5 Business Ideas to Start With Less Than 10k in Kenya

Starting a profitable business is the dream of nearly every Kenyan. However, many Kenyans who aspire to be great businessmen and women lack capital. However, we are at an age where imagination and creativity rewards. Therefore, with a proper understanding of the market, there are high chances that you can start a profitable business with as low as 10 thousand Kenyan shillings.

In this article, I am going to provide you with some of the best business ideas that an individual can start with as low as 10 thousand Kenyan shillings. Starting a business is not hard, however, having the right idea for a good business is usually the problem for many people especially the youth in Kenya.

Brunch and Lunch Work Deliveries

I have been in Nairobi CBD countless times, I have even managed to make friends with people, both low and high-end employers and employees. If there is a group of people that are making some good cash are none other than individuals who serve portable food to workplaces. You might laugh at the mama UJI you see in Nairobi but when you will get a chance to have a chat with her you will be flabbergasted at the amount of money they make in a day.

In such a business, for instance, the Porridge or Tea business, all you need is to invest is in a good and sizeable large thermos flask. In the lunch business, you just need to invest in a good and sizeable large hotpot for storing the food. The second thing you need is to talk to someone who has a kitchen and pay a small fee every time you cook at the place. 

If you don’t know how you can get such a contact who will offer you kitchen space for a small fee, don’t worry because I got you. Just send me a direct message on Instagram and I will be your plug.

You might even decide to cook at home but it might not be very effective unlike when you cook from town and sell there. This business is not only applicable in Nairobi but also in other towns such as Kisumu, Mombasa, Eldoret, Kitale, Muranga, Nyeri, Kericho and many others.

Also Read: Best Side Hustle Ideas in Kenya

Selling Second-Hand Items

One of the best and most profitable business in Kenya that is usually underrated is the selling of second items (thrifting). From clothing to household appliances, second-hand business is the most suitable idea for someone with a small budget like 10k and below. You can check online in sites such as Jiji or even Facebook and outsource for cheap second hand products then resell them at a profit. 

Another business idea that one can start with less than Ksh. 10,000 is mitumba business. Selling second-hand clothes does not require much capital, just look for someone who can supply you with mitumba clothes or shoes, you can then use your social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Facebook to market your products. With the right social media strategy, there are high chances of you earning a decent life from this business.

Blogging

Starting a blog can also be a very nice niche to start a business in Kenya that costs as low as 5 thousand shillings. You don’t need a very complex website, just buy a domain for roughly 1000 shillings and below. 

After purchasing a domain head up to WordPress and here you can easily set up a blog. If working around WordPress is challenging for you, hire a specialist that you know or in a multivendor site like Fivver. 

It won't cost you more than 5k and your website will be up and running for only six thousand. With the right traffic, you can get some good traffic by running ads on your website.

If you want help with creating a simple website for as low as 4000 shillings, send me a message on Instagram and I will link you with a very good WordPress web developer.

Vacuum Cleaning

Another good business idea that require less than ten thousand Kenyan shillings is vacuum cleaning. You can find a nice vacuum cleaner preferable from second hand dealer for a price less than 10k. After acquiring the machine, market yourself online, you can even run ads on social media and in time you will start landing deals that will see you off to a lucrative business.

Small barbershop

A small barbershop business can be easily started with less than 10 thousand shillings. 

You can choose to buy a second-hand machine and find a small stall that charges less than 5 thousand rent. With time you will then improve the business.

Personal shopping

With a capital of 5 thousand shillings you can provide your services as a personal shopper. 

Currently, many people don’t like spending their time shopping or they do not have the appropriate experience to purchasing specific goods and this is where you come in. You can shop for this kind of people and in turn you charge them a small fee. 

Sell Study Materials Online

Another emerging business that once you have a laptop, you will only need internet to make money is creating and selling notes, study guides and revision materials.

The best website to sell study materials online is Passing Grades. If you are interested you can learn from the platform on how to go about creating and selling notes on their website. Its major competitors are Stuvia, docsity, docmerit and coursehero among many others.

Want to explore more opportunities? Here are 9 Profitable Business Ideas for 2025 that you can start today.