefits and affordability.

How to Start

• Buy seasonal fruits like bananas, oranges, or mangoes at wholesale prices.
• Sell them in high-traffic areas or door-to-door.

Expected Profit

• Margins are typically 50–100%, with potential profits of Ksh 300–700 per day.

Freelance Writing or Typing Services

If you have a smartphone or access to a computer, you can offer writing or typing services.

How to Start

• Use Ksh 500 for internet bundles to market yourself on platforms like Facebook or WhatsApp.
• Write or type documents for students, small businesses, or professionals.

Expected Profit

• Earn Ksh 100–500 per project depending on complexity.

Selling Second-Hand Clothes (Mitumba)

Selling mitumba clothes is a popular and profitable business.

How to Start

• Buy 5–10 pieces of clothing like T-shirts or children’s wear from Gikomba Market with your Ksh 500.
• Resell at a profit of Ksh 50–100 per item.

Expected Profit

• Earn Ksh 300–1,000 daily depending on sales.

Offering Shoe Shining Services

Shoe shining is a skill-based business with minimal setup costs.

How to Start

• Buy shoe polish, brushes, and a cloth with your Ksh 500.
• Set up in busy areas like bus stops or outside office buildings.

Expected Profit

• Shine shoes for Ksh 20–50 per pair, earning up to Ksh 500–1,000 daily.

Selling Drinking Water

Selling water to pedestrians or people in markets is a high-turnover business.

How to Start

• Buy a few liters of clean drinking water and small plastic cups with your Ksh 500.
• Sell at Ksh 10–20 per cup.

Expected Profit

• Make Ksh 300–700 per day depending on traffic.

Reselling Household Items

Sell small but essential household items like matches, pens, or candles.

How to Start

• Use Ksh 500 to buy a small stock from wholesalers.
• Sell door-to-door or in high-traffic areas.

Expected Profit

• Margins are typically 30–50%, earning you Ksh 300–600 daily.

Tips for Success

Start Small and Reinvest

Begin with manageable stock and grow your business using profits.

Choose High-Demand Products

Focus on products or services people use daily.

Leverage Existing Skills

Use talents like cooking, crafting, or writing to reduce initial costs.

Target High-Traffic Areas

Location is critical for visibility and sales.

Market Yourself

Use social media or word-of-mouth to attract customers.

Take Away on Which Business can I Start with 500 in Kenya

Starting a business with Ksh 500 in Kenya requires creativity, hard work, and the ability to identify opportunities. 

By focusing on essential goods or services and reinvesting profits, you can grow your small investment into a sustainable and profitable venture.

Whether it’s selling snacks, reselling airtime, or offering shoe-shining services, the possibilities are endless.