Thinking about launching a business in Kenya with just 300,000 KES?
You’re in the right place! This budget—about 2,317 USD —offers plenty of options if you are smart in your business planning.
The key phrase here is cheap businesses to start with 300K in Kenya.
It’s all about finding ideas that fit your funds and grow over time. You don’t need millions to kick things off — just a solid plan.
I’ve explored the possibilities for you. From tech-driven ventures to food stalls, there’s something for everyone.
Kenya’s market is buzzing with opportunity. Whether you’re in Nairobi or a smaller town, 300,000 KES can get you started.
Business to Start with 300K in Kenya
1) Start an AI Media Company
Ever thought of running a news site powered by AI?
You can use AI to write articles and publish them online. It’s a fresh, low-cost way to break into media.
How it works: AI tools create news drafts fast. You polish them up and share them on your website.
Think of it as a digital newspaper with a modern twist.
You could even automate this with tools such as Make.com, where you just feed a link to your daily spreadsheet, and run scenarios using tools such as Perplexity, OpenAI completion APIs, etc.
Cost breakdown:
- Company registration: 15,000 KES (legal paperwork to operate in Kenya).
- Domain and hosting: 8,000 KES (your website’s name and online space).
- Website setup: 30,000 KES (hiring someone to build a simple site).
- AI tools: 1,560 KES (for 104 articles yearly—2 per week).
- Editing: 25,500 KES (paying someone to check facts).
- Marketing: 10,000 KES (ads to get readers)
Total: 90,060 KES. That leaves you over 200,000 KES for extras or growth!
You’ll need a computer and internet — stuff you might already have. Start small with a few articles weekly. Build your audience over time.
Watch out: AI can mess up facts. Double-check everything to stay credible. Kenya’s Media Council has rules, so keep it legal.
I love this idea because it’s futuristic yet doable. You could cover local news or niche topics like tech or tourism.
Action Points
- Go to Truehost.co.ke, and select a web hosting plan
- Enter your domain name for media website
- If available, add it to cart
- Complete purchase by adding your payment method
- Install WordPress with one click
- Start building your news website with tools such as Elementor
2) Executive Fast Food Restaurant
Why it works: People always need quick and affordable meals, especially in urban areas.
What You Need to Start
- Location: Rent a small space in a busy area
- Kitchen Equipment: Gas cookers, deep fryers, grill, utensils
- Licenses: Business permit, food handling certificate
- Initial Stock: Cooking oil, flour, meat, spices, packaging materials
- Marketing: Social media promotion, signage
Estimated Costs
| Expense | Cost (KES) |
| Rent & Setup | 80,000 |
| Kitchen Equipment | 100,000 |
| Licenses & Permits | 20,000 |
| Initial Stock | 50,000 |
| Marketing & Branding | 30,000 |
| Miscellaneous | 20,000 |
| Total | 300,000 |
Profit Potential: You can make KES 60,000 – 150,000 per month, depending on the location and menu.
Tip: Offer affordable, high-quality meals like burgers, fries, grilled chicken, and pilau. Also, introduce online delivery to reach more customers.
3) Greenhouse Farming
Why it works: The demand for fresh produce like tomatoes, capsicum, and spinach is high throughout the year.
What You Need to Start
- Land: Lease or use personal land
- Greenhouse: For controlled farming
- Irrigation System: Drip irrigation
- Seeds & Fertilizers: High-yield varieties
- Labor: At least one farmhand
- Marketing: Direct to markets, supermarkets, or online
Estimated Costs
| Expense | Cost (KES) |
| Greenhouse Installation | 120,000 |
| Seeds, Fertilizers & Pesticides | 50,000 |
| Irrigation System | 50,000 |
| Labor & Other Costs | 30,000 |
| Marketing & Transport | 50,000 |
| Total | 300,000 |
With this type of business, you can make KES 40,000 – 100,000 per month after 3-4 months of harvesting.
Tip: Grow high-demand crops with short growth cycles to ensure faster returns.
4) Open a Small Retail Shop
A shop selling everyday items can thrive anywhere in Kenya.
Think groceries, phone accessories, or clothes. You pick what sells in your area.
Set up in a rented space or even a stall. Stock up on goods people need daily. It’s steady income if you choose wisely.
Rough costs:
- Rent: 10,000–50,000 KES (depends on location).
- Stock: 50,000–150,000 KES.
- Shelves and setup: 20,000 KES.
Total: 80,000 – 220,000 KES.
You control costs by starting small. Bargain with suppliers for better prices. A busy spot means more sales—scout it out first.
Why it works: Kenyans love convenience. Offer fair prices, and they’ll keep coming back.
4) Launch a Tourism and Travel Agency
Kenya’s beauty — think Maasai Mara or Diani Beach — draws tourists yearly. You can help people plan trips and earn from it. No big office needed!
You connect travelers with guides, hotels, and transport. Use your phone and a website to start. It’s all about networking.
Expenses:
- Registration: 15,000 KES.
- Website: 30,000 KES.
- Marketing: 30,000–50,000 KES.
Total: 75,000–95,000 KES.
Partner with local businesses for commissions. Share stunning photos online to lure clients.
Your 300K budget covers this easily.
Heads-up: Learn the tourism hotspots. A happy traveler means repeat business!
5) Wines & Spirits Shop
Why it works: Alcohol has a consistent market and high-profit margins.
What You Need to Start
- Licenses: Liquor license, county business permit
- Stock: Various alcoholic drinks (beers, wines, spirits)
- Security Measures: Safes, CCTV
- Store Setup: Shelving, counter, branding
- Marketing: Signage, local promotions
Estimated Costs
| Expense | Cost (KES) |
| Rent & Setup | 70,000 |
| Initial Liquor Stock | 150,000 |
| Business Licenses | 40,000 |
| Security & Staff Wages | 30,000 |
| Branding & Marketing | 10,000 |
| Total | 300,000 |
Profit Potential: KES 50,000 – 150,000 per month, depending on location.
Tip: Choose a high-traffic location and stock both premium and budget-friendly drinks.
6) Mobile Money Agency (M-Pesa & Bank Agent)
Why it works: Millions of Kenyans depend on M-Pesa and banking services daily.
What You Need to Start
- M-Pesa Float: The minimum recommended float is KES 100,000
- Bank Agency Partnership: Equity, KCB, Co-op Bank
- Security: Safes, reinforced counters, CCTV
- Shop Setup: Signage, branding
Estimated Costs
| Expense | Cost (KES) |
| M-Pesa Float | 100,000 |
| Business Licenses | 40,000 |
| Rent & Setup | 50,000 |
| Security Measures | 50,000 |
| Miscellaneous | 30,000 |
| Total | 300,000 |
Profit Potential: KES 30,000 – 100,000 per month, depending on transactions.
Tip: Locate your business near a market, bus stage, or estate entrance for more foot traffic.
7) Kick Off an Agricultural Business
Farming or processing crops can pay off in Kenya. You could grow veggies or make peanut butter.
It’s hands-on and rewarding.
Rent a small plot or use family land. Sell to markets or shops. Fresh produce is always in demand.
Costs:
- Land lease: 50,000 KES (yearly).
- Seeds and tools: 30,000–50,000 KES.
- Processing gear: 50,000 KES (if needed).
Total: 130,000 –150,000 KES.
Start with fast-growing crops like spinach. Scale up as profits roll in. Weather can be tricky, so plan for it accordingly.
8) Offer IT Services or Web Development
Got tech skills?
You can build websites or fix computers with minimal cash. Clients are everywhere — businesses, schools, even individuals.
Work from home with your laptop. Charge per project. It’s low-risk and high-reward.
Breakdown:
- Laptop (if needed): 30,000 KES.
- Internet: 5,000 KES monthly.
- Marketing: 30,000 KES.
Total: 45,000–70,000 KES.
Show off past work online. Word of mouth grows your gigs. You’re set with 300K!
Perk: No rent or stock worries—just your expertise.
Airbnb Business
Why it works: Many people prefer short-term rentals over hotels.
What You Need to Start
- Apartment Rental: 1-bedroom or bedsitter in a strategic location
- Furniture & Decor: Comfortable bed, sofa, TV, kitchen setup
- Listing on Airbnb & Booking.com
- Marketing: Social media, professional photos
Estimated Costs
| Expense | Cost (KES) |
| Rent & Deposit | 100,000 |
| Furniture & Decor | 120,000 |
| Business Registration | 20,000 |
| Marketing & Photography | 30,000 |
| Miscellaneous | 30,000 |
| Total | 300,000 |
Profit Potential: KES 50,000 – 150,000 per month, depending on location and occupancy rate.
Tip: Choose a prime location near airports, malls, or business districts.
9) Start Consultancy Services
Know business, finance, or law?
Offer advice to startups or individuals. It’s cheap to launch and builds on what you already know.
You meet clients in cafes or online. Share tips they can’t Google. Confidence seals the deal.
Costs:
- Business cards: 2,000 KES.
- Website: 10,000 KES.
- Ads: 20,000 KES.
Total: 32,000 KES.
Charge hourly or per session. Your 300K cushion lets you experiment. Experience matters more than fancy setups here.
Try this: Focus on small businesses—they need help most.
10) Set Up Beauty and Spa Services
A small salon can shine in Kenya. Haircuts, nails, or massages—people love pampering.
Start in a single room or at home.
Buy basics and grow as clients come. Word spreads fast if you’re good. It’s personal and fun.
Expenses:
- Equipment: 30,000–50,000 KES (chairs, dryers).
- Supplies: 20,000 KES (products).
- Rent: 20,000 KES.
Total: 70,000–90,000 KES.
Offer deals to pull in locals. Skill up via YouTube if needed. Your budget fits perfectly.
11) Begin Event Planning and Management
Love organizing?
Plan parties, weddings, or meetings. You coordinate vendors and make events pop.
Start with small gigs. Use your phone and social media. Happy clients will hire you again.
Costs:
- Marketing: 20,000 KES.
- Basic decor: 70,000 KES.
- Transport: 10,000 KES.
Total: 100,000 KES.
Build a portfolio with photos. Network at events.
Fun fact: A single wedding can net you 50,000 KES!
12) Launch Transportation Services
A motorbike or small van can start a delivery or taxi gig. Kenya’s roads are busy—people need rides.
You cash in daily.
Buy used to save money. Fuel and licenses are your main costs. It’s straightforward.
Breakdown:
- Bike: 100,000–150,000 KES.
- Licenses: 10,000 KES.
- Fuel: 20,000 KES (initial).
Total: 130,000–180,000 KES.
Focus on short routes first. Apps like Bolt can boost earnings. Your budget covers it!
13) Start Education and Training
Teach skills like coding or cooking. You can tutor kids or adults. It’s low-cost and impactful.
Use a room or go online. Charge per class. Passion drives this one.
Costs:
- Materials: 10,000 KES.
- Ads: 10,000 KES.
- Setup: 5,000 KES.
Total: 25,000 KES.
You can grow this type of business by offering group sessions
Final Thoughts
Your KES 300,000 can help you start a highly profitable business. The key to success is:
✔ Choosing a business with high demand
✔ Finding a strategic location
✔ Marketing aggressively
✔ Delivering top-notch customer service
Now, which business idea interests you the most? Let’s refine your plan and get you started with web hosting that just works!