Low-Capital Business Ideas in Kenya: Start with KES 99,000

In Kenya, countless ventures begin with savings from a job, a chama, or side hustles. Entrepreneurs often start with KES 5,000 or KES 10,000 — selling mitumba, frying chips, or repairing phones. But when you manage to set aside KES 99,000, your options grow. What can you do with that amount?

For many Kenyans, saving KES 99,000 is a turning point. It allows you to move from informal selling to a fixed location, or from odd jobs to a registered, repeat-income business. With discipline and the right idea, KES 99,000 can fund a venture that earns month after month.

Below are 10 low-capital business ideas you can start in Kenya with KES 99,000, each realistic and suited to local demand. We also list alternative businesses you can start with the same budget.

Mitumba or Second-Hand Clothes Retail

Kenyans buy mitumba every day. With KES 99,000, you can source bales from Gikomba or other markets, rent a small stall or shop, and sell clothes, shoes, or household items. Pick a busy market or estate; display neatly and price fairly. Regular restocking and good customer relations build a steady clientele and word-of-mouth.

Fruit and Vegetable Stall (Mama Mboga)

Fresh produce is always in demand. With KES 99,000, you can rent a space in a market or near a residential area, buy a weighing scale, and stock vegetables and fruits from the wholesale market. Build relationships with farmers or brokers for better prices. Reliable supply, fair pricing, and a clean stall help you compete with existing mama mbogas.

Shoe Repair and Key-Cutting Shop

Shoe repair and key-cutting are everyday needs in towns and estates. With KES 99K, you can buy a sewing machine for shoes, key-cutting equipment, and basic tools. A small booth or shop near a bus stop or market works well. Add bag repair or watch battery replacement to increase earnings. Low overhead and repeat customers make this a stable option.

Snack and Mandazi or Vitumbua Stall

Affordable snacks sell fast near schools, stages, and offices. With KES 99,000, you can get a jiko, mixing bowls, flour, and ingredients to make mandazi, vitumbua, or chips. A simple shelter or rented space and consistent quality attract regulars. Scale by adding tea, juice, or packed lunches once the base business is steady.

Liquid Soap and Detergent Making

Home-made liquid soap and detergents are cheap to produce and sell well in estates. With KES 99K, you can buy raw materials, containers, and labels, and make batches at home or in a small room. Sell to shops, kiosks, or directly to households. Good quality and fair pricing build loyalty; you can expand to washing powder or bleach later.

Beadwork and Craft Retail

Beads and crafts appeal to tourists and locals. With KES 99,000, you can buy beads, threads, and materials, and sell finished jewellery or partner with artisans. A stall in a craft market, near a hotel, or at events works. Unique designs and consistent supply help you stand out. You can also take orders for weddings and events.

Bicycle Repair and Spare Parts

Bicycles are used for transport and delivery in many towns. With KES 99K, you can stock tubes, tyres, chains, and basic tools and open a small repair point. Position near a stage or residential area. Repair services plus spare parts sales create daily income. Building trust with boda and delivery riders can bring repeat business.

Event Decoration and Balloon Services

Birthdays, baby showers, and small weddings need decoration. With KES 99,000, you can buy balloons, ribbons, backdrops, and basic décor items. Offer packages for home and small hall events. Use social media to showcase work and take bookings. Creativity and reliability lead to referrals and higher-value events over time.

Home Tuition or Small Tuition Centre

Parents invest heavily in education. With KES 99,000, you can rent a small room, buy a whiteboard and chairs, and offer tuition for primary or secondary subjects. Start with a few students and grow by reputation. Location near schools or in a busy estate helps. You can run group classes or one-on-one sessions depending on demand.

Small Wholesale or Distribution (Shop to Shop)

Buying in bulk and selling to kiosks and small shops can work with KES 99,000. You purchase items like soap, sweets, or biscuits from wholesalers and supply shops that cannot go to the depot. A bicycle or handcart and strong relationships with shop owners are key. Margins are small but volume and consistency can make it viable.

Alternative Businesses You Can Start with KES 99,000

Other ventures that fit a KES 99,000 budget in Kenya include: a posho mill or maize-grinding service in a neighbourhood with no nearby mill; a water-vending point with jerricans and a delivery trolley; a charcoal and firewood retail point; a combined shoe-shine and repair stand in a town centre; and a small bookshop or stationery kiosk near schools. All are familiar in the Kenyan context and can grow with good service and location.

Why KES 99,000 Feels Like a Turning Point

Saving KES 99,000 in Kenya is hard — but once you have it, you can choose a real business instead of hand-to-mouth hustles. This amount lets you invest in stock, a space, or tools that make your venture more visible and trustworthy.

This amount gives you:

Stability — a fixed spot or equipment that customers recognise and return to
Growth Mindset — you operate as a proper business, not just a side hustle
Opportunity — with time, you can expand or add more products and services

List Your Business on Directory Kenya

When your business is running, let customers find you. Directory Kenya lists local businesses across Kenya so people can search for services near them. Adding your venture can bring more visibility and enquiries.

Submit your business to Directory Kenya: APPLY HERE TODAY