How to Start and Develop a Business as a Young Entreprenuer in Kenya

Starting a business in Kenya, no matter how small it is, it can be very challenging. Personally, I have felt like quitting lots of time. However, the thought of joining the employment world has always made me have second thoughts. 

Yes, its hard but not impossible. With the right mindset and tools, it’s possible to create a thriving venture even without a lot of resources. I know this because I’ve been there—unsure of where to begin, limited in finances, but determined to make it work.

Let me take you through practical steps that worked for me and I believe it will work for you too. These tips are relatable and easy to implement as they are tailored to Kenya’s unique business environment, especially now during this tough economic period under president William Ruto.

1. Identify a Problem You Can Solve

Starting and developing a successful business in Kenya begins with solving a problem.

If you want to start a profitable business, the formula is simple: look around and identify what’s missing in your community or what could be done better.

For example, when I started Ctone Media in 2017, I noticed that many small businesses lacked a proper online presence. I decided to fill this gap by offering social media marketing and website design services. Initially, Ctone Media was a photography company because I had a passion for photography. However, I realized that my dream was bigger than just taking photos.

At the time, I didn’t see much room for significant change within the photography industry itself. Instead, I chose to help fellow photographers improve their online presence. I spent six months learning about search engine optimization (SEO), and once I had mastered it, I began offering these services. The business boomed, and I made substantial profits.

From my personal experience, when you want to start and grow a business as a young entrepreneur in Kenya, ask yourself these critical questions:

1. What are people complaining about in your area?
2. Are there small businesses you could help grow?

By identifying and solving these problems, you’ll not only create a thriving business but also provide real value to your community.

2. Start with What You Have

You don’t need millions of shillings to start and develop a business in Kenya. There are many businesses in Kenya that you can even start with less than 10,000 shillings. Most successful businesses in Kenya started small. When I began, I didn’t even have the money to build a website. Instead, I created a free blog using WordPress and marketed myself on social media.

Here are tools you can use to get started:

• Canva: Create posters, social media posts, and even business cards for free.
• Instagram and Facebook: Market your products or services at no cost.
• M-Pesa: Use it as your payment method—you don’t need a fancy point-of-sale system.

The key is to take action, no matter how small. For instance, if you want to sell second-hand clothes, start by buying a bale and selling to friends or on social media.

3. Build Skills Before Selling Services

I made the mistake of rushing to get clients without fully understanding my craft. To avoid this, spend time learning and perfecting your skills. There are many free and affordable resources out there that you can use to become better.

Some useful platforms include:

• Ajira Digital: This Kenyan initiative helps young people access online jobs while learning skills like transcription and writing.
• YouTube: You can learn anything from graphic design to cooking just by watching free videos.
• Coursera and Udemy: These platforms have online courses that are often discounted or free.

Take your time to master a skill that can bring value to others. For example, if you’re passionate about photography, invest in learning editing software like Lightroom or Photoshop.

4. Find Your First Customers

Getting your first customers is the hardest part, but it’s possible if you target the right people. I remember starting by approaching small businesses around me. I offered to design their social media pages and explained how it could attract more clients.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Use Social Media: Post about what you do and how it can help others. For example, if you bake cakes, share photos of your work and use hashtags like #KenyanBaker or #SmallBusinessKenya.
2. Talk to People Around You: Friends, family, and neighbors can be your first clients. Let them know what you’re offering.
3. Don’t Undervalue Your Work: Avoid offering your services for free. Instead, give discounts to attract customers while still earning something.

One of my first clients was a small shop owner who needed help setting up Facebook ads. That connection opened doors to more opportunities through referrals.

5. Funding Your Business

When it comes to funding, most of us start with very little, and that’s okay. In Kenya, there are several ways to get the financial support you need:

• Youth Enterprise Development Fund: Offers loans to young entrepreneurs at affordable rates.
• M-Changa: A crowdfunding platform where friends and family can contribute to your business idea.
• Table Banking/Chamas: Join a chama or create one with trusted friends to pool resources for your business.

Remember, it’s not always about getting big loans. Sometimes, small savings can go a long way. For example, start by putting aside KES 100 daily from your current hustle.

6. Build a Network

Networking is a game-changer. The people you know can help you grow your business faster than any marketing strategy. Attend events, join groups, and connect with others in your industry.

In Kenya, platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook groups such as Kenyan Entrepreneurs Forum are great for meeting like-minded individuals. Personally, I’ve met some of my best clients and mentors through networking.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice—it shows initiative. For example, I once reached out to a mentor on LinkedIn, and he connected me to someone who became a long-term client.

7. Stay Consistent and Keep Improving

Consistency is what separates successful businesses from those that fail. When I started, I made a commitment to post on social media daily and improve my skills weekly. Over time, those small efforts added up.

Here’s how you can stay consistent:

• Create a routine for your business activities, like posting on social media every morning or following up with clients weekly.
• Invest in learning new trends in your industry. For example, if you’re in retail, learn how to market on platforms like Jumia and WhatsApp Business.
• Deliver quality work every time. Customers will keep coming back if they trust you to meet their needs.

8. Learn from Failure

Don’t fear failure—it’s part of the journey. I’ve had my fair share of mistakes, like losing clients due to poor communication. Instead of giving up, I learned how to communicate better and meet deadlines.

Use every failure as a lesson. Ask yourself:

• What went wrong?
• How can I do better next time?

For example, if a customer complains about your service, take their feedback seriously and make improvements.

Last Words

Starting a business as a young entrepreneur in Kenya is not easy, but it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do. By identifying a need, starting small, building skills, and staying consistent, you’ll set yourself on a path to success.

Remember, every big business you see today started small. Take that first step, and don’t give up—even when it gets tough. Your dream is valid, and with hard work and persistence, you can make it a reality.

So, are you ready to begin? Let’s make your business idea the next big thing in Kenya!