List Of Small Scale Business In Kenya
A business that functions on a small scale level involves less capital investment, less labor, and fewer machines to operate is known as a small business. Small scale Industries or small businesses are the types of industries that produce goods and services on a small scale.
In this article Keweb.co tries to answer the question by publishing the full list of Small Scale Business in Kenya
Below is the full List of the Small Scale Business In Kenya
1. Movie Shop
The insatiable demand for western movies creates a way for a profitable movie shop in Kenya. With Ksh50k you can successfully set up shop and bring it to stability. A movie shop requires equipment, licenses, overheads, and movies.
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The three compliance licenses are:
- Single business permit
- Public Performance License
- Film/Video Regulatory License
Equipment includes; a computer and internet connection, a movie duplicator, and blank DVDs with 50 rims costing Ksh500. A single Movie purchase ranges between Ksh800 – Ksh1500. Others include:
- LED T.V. and Woofers.
- A few pieces of furniture.
- Movie posters and envelopes for packing movies.
Here is what your tentative budget might look like:
- Rental expenses -Ksh15,000
- Desktop Computer – Ksh15,000
- MSK License – Ksh4,000
- Business Permit – Ksh3,000
- KFCB License – Ksh3,000
- External hard disk – Ksh5,000
- CD Burning Software – Ksh5,000
Note: This budget is not conclusive. The overheads depend on your location. Your cost also depends on where you shop your equipment, making the budget slightly more or less Ksh50k.
Check: List Of Small Businesses In Kenya
2. Hardware
Hardware is a lucrative business that has withstood the test of time in Kenya. With an increase in construction, the trick is to do a competitor analysis to unearth hardware items unavailable at the competitors.
Conducting proper market research also shows you fast-moving items. Rent and other overheads depend on the business location, while a single business permit goes for Ksh10,000 per year. Other critical requisitions include a KRA ETR machine for tax payment purposes. Some of the fast-moving hardware items that can begin to rake in profits include:
- Cement
- Steel bars and rods
- Plumbing materials
- Door hinges
- Flooring tiles
- Welding rods, plumbing materials
- Nails
The trick is to start with a smaller stock of each item and progress as you make sales.
3. Providing Laundry Services
Laundry services rank among the most profitable businesses; you can start with Ksh50k. To accomplish this, identify a suitable location along a busy street. A small single laundry drop-off room/office would do for a start. You can use that backyard as a work area.
Besides licensing and overheads such as rent, electricity, and water, you may need to source the following equipment:
- Ordinary front-loading machine
- A Dryer – Ksh22,000
- Iron Box and Ironing Board
- Detergents
4. Home Bakery
When establishing a home bakery, you can quickly create a niche and find the right equipment to kick-start your business.
Standard baking tools and equipment include:
- Pans
- An oven
- Mixers
- Cake decoration kit
- Raw materials
Raw materials such as eggs, flour, and sugar can be costly, and the trick is to buy them in bulk at wholesalers. Again, different wholesales can have different prices, so window-shop before you purchase.
5. Selling Second Clothes (Mitumba)
A ready market for mitumba clothes and other items exists in Kenya. While you can start with the lowest capital, you have to focus on quality to attract customers and quickly make sales.
Sourcing excellent quality mitumba clothes equals spending good cash. Depending on the source, you might spend about Ksh40k – Ksh50k for a grade A/crème bale/Camera.
The items within that bale are either brand new or almost new with minimal usage. They sell quickly and at higher prices than if you bought a cheaper bale. As such, you have a guarantee of your return on investment.
6. Car Wash
You can also start a sustainable and highly profitable car wash business with as low as Ksh50k.
Key requirements are:
- Leasing Land space
- A car wash business license
- Car wash equipment such as;
- A pressure washer
- Vacuum cleaner
- Wax and polish
- Alloy wheel cleaner
- Car Shampoo
- A wash mitt
- Microfiber clothes
Auto shops have the necessary equipment. Since you’re starting with a limited budget, window-shop first to get the best price for each item.
7. Catering Services
If you have the passion and expertise, catering might be a great business to start. However, catering is a large field, and carving out a specialization will help you buy the correct equipment and attract clients for your meals.
Important considerations include the following equipment:
- Oven
- Cooler
- Backup generator
- Pans and pots
You will also be good to go with a single business permit. Another thing, though, is that your overhead costs depend on where you start. If from home, then you cut most of these expenses, quickly break even, and enjoy the profits.
8. Printing & Photocopy Business
While many thought digital technologies would wipe out paper-based businesses, the contrary is true. Printing & Photocopy services continue to prosper, and you can start yours with Ksh50k.
Here are the main costs to consider:
- Single business permit -Ksh2,500
- Safety license–Ksh2,500
- Kopiken License-Ksh2,500
- Standard 3 in 1 Photocopier( printer, scanner) Ksh35,000
- Laminator-Ksh4000
- Binding machine-Ksh-10,000
- Stationery-Ksh5,000
- Small office printer-Ksh1500
- A regular size copier-Ksh3500
Points to note: The above are average prices. With Ksh50k, you can shop for cheaper equipment. While you may want a standard photocopier, starting with the most inexpensive one would be wise. You can purchase the most advanced as the business picks up the pace.
9. Mobile Money Agency
The mobile money agency, also known as agency banking, involves third-party delivery of financial services to customers. Kenya’s most popular mobile money agencies are Equity, Mpesa, and Airtel money.
You should have an initial float to start a mobile money business. Even though some people pump vast amounts of cash, Ksh50k is sustainable.
Commissions that you derive from money deposits and withdrawals are your profit. Setting one up might require:
- Rental costs
- Initial float
A strategic location helps to rope in as many customers as you can. Also, strive to adopt best practices to infiltrate the industry comfortably. For example;
- Strictly follow the rules and regulations guiding mobile money transactions.
- Build excellent customer relations to attract customer loyalty.
10. LPG Gas Refill Business
Like most already mentioned businesses, location is key to cracking the gas refill business. The gas business does well in any county in Kenya so long as you identify a strategic location with a sizable population.
Although people still think significant towns and cities are major gas consumers, many Kenyans, even in the rural villages, now prefer cooking with gas because it is clean, fast, and cheaper than other fuel options.