Quick Answer Box
What business can you start with 30,000 shillings in Kenya?
With 30k in Kenya, you can start businesses like poultry farming (50-100 chicks), food kiosk, shoe resale, boda boda washing bay, grocery shop, barbershop rental chair, or M-Pesa agency. Most profitable options return 20-40% profit monthly. Food and resale businesses break even fastest (1-3 months), while service businesses build steady income over 3-6 months.
Introduction
If you’re searching for a business to start with 30k in Kenya, you’re at a critical decision point. 30,000 shillings is enough to start something real, but it’s also easy to lose if you make wrong choices.
Unlike 10k businesses that are mostly hustle and daily grind, 30k opens doors to proper setups with better profit margins and growth potential. But with more capital comes bigger risks.
This guide breaks down 13 businesses you can realistically start with 30,000 shillings, showing you actual costs in KES, expected profits, time to break even, and the real challenges nobody talks about until they’ve already lost money.
No exaggerations. No hype. Just practical information from someone who has seen these businesses work and fail in Kenyan estates, markets, and towns.
Why 30k is a Sweet Spot for Starting a Business
30,000 shillings puts you in a different category from micro-businesses:
You can afford proper stock. Not just 2-3 items, but enough variety to attract customers.
You can set up a basic physical space. A small kiosk deposit, a stall in the market, or proper equipment.
You have buffer money. Unlike 10k where one mistake wipes you out, 30k allows you to recover from small losses.
You can get better wholesale prices. Buying in slightly larger quantities reduces your cost per unit.
You can operate semi-formally. Enough to get basic licenses and look professional.
But here’s what most people get wrong: they see 30k as “small money” and rush into businesses without proper planning. They spend 28k in week one, something goes wrong in week two, and by week three they’re broke.
13 Best Businesses to Start with 30k in Kenya
1. Poultry Farming (Layers or Broilers)
What it is: Rear chickens for eggs (layers) or meat (broilers) in your compound or rented space.
Capital breakdown (KES):
- 50-70 day-old chicks: 7,000-10,500 (150 per chick)
- Chicken feed (4-6 weeks): 12,000-15,000
- Housing/coop setup (basic): 5,000-8,000
- Feeders and drinkers: 2,000
- Vaccines and medication: 1,500
- Total: 27,500-37,000
Start with 50 chicks to stay within 30k budget.
Profit potential: Broilers: 50 chickens ready in 6-8 weeks. Sell at 600-800 each. Revenue: 30,000-40,000. Profit after costs: 8,000-15,000 per cycle.
Layers: Start laying at 18-20 weeks. 50 layers produce 35-45 eggs daily. At 15 KES per egg, that’s 525-675 KES daily (15,750-20,250 monthly) before feed costs.
Best locations: Areas with space (not CBD). Peri-urban areas, your rural home, or rented land outside town.
Challenges:
- Diseases can wipe out entire flock
- Feed costs keep rising
- Brokers exploit beginners with low buying prices
- Neighbors complain about smell and noise
- Requires daily attention (feeding, cleaning)
Licenses needed: Technically need county health clearance if selling commercially. Most small-scale farmers start without.
Beginner mistake: Overcrowding chickens. You need 1-2 square feet per bird. Crowding causes disease and death.
Tip to succeed: Join a local poultry WhatsApp group. Learn from others’ mistakes before spending your 30k.
2. Food Kiosk (Breakfast or Lunch)
What it is: Set up a small kiosk or wooden structure selling tea, mandazi, chapati, rice, githeri, or lunch meals.
Capital breakdown (KES):
- Kiosk construction or rental deposit: 10,000-15,000
- Cooking equipment (sufuria, gas, tables): 8,000
- Initial stock (flour, rice, vegetables, oil): 5,000
- Plates, cups, utensils: 2,000
- Total: 25,000-30,000
Profit potential: Selling 50-80 meals daily at 50-100 KES profit per meal = 2,500-8,000 daily.
Monthly profit after rent and costs: 30,000-80,000 KES.
Best locations: Near construction sites, industrial areas, colleges, bus stages, markets.
Challenges:
- Waking up at 4-5 AM daily
- Food spoils if not sold (especially in hot weather)
- Competition from established kibandas
- County health inspectors and rent hikes
- Customers asking for credit
Licenses needed:
- Food handler’s certificate: 2,000 KES
- Single business permit: 5,000-10,000 KES (varies by county)
- Health inspection clearance
Beginner mistake: Starting with too many menu items. Master 2-3 dishes first, expand later.
Tip: Offer “loyalty cards” – buy 5 meals, get 1 free. Customers love this and keep coming back.
3. Mitumba (Secondhand Clothes) Stall or Shop
What it is: Buy bales or selected mitumba pieces and sell from a market stall or small shop.
Capital breakdown (KES):
- Market stall deposit/rent (1-2 months): 4,000-8,000
- Mitumba stock (1 bale or selected): 15,000-20,000
- Hangers, display rack: 2,000
- Packaging and miscellaneous: 1,000
- Total: 22,000-31,000
Where to buy stock: Gikomba (Nairobi), Toi Market, Muthurwa, or major markets in your town. Always go early (5-7 AM).
Profit potential: Buy items at 50-150 KES, sell at 150-500 KES. Average markup: 50-150%.
Good sales: 3,000-8,000 daily (weekends higher). Monthly profit: 40,000-100,000 KES if location is right.
Best locations: Busy markets, near matatu stages, town centers, near colleges.
Challenges:
- Bales may contain unsellable items (torn, stained, wrong sizes)
- Theft in open markets
- Slow-moving stock ties up your capital
- Rent increases every year
- Daily market fees (50-100 KES)
Beginner mistake: Buying a full bale without checking contents. Start with selected pieces until you understand quality.
Tip: Specialize in one category (men’s jeans, kids’ clothes, shoes). Customers remember “the jeans guy” easier than “general mitumba.”
4. Shoe Cleaning and Repair Business
What it is: Clean, polish, and do minor repairs on shoes in busy areas or offer mobile services.
Capital breakdown (KES):
- Brushes, polishes, cleaning solutions: 3,000
- Sewing kit, glue, basic tools: 4,000
- Display stand/stool setup: 2,000
- Stock of laces, insoles: 2,000
- Marketing (flyers, signage): 1,000
- Total: 12,000-15,000
You’ll have 15k+ left for emergencies and reinvestment.
Profit potential: Shoe cleaning: 50-200 KES per pair Minor repairs: 100-500 KES Serving 15-30 customers daily = 2,000-5,000 daily.
Monthly profit: 30,000-70,000 KES.
Best locations: Town CBD, near offices, outside malls, bus stages.
Challenges:
- Weather-dependent (rain reduces customers)
- County askaris harassment
- Standing/sitting all day
- Customers rushing you
Licenses needed: Single business permit (3,000-7,000 KES).
Tip: Offer pick-up and delivery service to offices. Collect shoes Monday, return Friday. Charge premium for convenience.
5. Boda Boda Washing Bay
What it is: Set up a dedicated washing spot for motorcycles near boda boda stages or along busy roads.
Capital breakdown (KES):
- Water drums/tanks: 3,000
- Pressure washer (basic manual): 8,000-12,000
- Hoses, buckets, brushes: 2,000
- Detergents and cleaning supplies: 2,000
- Shelter/shade setup: 5,000
- Signage: 1,000
- Total: 21,000-25,000
Profit potential: Charge 80-150 KES per bike. Washing 20-40 bikes daily = 1,600-6,000 daily.
Monthly profit after water and supplies: 25,000-60,000 KES.
Best locations: Near boda boda stages, petrol stations, along highways.
Challenges:
- Water supply (you may need to buy water)
- Weather affects business (rainy season is slow)
- Competition from established washes
- Need permission from landowner
Beginner mistake: Setting up where there’s no direct water source. Water costs will eat your profits.
Tip: Offer weekly/monthly packages to regular riders. 500 KES per month = daily customers guaranteed.
6. Barbershop Chair Rental
What it is: Rent a chair in an existing barbershop and keep your earnings after paying daily/weekly rent.
Capital breakdown (KES):
- Chair rental deposit: 5,000-10,000
- Clippers and tools (if not provided): 8,000-12,000
- Working capital (airtime, transport): 3,000
- Total: 16,000-25,000
Some shops provide tools, lowering your startup cost.
Profit potential: Charge 100-200 KES per haircut. Cutting 15-25 heads daily = 1,500-5,000 daily. Pay chair rent (200-500 daily or 3,000-7,000 weekly).
Monthly profit: 30,000-80,000 KES.
Best locations: Established barbershops in estates, near colleges, town centers.
Challenges:
- Slow weekdays (Mondays-Wednesdays)
- Chair rental still due even on slow days
- Competition from other barbers in same shop
- Customers are price-sensitive
Beginner mistake: Renting in a new/unknown barbershop. Choose shops with existing customer flow.
Tip: Build your own client base. Collect numbers, send reminders when customers are “due” for a cut.
7. M-Pesa Agent (Registered)
What it is: Become an official Safaricom M-Pesa agent and earn commissions on transactions.
Capital breakdown (KES):
- Safaricom registration and training: Free-5,000
- Float (minimum): 20,000
- Till rental deposit: 3,000-5,000
- Signage and branding: 2,000
- Working capital: 5,000
- Total: 30,000-37,000
Note: Requirements vary. Some locations need 50k+ float, but you can start smaller in low-traffic areas.
Profit potential: Earn 1-3% commission on withdrawals. Processing 50,000 KES daily = 500-1,500 daily commission.
Monthly earnings: 15,000-45,000 KES.
Best locations: Residential estates, markets, near shops without M-Pesa, rural areas.
Challenges:
- Float gets stuck (more withdrawals than deposits)
- Risk of robbery
- Fake money from customers
- System downtime (Safaricom issues)
- Requires full-time attention
Requirements:
- Valid ID
- KRA PIN
- Good conduct certificate (from police)
- Business permit
- Shop/kiosk (physical location)
Tip: Partner with a shop owner. They provide space, you provide float and management. Split profits 60-40.
8. Grocery/Vegetable Shop
What it is: Sell fresh vegetables, fruits, and basic grocery items from a kiosk or stall.
Capital breakdown (KES):
- Kiosk/stall rental deposit: 5,000-10,000
- Initial stock (vegetables, fruits, groceries): 15,000-18,000
- Weighing scale: 2,000
- Display tables/shelves: 2,000
- Lighting (solar lamp): 1,000
- Total: 25,000-33,000
Profit potential: Markup: 20-50% depending on items. Daily sales: 3,000-8,000 KES. Daily profit: 800-2,500 KES.
Monthly profit: 25,000-60,000 KES.
Best locations: Residential estates, near apartment blocks, markets.
Challenges:
- Vegetables spoil quickly
- Customers want credit (“I’ll pay end month”)
- Competition from other grocers
- Theft (customers and employees)
- Early morning market trips (5-6 AM)
Beginner mistake: Overstocking perishables. Buy what you can sell in 1-2 days, restock frequently.
Tip: Offer free delivery within the estate. Customers love convenience and will pay slightly higher prices.
9. Gas Cylinder Refilling Business
What it is: Buy empty 6kg or 13kg gas cylinders, refill them, and sell/rent to customers.
Capital breakdown (KES):
- 3-5 empty cylinders (6kg): 12,000-20,000 (4,000 each)
- Initial gas refills: 8,000-10,000
- Transport (motorbike hire for deliveries): 2,000
- Marketing: 1,000
- Total: 23,000-33,000
Profit potential: 6kg cylinder: Buy gas at 1,000, sell at 1,300-1,500. Profit per cylinder: 300-500 KES.
Selling/renting 20-30 cylinders monthly = 6,000-15,000 profit.
Best locations: Residential estates, apartment complexes, markets.
Challenges:
- High competition
- Cylinders get “lost” if you rent them out
- Price fluctuations (gas prices change)
- Transport costs for delivery
Beginner mistake: Renting out cylinders without deposits. You’ll never see some of them again.
Tip: Target specific estates. Go door-to-door with contact cards. Offer delivery within 30 minutes.
10. Photography (Events and Portraits)
What it is: Offer photography services for birthdays, weddings, graduations, and portraits.
Capital breakdown (KES):
- Basic DSLR camera (second-hand): 25,000-30,000
- Memory cards: 2,000
- Editing software (free or trial): 0
- Marketing (social media, flyers): 1,000
- Transport: 2,000
- Total: 30,000-35,000
Profit potential: Birthday shoots: 2,000-5,000 Weddings (assistant photographer): 5,000-15,000 Portraits: 500-2,000
Monthly income (4-8 gigs): 15,000-60,000 KES.
Best locations: This is mobile – you go where the events are.
Challenges:
- Irregular income (some months are busy, others dead)
- Equipment can get damaged or stolen
- Clients haggle prices down
- Editing takes hours
- Need laptop and software for professional work
Beginner mistake: Charging too cheap to “get clients.” Low prices attract problem clients who don’t value your work.
Tip: Specialize in one niche (babies, graduations, couples). You’ll be known as “the baby photographer” and get referrals.
11. Laundry Services (Small Scale)
What it is: Wash, iron, and fold clothes for working professionals, students, or busy families.
Capital breakdown (KES):
- Washing machine (second-hand): 15,000-20,000 or start manual
- Iron box (quality): 2,500
- Drying rack/lines: 1,000
- Detergents and supplies: 2,000
- Hangers, pegs, baskets: 1,500
- Marketing (flyers): 500
- Total: 22,500-27,500
You can start manual washing for under 10k, then buy a machine as you grow.
Profit potential: Charge per kg (100-150 KES) or per item (shirts 30 KES, trousers 50 KES).
Washing 50-80kg weekly = 5,000-12,000 weekly.
Monthly profit: 20,000-45,000 KES.
Best locations: Residential estates, near hostels, bachelor apartments, busy professionals’ areas.
Challenges:
- Water costs
- Electricity for machine and ironing
- Clothes getting lost or damaged
- Customers delay picking up clothes
- Physically demanding
Tip: Offer pick-up and drop-off. Charge extra 50-100 KES but customers love the convenience.
12. Phone Accessories Shop (Wholesale Focus)
What it is: Buy phone accessories in bulk and resell to other small vendors or direct customers.
Capital breakdown (KES):
- Stock (chargers, earphones, cables, cases, screen protectors): 20,000-25,000
- Shelving/display: 3,000
- Packaging materials: 1,000
- Kiosk/stall rental: 5,000
- Total: 29,000-34,000
Where to buy: Luthuli Avenue (Nairobi), Mfangano Street, or major wholesalers in your town.
Profit potential: Retail markup: 50-100% Wholesale to vendors: 20-30%
Daily sales: 2,000-6,000 KES. Monthly profit: 30,000-70,000 KES.
Best locations: Town centers, near phone shops, busy matatu stages.
Challenges:
- Fake/low-quality products damage reputation
- Fast-moving trends (you’re stuck with old stock)
- Theft
- Competition from established shops
Beginner mistake: Buying the cheapest stock available. Quality matters – one bad charger and customers never return.
Tip: Build relationships with small vendors. Sell to them at wholesale prices. They become repeat customers.
13. Barber/Salon Equipment Rental
What it is: Buy professional clippers, dryers, or salon equipment and rent them out to barbers/stylists who can’t afford to buy.
Capital breakdown (KES):
- 3-4 quality clippers: 18,000-24,000 (6,000-8,000 each)
- Backup batteries/chargers: 3,000
- Maintenance tools: 2,000
- Record book and agreements: 500
- Marketing: 1,000
- Total: 24,500-30,500
Profit potential: Rent clippers at 500-1,000 KES per week or 2,000-3,000 per month.
With 3-4 clippers rented out = 6,000-12,000 monthly.
ROI: Break even in 3-4 months.
Best locations: Target barbers in estates, not in established shops.
Challenges:
- Equipment gets damaged
- Some renters disappear with your clippers
- Maintenance costs
Beginner mistake: Renting without deposits or ID copies. You’ll lose equipment.
Tip: Require 50% deposit + ID copy. Offer rent-to-own after 12 months of consistent payment.
How to Choose the Right 30k Business
Ask yourself these questions:
Do I have physical space? → Poultry, grocery, food kiosk work best
Am I in town/busy area? → Phone accessories, M-Pesa, mitumba, shoe cleaning
Do I want daily income? → Food, laundry, shoe cleaning, boda wash
Can I wait 1-2 months for returns? → Poultry, photography, equipment rental
Am I willing to work weekends? → Photography, barbershop, events
Do I have a skill? → Photography, barbering, laundry
Do I want low daily effort? → Equipment rental, M-Pesa agent (once set up)
Am I in a residential estate? → Grocery, laundry, gas refill, food kiosk
Match your situation to the business, don’t force a business into your situation.
Cost Breakdown: Where Your 30k Actually Goes
Most beginners make this mistake: they spend the entire 30k on stock or setup, leaving nothing for operations.
Here’s the smart way to allocate 30,000 shillings:
| Category | Amount (KES) | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Stock/Inventory | 15,000-18,000 | 50-60% |
| Equipment/Setup | 6,000-9,000 | 20-30% |
| Licenses/Permits | 2,000-3,000 | 5-10% |
| Marketing | 500-1,000 | 2-3% |
| Emergency Buffer | 3,000-5,000 | 10-15% |
Never spend more than 60% on stock in the first purchase. You need room for mistakes and unexpected costs.
Common Mistakes That Kill 30k Businesses
1. No Market Research
You assume people want what you’re selling. Walk around your target area for 3-5 days. Count competitors. Talk to potential customers.
2. Expensive First Setup
You buy the best equipment, best stock, best location. Start with “good enough” and upgrade as profits come.
3. Wrong Location
Great business, wrong place. A food kiosk near offices works. Same kiosk in a residential area at lunchtime fails.
4. Hiring Too Soon
You think you need help on day one. Run it yourself for 2-3 months first. Learn everything.
5. Mixing Business Money with Personal Money
You “borrow” 2,000 for rent, another 1,000 for shopping. Within 2 months, your capital is gone.
6. Ignoring Slow-Moving Stock
Some items don’t sell. You keep them hoping. Meanwhile, your money is locked in dead stock. Sell at a loss and reinvest in what moves.
7. Giving Credit Freely
“I’ll pay next week” becomes “next month” becomes never. Limit credit to trusted, employed customers only.
Legal Requirements for 30k Businesses in Kenya
Mandatory:
- KRA PIN – Free, register at iTax portal
- Single Business Permit – 3,000-15,000 KES (varies by county and business type)
- Location clearance – Some counties require this before issuing permit
If Applicable:
- Food Handler’s Certificate – 2,000 KES (for food businesses)
- Health inspection clearance – For food kiosks and restaurants
- Fire safety certificate – For enclosed businesses
- Signage permit – Some counties charge for outdoor signs
- NEMA certificate – For businesses with environmental impact
For M-Pesa Agents:
- Good conduct certificate from police
- Landlord’s consent letter
- Business registration documents
Reality check: Most small businesses start semi-formally and get permits within 3-6 months once income stabilizes. If operating from a fixed location, prioritize the business permit to avoid county askari issues.
How Long Before You Make Your First Profit?
Here’s the honest timeline for each business type:
Immediate (Week 1): Food kiosk, grocery, mitumba, shoe cleaning, boda wash – daily income starts immediately
1-4 Weeks: M-Pesa agent, phone accessories, barbershop rental, laundry – need time to build customers
1-2 Months: Poultry (broilers), gas refilling – have stock/birds, waiting for ready market
2-3 Months: Photography, equipment rental – need marketing and reputation building
4-6 Months: Poultry (layers) – birds mature before laying eggs
Don’t confuse revenue with profit. You might make sales in week one but only see actual profit (money you can take home) after 2-3 months of reinvesting.
How to Grow from 30k to 100k+ Capital
Month 1-2: Reinvest 100% of profits. Don’t take money home yet. Build your stock or improve setup.
Month 3-4: Take 30% for personal use, reinvest 70%. You’ve earned it, but growth is still priority.
Month 5-6: By now you should have 50,000-80,000 in business capital. Consider:
- Opening a second location
- Hiring part-time help
- Adding complementary products
- Upgrading equipment
Month 7-12: Focus on systems. Document what works. Train someone. Your goal is to work ON the business, not just IN it.
Mistakes that slow growth:
- Taking too much money out too soon
- Expanding before the first location is stable
- Hiring unreliable people
- Chasing every new opportunity instead of deepening what works
Red Flags: When to Quit or Change Direction
Sometimes you need to know when to stop. Here are signs your 30k business isn’t working:
After 3 months:
- You’re making less than 20% profit
- Sales are declining, not growing
- You dread going to work daily
- Customers constantly complain
After 6 months:
- Still haven’t broken even
- Constantly topping up capital from other sources
- Same issues keep repeating (location, stock quality, etc.)
Don’t be afraid to pivot. Closing a failing business and starting another is better than bleeding money for a year.
FAQs: Business to Start with 30k in Kenya
1. What is the most profitable business with 30k in Kenya?
Food businesses (kiosks selling breakfast/lunch) and mitumba have the highest profit potential if located correctly. They can generate 30,000-80,000 monthly profit. However, they require daily commitment and have high competition.
2. Can 30k grow into a big business?
Yes, but it takes 6-12 months of consistent reinvestment. Most successful businesses worth 500k+ today started with 20-50k. The key is reinvesting profits and avoiding the temptation to spend early earnings.
3. Should I get a business loan to add to my 30k?
Not recommended for beginners. Start with what you have, test the business, prove it works, then consider external funding. Most banks won’t lend for startups anyway without collateral.
4. Which 30k business requires the least daily effort?
M-Pesa agency (once set up), equipment rental, and gas cylinder rental require less daily physical effort. However, all businesses need monitoring, customer service, and proper management.
5. How much profit should I expect monthly from 30k?
Realistic range: 10,000-40,000 KES monthly profit after 3-6 months of operation. First 2-3 months are usually for reinvestment. Anything promising 100%+ monthly returns is likely a scam.
6. Do I need business experience to start with 30k?
Not necessarily, but choose simpler businesses if you’re a beginner. Food kiosks, grocery shops, and mitumba are easier to learn. Avoid technical businesses like phone repair or specialized services without training.
7. Is 30k enough for a business in Nairobi vs rural areas?
30k goes further in rural areas (lower rent, cheaper stock). In Nairobi, focus on service businesses (laundry, shoe cleaning, barbering) or mobile businesses that don’t need expensive fixed locations.
8. What percentage of 30k businesses fail in the first year?
No official statistics, but experienced business consultants estimate 50-60% of small businesses fail within 12 months. Main reasons: wrong location, poor money management, and giving up too soon.
Conclusion: Is 30k Enough to Start a Serious Business?
Yes, if you’re strategic.
30,000 shillings is enough to start a business with real growth potential, not just daily hustle. You can set up proper systems, get basic licenses, and build something that lasts beyond 6 months.
30k businesses work best for:
- People who can commit 3-6 months before taking significant income home
- Anyone with basic business sense or willingness to learn fast
- Those who can access space (home, rented kiosk, or market stall)
- Hustlers ready to transition from survival mode to building something real
Avoid 30k businesses if:
- You need money urgently (next week or next month)
- You’re not willing to work weekends or wake up early
- You expect passive income without active involvement
- You can’t handle slow periods or seasonal fluctuations
Your Action Plan:
- Week 1: Pick one business from this list. Research your area (walk around, count competitors, talk to potential customers).
- Week 2: Make a detailed budget. Write down every expense down to transport and airtime. Keep 20% buffer.
- Week 3: Start small. Use 20,000-25,000 to test. Keep 5,000-10,000 for emergencies and adjustments.
- Month 1: Learn the business. Track every expense and sale. Identify what works and what doesn’t.
- Month 2-3: Reinvest profits. Fix problems. Improve your setup or stock quality.
- Month 4+: Start taking some money home. Scale what’s working. Consider adding products or services.
30k is not your ceiling – it’s your foundation. Many successful Kenyan businesses worth millions today started with amounts between 20k and 50k. The difference between those that made it and those that failed wasn’t the capital – it was consistency, smart decisions, and refusing to quit during the tough first 3-6 months.
Start smart. Start small. Start today.
