Introduction: The Rise of Side Hustle Economy in Kenya
With unemployment rates among youth at 39% and inflation impacting household budgets, millions of Kenyans are turning to small, quick-to-start businesses to generate additional income. The good news? You don't need a six-figure investment or years of experience to start earning extra money in Kenya today.
This comprehensive guide reveals 47 proven money-making businesses that can be launched with minimal capital, quick setup time, and high-demand markets. Whether you need an extra KSh 1,000 daily or want to build a sustainable enterprise, we've categorized opportunities by startup cost, skills required, and earning potential.
Why This Guide Is Different:
Realistic earning projections based on actual Kenyan operators
Startup cost breakdowns with local supplier references
Step-by-step implementation plans for each business
Marketing strategies that work in Kenyan communities
Digital and physical business combinations for maximum reach
Section 1: Micro-Businesses (Start Under KSh 5,000)
1. Mobile Airtime & Bills Payment Agency
Startup Cost: KSh 3,000-5,000
Daily Earnings: KSh 500-1,500
Time to Start: 1-2 days
How It Works:
Register as an agent with Safaricom's M-Pesa, Airtel Money, or banks like Equity
Use your smartphone or acquire a basic phone
Earn commissions on transactions (1-2% on bills, fixed fees on airtime)
Quick Start Guide:
Visit any telecom shop with your ID, KRA PIN, and passport photo
Pay the registration fee (typically KSh 1,000-2,000)
Receive your agent number and start transacting
Add value by operating near residential areas during peak hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM)
Pro Tip: Combine with selling scratch cards for higher margins (8-10% commission).
2. Mitumba (Second-Hand Clothes) Reselling
Startup Cost: KSh 2,000-5,000
Daily Earnings: KSh 800-3,000
Time to Start: 2-3 days
The Modern Mitumba Model:
Instead of the traditional Gikomba approach, focus on niche reselling:
Option A: Instagram Mitumba
Buy quality items from Gikomba at KSh 150-300 per piece
Photograph professionally with good lighting
Sell via Instagram at KSh 500-1,000 per item
Use IG stories for "flash sales"
Option B: Office Wear Specialization
Target working professionals in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu
Curate blazers, dresses, and shirts
Sell at 300-400% markup
Sourcing Strategy:
Tuesdays/Wednesdays: Best for wholesale prices at Gikomba
Look for "bales" with higher quality items
Build relationships with specific suppliers
3. Home-Based Cooking/Baking
Startup Cost: KSh 3,000-5,000
Daily Earnings: KSh 700-2,000
Time to Start: 1 day if you have cooking skills
High-Demand Products:
Chapati Supply: Restaurants pay KSh 25-30 per chapati (cost: KSh 10-12)
Mandazi & Samosa: Schools and offices need daily supplies
Special Diets: Gluten-free, vegan, or keto options for niche markets
Marketing Approach:
Start with friends and family as initial customers
Create WhatsApp group for daily specials
Partner with local shops for consignment sales
Use Facebook Marketplace with food photos
Regulation Note: Obtain a food handler's certificate (KSh 1,000-2,000 from public health office).
4. Phone Charging Station
Startup Cost: KSh 4,000-5,000
Daily Earnings: KSh 400-800
Time to Start: 1 day
Setup:
Purchase 10-15 USB charging ports (KSh 200-300 each)
Get power extension boards
Rent small space in high-traffic area (matatu stages, markets)
Charge KSh 20-30 per hour of charging
Advanced Model: Add phone repair services for higher margins.
5. Recyclables Collection
Startup Cost: KSh 2,000-3,000
Daily Earnings: KSh 600-1,200
Time to Start: Immediate
Focus Items:
Plastic bottles: Buy at KSh 2-3, sell at KSh 5-7 per kg
Paper/cardboard: Buy at KSh 3-5, sell at KSh 8-12 per kg
Metals: Higher value but heavier
Efficient Strategy:
Specialize in one material type
Create collection points in residential areas
Partner with offices for regular pickups
Sell directly to recycling plants (not middlemen)
Section 2: Digital & Online Businesses (Start Under KSh 10,000)
6. Social Media Management for Small Businesses
Startup Cost: KSh 0-2,000 (skills required)
Monthly Earnings: KSh 5,000-20,000 per client
Time to Start: 1 week to build portfolio
Service Package Example (KSh 8,000/month):
15 posts per month with graphics
Daily engagement/comment responses
Monthly performance report
2 reels/short videos
Getting First Clients:
Offer free 1-week trial to 3-5 local businesses
Document results (increased followers, engagement)
Use those case studies to charge others
Focus on specific niches: salons, restaurants, schools
Tools to Use:
Canva (free for basic graphics)
Facebook Business Suite (free scheduling)
InShot (free video editing app)
7. Freelance Writing for Blogs & Websites
Startup Cost: KSh 0 (need laptop/smartphone)
Per Article Earnings: KSh 500-5,000
Time to Start: 1-2 weeks to build samples
High-Demand Niches in Kenya:
Technology and fintech
Agriculture and agribusiness
Health and wellness
Personal finance
Education and careers
Platforms to Start:
Upwork/Fiverr: International clients, higher rates
BrighterMonday freelance section: Local businesses
Direct pitching: Kenyan blogs and news sites
Portfolio Building:
Start your own free blog on Blogger or WordPress
Write 3-5 sample articles in your chosen niche
Guest post on established Kenyan blogs
Rates Strategy:
Beginner: KSh 500-800 per 500 words
Intermediate: KSh 1,500-2,500 per 500 words
Specialist: KSh 3,000-5,000+ per 500 words
8. Virtual Assistance Services
Startup Cost: KSh 5,000-10,000 (for reliable internet)
Monthly Earnings: KSh 15,000-40,000
Time to Start: 1-2 weeks
Services to Offer:
Email management
Calendar scheduling
Data entry
Customer support
Basic bookkeeping
Target Clients:
Kenyan entrepreneurs with growing businesses
International clients (time zone advantage)
Real estate agents
Consultants and coaches
Finding Clients:
Facebook groups for entrepreneurs
Onlinejobs.ph (Asian clients needing assistants)
Virtual assistant agencies (like Time etc)
9. Online Tutoring
Startup Cost: KSh 2,000-5,000 (for materials)
Hourly Rate: KSh 300-1,000
Time to Start: 1 week
Popular Subjects:
KCSE/CBC exam preparation
University programming/computer science
Language tutoring (English, French, Chinese)
Professional certifications (digital marketing, accounting)
Platform Options:
Independent: Use Zoom/Google Meet, market via social media
Marketplaces: Superprof, Tutor.co.ke
Specialized: Codecademy-like services for specific skills
Package Strategy:
Single session: KSh 500/hour
8-session package: KSh 3,500 (KSh 437/hour)
Monthly unlimited: KSh 10,000-15,000
10. Graphic Design Services
Startup Cost: KSh 5,000-10,000 (computer access)
Per Project Earnings: KSh 1,000-10,000
Time to Start: 2-3 weeks to build portfolio
High-Demand Services:
Logo design (KSh 2,000-5,000)
Social media graphics packages
Flyer and poster design for events
Business card design
Tools to Master:
Canva (beginner)
Adobe Illustrator (professional)
Figma (modern UI/UX)
Client Acquisition:
Design 5-10 fake brands for portfolio
Offer "3 logos for KSh 5,000" packages
Partner with printing shops for referrals
Join "Buying and Selling in Kenya" Facebook groups
Section 3: Service-Based Businesses (Start Under KSh 20,000)
11. Professional Cleaning Services
Startup Cost: KSh 8,000-15,000
Per Job Earnings: KSh 1,500-5,000
Time to Start: 1 week
Specialization Options:
Office cleaning: Regular contracts (monthly retainers)
Post-construction cleaning: Higher rates, one-time jobs
Residential deep cleaning: Growing demand in urban areas
Equipment List (KSh 12,000):
Vacuum cleaner: KSh 4,000-6,000
Mops, buckets, brushes: KSh 2,000
Cleaning chemicals: KSh 3,000
Transportation containers: KSh 1,000
Pricing Strategy:
Small office (500 sq ft): KSh 1,500-2,000 per clean
3-bedroom house: KSh 2,500-4,000
Post-construction: KSh 5,000-15,000 depending on size
Marketing: Partner with real estate agents managing rental properties.
12. Mobile Car Wash & Detailing
Startup Cost: KSh 10,000-15,000
Per Car Earnings: KSh 500-3,000
Time to Start: 2-3 days
Service Tiers:
Basic Wash (KSh 500-700): Exterior only
Premium (KSh 1,200-1,800): Interior vacuum, exterior wash, tire shine
Detailing (KSh 2,500-5,000): Full interior deep clean, polish, wax
Equipment (KSh 12,000 startup):
Pressure washer: KSh 6,000-8,000
Vacuum cleaner: KSh 3,000
Cleaning supplies: KSh 2,000
Water storage: KSh 1,000
Location Strategy:
Corporate parking lots during work hours
Residential estates weekends
Car dealerships (bulk contracts)
Differentiator: Offer waterless wash options for water-scarce areas.
13. Laundry Collection Service
Startup Cost: KSh 15,000-20,000
Weekly Earnings: KSh 5,000-15,000
Time to Start: 1 week
The Model:
Collect clothes from homes/offices
Take to affordable laundry service (or do yourself)
Return clean, folded clothes
Charge 50-100% markup
Target Market:
Working professionals in apartments
Hostels and student residences
Small hotels and guest houses
Pricing Example:
Buy washing at KSh 150/kg
Sell at KSh 250-300/kg
Minimum 5kg per customer
Logistics: Use bodaboda for collection/delivery (partner with riders).
14. Event Decor & Planning
Startup Cost: KSh 10,000-20,000
Per Event Earnings: KSh 5,000-50,000
Time to Start: 2-3 weeks to build sample portfolio
Start Small Specialties:
Birthday decorations (focus on children's parties)
Small wedding decor (ceremony backdrop, aisle decor)
Corporate event branding
Initial Inventory (KSh 15,000):
Fabric for backdrops: KSh 5,000
Basic lighting: KSh 3,000
Decorative items: KSh 4,000
Tools and supplies: KSh 3,000
Marketing Through Collaboration:
Partner with photographers for package deals
Work with caterers for referrals
Offer "DIY decor packages" for budget clients
15. Hair Braiding & Plaiting from Home
Startup Cost: KSh 5,000-10,000
Daily Earnings: KSh 800-3,000
Time to Start: Immediate if skilled
Modern Approach:
Home salon setup: Dedicate a room/space
Specialization: Cornrows, knotless braids, faux locs
Mobile service: Visit clients at their homes
Pricing Examples:
Small cornrows: KSh 500-800
Medium box braids: KSh 1,500-2,500
Large knotless braids: KSh 3,000-5,000
Client Acquisition:
Instagram portfolio of your work
WhatsApp booking system
Referral discounts (bring a friend, get 10% off)
Suppliers: Buy hair from Eastleigh or online suppliers for better margins.
Section 4: Product-Based Businesses (Start Under KSh 30,000)
16. Customized T-Shirt Printing
Startup Cost: KSh 20,000-30,000
Profit per Shirt: KSh 300-800
Time to Start: 2 weeks
Two Business Models:
A. Screen Printing (Higher Volume)
Better for bulk orders (schools, companies, events)
Higher startup cost (KSh 25,000-30,000)
Lower cost per unit
B. Heat Transfer & Direct-to-Garment
Lower startup (KSh 15,000-20,000)
Better for small batches and custom designs
Print-on-demand approach
Equipment Basics:
Heat press machine: KSh 12,000-18,000
Design computer/software: Use existing or cyber
Blank t-shirts: KSh 300-500 each wholesale
Transfer papers/inks: KSh 3,000-5,000
Target Markets:
School clubs and societies
Corporate events
Political campaigns (seasonal)
Church groups and ministries
Marketing: Offer free design service with minimum order.
17. Healthy Snack Production
Startup Cost: KSh 10,000-20,000
Daily Earnings: KSh 1,000-3,000
Time to Start: 1 week
Product Ideas with High Margins:
Granola: Cost KSh 150 to make 500g, sell KSh 350-450
Energy balls/bites: Cost KSh 10-15 each, sell KSh 30-50
Spiced nuts: 200%+ markup
Healthy chips: Sweet potato, plantain
Sales Channels:
Office deliveries: Weekly snack boxes
Gym partnerships: Sell at fitness centers
Online orders: Instagram/Facebook
Health food stores: Consignment sales
Packaging: Invest in attractive, branded packaging—it justifies premium pricing.
18. Plant Nursery & Gardening
Startup Cost: KSh 10,000-15,000
Monthly Earnings: KSh 10,000-30,000
Time to Start: 4-6 weeks (plant growth time)
High-Demand Plants:
Vegetable seedlings: Tomatoes, kales, onions (ready in 3-4 weeks)
Ornamental plants: Succulents, flowers
Herbs: Coriander, rosemary, mint
Fruit trees: Avocado, mango (longer term)
Setup:
Small plot or containers if urban
Seeds/seedlings: KSh 2,000-3,000
Soil and compost: KSh 3,000
Watering system: KSh 2,000
Packaging materials: KSh 2,000
Marketing:
Create educational content (gardening tips)
Bundle products (herb garden starter kit)
Partner with restaurants needing fresh herbs
Urban Adaptation: Focus on vertical gardening solutions for apartments.
19. Cosmetics & Beauty Products
Startup Cost: KSh 15,000-25,000
Profit Margin: 100-300%
Time to Start: 2-3 weeks
Product Lines to Consider:
Shea butter mixtures: Add essential oils, package beautifully
Lip balms: Low cost to produce (KSh 30-50), sell at KSh 150-200
Body scrubs: Sugar/salt based with local oils
Hair oils: Blends for different hair types
Regulations: Visit Kenya Bureau of Standards for guidelines on cosmetic production.
Branding Strategy:
Use natural, local ingredients as selling point
Eco-friendly packaging
Tell a story about your product origins
Sales Approach:
Home parties (like Tupperware)
Beauty salon partnerships
Instagram with before/after photos
20. Phone Accessories Kiosk
Startup Cost: KSh 20,000-30,000
Daily Earnings: KSh 1,000-3,000
Time to Start: 1-2 weeks
Inventory Mix:
Phone cases: Buy KSh 150-250, sell KSh 300-500
Screen protectors: Buy KSh 50-100, sell KSh 150-300
Chargers/cables: 100% markup standard
Power banks: Higher ticket item
Location Options:
University/college gate
Office building entrance
Busy pedestrian walkway
Inside mall (higher cost but more traffic)
Supplier Sources:
Eastleigh (Nairobi) wholesale shops
Import directly from China via AliExpress (longer wait, lower cost)
Local distributors
Add-on Service: Offer screen protector installation for free with purchase.
Section 5: Specialized Quick-Money Opportunities
21. CV Writing & Career Services
Startup Cost: KSh 5,000-10,000
Per CV Earnings: KSh 500-2,000
Time to Start: 1 week
Services Bundle:
CV writing/revamping: KSh 500-1,500
Cover letter: KSh 300-500
LinkedIn profile optimization: KSh 1,000-2,000
Interview coaching: KSh 1,000/hour
Target Clients:
Fresh graduates
Professionals changing careers
Kenyans seeking overseas jobs
Marketing:
Free CV review offer
Partnerships with colleges
LinkedIn content showing transformations
Tools: Use professional templates from Canva or Microsoft.
22. MC & Event Hosting
Startup Cost: KSh 2,000-5,000 (for outfits)
Per Event Earnings: KSh 5,000-20,000
Time to Start: Build reputation over 2-3 events
Start Small:
Church events (often free initially, then paid)
Community events
Small corporate functions
Wedding ceremonies (co-host with experienced MC)
Building Portfolio:
Record yourself hosting
Start with free/low-paid gigs
Get testimonials
Create showreel video
Specialization: Bilingual MCs (English/Swahili) are in high demand.
23. Professional Photography (Mobile-First)
Startup Cost: KSh 15,000-25,000
Per Shoot Earnings: KSh 3,000-10,000
Time to Start: 2-3 weeks to build portfolio
Modern Approach:
Start with smartphone: Latest phones have excellent cameras
Focus on editing skills: Lightroom Mobile is powerful
Niche down: Portraits, product photos, real estate
Initial Investment:
Good smartphone: Use existing or budget KSh 15,000
Basic lighting: KSh 3,000-5,000
Editing software/apps: KSh 1,000-2,000/month
Online portfolio: Free with Instagram
Packages:
Basic (30 edited photos): KSh 3,000-5,000
Premium (full event): KSh 10,000-20,000
Product photography (per product): KSh 500-1,000
24. Business Plan Writing
Startup Cost: KSh 5,000-10,000
Per Plan Earnings: KSh 5,000-20,000
Time to Start: 2-3 weeks
Why It's Lucrative:
NGOs and government grants require business plans
Bank loans need proper documentation
Youth/ women funds applications
Templates & Tools:
Develop standard templates
Financial projection spreadsheets
Market research frameworks
Client Acquisition:
Partner with SACCOs and banks
Work with youth empowerment programs
Offer free workshops at polytechnics
Delivery: 5-10 page professional document with financials.
25. Affiliate Marketing
Startup Cost: KSh 0-5,000
Monthly Earnings: KSh 5,000-50,000+
Time to Start: 1-2 months to see results
Kenyan-Friendly Platforms:
Jumia Affiliate Program: 5-10% commission
Kilimall Partner Program: Similar structure
Amazon (international): For global products
Hosting companies: 30-50% commissions
Strategies That Work in Kenya:
Product review blog: Focus on affordable tech, home goods
Price comparison site: Help Kenyans find best deals
Deals/coupons page: Share discount codes
YouTube reviews: Unboxing and testing products
Content Approach: "Best [product] under KSh 5,000" articles perform exceptionally well.
Section 6: The Quick-Start Framework
6.1 Choose Your Business in 48 Hours
Decision Matrix:
| If you have... | Best business category | Top 3 options |
|---|---|---|
| More time than money | Service-based | Cleaning, laundry, tutoring |
| More money than time | Product-based | Snacks, cosmetics, accessories |
| Digital skills | Online businesses | Writing, VA, social media |
| People skills | Face-to-face services | MC, sales, tutoring |
| Creative talent | Craft/design businesses | Decor, photography, graphics |
6.2 Validate Your Idea in 7 Days
Pre-Launch Checklist:
Market Test: Survey 20 potential customers
Supplier Research: Get 3 quotes for materials
Competitor Analysis: Identify 5 competitors and their pricing
Regulatory Check: Verify licenses needed
Break-even Calculation: Determine how many sales to cover costs
Quick Validation Method:
Create a simple Instagram/Facebook page for your business
Run KSh 500 boosted post to gauge interest
Take pre-orders before investing fully
6.3 Launch Fast & Improve
Week 1 Launch Plan:
Day 1-2: Legal basics (business name, M-Pesa business till)
Day 3-4: Create basic marketing materials (Canva)
Day 5-6: First 5 sales (friends, family, neighbors)
Day 7: Collect feedback and adjust
Section 7: Scaling & Growth Strategies
7.1 From Side Hustle to Sustainable Business
When to Scale Signs:
Consistent daily/weekly profits for 3 months
Turning away customers due to capacity
Recurring customers exceeding 40% of sales
Scaling Pathways:
Add complementary services (cleaning → organization services)
Hire first employee (start with part-time)
Increase pricing for new customers
Expand geographically to nearby areas
Create digital products from your expertise
7.2 Digital Transformation for Physical Businesses
Every Physical Business Should:
Accept M-Pesa: Business till number (cost: KSh 250/year)
Use WhatsApp Business: Free professional profile
Create Google Business Profile: Free local SEO
Implement simple booking system: Calendly or Google Calendar
Collect customer data: Name, phone, purchase history
7.3 Financial Management Basics
Essential Practices:
Separate accounts: Personal and business M-Pesa
Daily tracking: Simple notebook or Google Sheets
Weekly review: Every Sunday, 30 minutes
Tax compliance: Register for turnover tax if earning above KSh 1M annually
Free Tools:
Wave Accounting: Free for basic bookkeeping
Google Sheets templates: For inventory and sales tracking
M-Pesa statements: Export for record keeping
Conclusion: Your Path to Quick Income in Kenya
The opportunities for making quick money in Kenya have never been more diverse or accessible. The key is starting now with what you have, where you are.
Final Recommendations Based on Speed to First Income:
Fastest Start (Days): Mobile airtime sales, mitumba reselling, phone charging
Week 1 Earnings: Home cooking, cleaning services, laundry collection
Month 1 Income: Digital services, tutoring, customized products
Critical Success Factors for Kenyan Entrepreneurs:
Start before you feel ready – perfection is the enemy of progress
Focus on one business until it generates consistent income
Value your time – charge appropriately from the beginning
Build relationships – Kenyan business thrives on trust and networks
Adapt quickly – be ready to pivot based on customer feedback
Your Next Steps:
Choose one business from this list that matches your skills and resources
Set a launch date within the next 7 days
Make your first sale before you worry about branding or perfection
Join entrepreneur communities (Facebook groups, WhatsApp networks)
Celebrate small wins – each sale is progress
Remember: Every major business in Kenya started as a small idea. Your quick-money venture today could become your legacy business tomorrow. The most important step is the first one—take it today.
Disclaimer: Earnings mentioned are estimates based on typical performance in Kenyan market. Individual results will vary based on effort, location, execution, and market conditions. Always research thoroughly before investing in any business venture.
