Top Profitable Businesses to Launch in Kenya with 500k

Most profitable buisness in kenya to start with 500k,kenya’s growing economy offers many opportunities for new entrepreneurs, especially those with 500,000 KES in capital.

While this amount may seem small, it can be the starting point for various profitable businesses.

From the thriving agribusiness sector to the fast-changing tech industry, there are many promising options.

Kenya’s unique demographics and urbanization create good conditions for businesses that meet local needs.

This article will explore profitable business ideas that can be started with a 500,000 KES investment, offering helpful insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.

20 businesses to start with 500K and make profit in Kenya - Tuko.co.ke
The size of your bakery will determine how much you invest. With 500,000 KES, you can open a medium-sized bakery shop.

Most profitable business in kenya to start with 500k

With 500,000 KES, you can start a profitable business if you invest wisely.

Proper research and good planning can lead to a successful and self-sustaining venture.

Here are some of the best businesses you can start with this amount of money and make a profit.

1. Car wash business

The car wash business is one of the best options to start with 500,000 KES. It is thriving in Kenya, especially in Nairobi and along major highways

You can find car wash businesses in all areas, from low-income estates to wealthy neighborhoods.

With many vehicles on Kenyan roads, and their number growing, this is a profitable investment.

You can start a car wash business with as little as 100,000 KES and grow it over time. Investing 500,000 KES will give you even better results.

2. Butchery one of  most profitable buisness in kenya to start with 500k

A butchery can be a profitable business in Kenya, as many people love meat. In the past, it was seen as a business for those who didn’t do well in school, but today, many successful people are joining the industry.

The cost of starting a butchery depends on its location and size. It’s best to set up in a high-traffic area, like near a bus terminus or a busy street.

With 500,000 KES, you can open a butchery and earn more than 5,000 KES in profits daily.

To succeed, keep your butchery clean and organized. Make sure your workers wear clean uniforms to maintain a professional image.

3. Garbage collection

Everyone wants to live in a clean environment, but many urban estates have piles of uncollected garbage, creating both an eyesore and health risks. This dirty situation presents a business opportunity you can take advantage of.

You can start a garbage collection service that helps keep the area clean and earns you money. Not many people are willing to get into this business due to its dirty nature, so competition is low, making it more profitable.

With 500,000 KES, you can start this business. Just make sure to do thorough research, obtain the necessary NEMA license, and you’ll be on your way

4. Travelling agency

If you have a passion for tourism and travel, why not invest in this growing business?

Many tours and travel agencies have popped up due to the booming tourism industry, with some becoming very successful, like Bonfire Adventures and Scenery Adventures.

To succeed, you need to know your travel destinations well and build strong connections with hotels and attractions.

This will help you know what to offer clients and what they can expect.

Starting a travel agency in Kenya doesn’t require owning cars, buses, or planes.

You can become a certified partner with an established tour company, choose the best destinations, and help clients sign up for trips. With as little as 500,000 KES, you can start your own agency.

5. Internet and Cyber Cafe business one of most profitable buisness in kenya to start with 500k

Starting a cyber cafe business in Kenya can be profitable. As technology grows, the demand for information increases, making cyber cafes essential for internet browsing, document typing, printing, and photocopying.

You can start a cyber cafe with as little as 250,000 KES, though the cost may vary depending on the location and size of the business.

To ensure success, focus on key factors: choose a good location, ensure strong internet connectivity, and plan effective marketing strategies.

6. Mobile money transfer business

If you’re looking for a profitable business in Kenya, consider starting a mobile money transfer business.

Mobile money services like Airtel, M-Pesa, Co-op kwa Jirani, KCB, and Equity agents are here to stay and will remain popular for a long time.

You can become an agent for a bank or mobile service provider. The startup capital is around 300,000 KES.

For example, to run a single M-Pesa outlet, you need to make an initial deposit of 100,000 KES

7. Printing and publishing one of most profitable buisness in kenya to start with 500k

Many people need to print materials every day, such as banners, magazines, books, and newspapers.

You can invest in printing machines, rent a workspace, and hire someone with the technical skills to operate them.

With at least 500,000 KES, you can start this business and earn a steady income.

Running the business doesn’t require much money; you only need to pay for ink, paper, and power. The machines will also need occasional maintenance.

8. Importation of used items

In Kenya, the growing demand for used items creates a profitable market. Used clothes are the most common product, but you can also sell gadgets like phones, laptops, and televisions.

With 500,000 KES, you can start importing used items within your budget and sell them in the Kenyan market. This business has the potential to bring in great profits.

9. Logistics or Courier services

Kenya’s business environment has improved over the years, attracting many investors to major towns across the country.

This growth has increased the demand for fast delivery of goods and packages.

Logistics and courier services have become one of the fastest-growing industries in Kenya.

Customers often prefer small companies that offer personalized services, while others seek larger companies that provide same-day deliveries.

With 500,000 KES, you can start a small courier company and expand as your business grows.

10. Cosmetic shop one of most profitable buisness in kenya to start with 500k

The demand for beauty and cosmetic products in Kenya has grown steadily over the past decade, making it a promising business. You can start as a freelancer and build a loyal client base.

Starting as a freelancer requires only about 50,000 KES. If you want to open a stall or a full shop, you might need up to 100,000 KES.

With 500,000 KES, you can start a solid business in urban areas and grow it over time.

 

11. Gym business

As more Kenyans become health-conscious, the gym business is growing quickly. To get started, you just need to register the business, launch it, and start promoting it.

Gym membership fees usually range from 3,000 KES to 10,000 KES per month. The cost of gym equipment and rent can add up to around 500,000 KES, depending on the equipment you choose to buy first.

20 businesses to start with 500K and make profit in Kenya - Tuko.co.ke

Agriculture

Agriculture is the backbone of Kenya’s economy, making farm produce a reliable investment. To succeed, focus on areas where farming is common.

Different regions in Kenya are suitable for different crops.

You can rent land, have people prepare the ground, and plant the crops for you. You can also hire others to monitor the land and crops until harvest time.

For example, renting 10 acres of land for 10,000 KES per acre annually can be a good start for maize farming.

Use the remaining money to buy seeds, fertilizer, and pay for labor. This venture can bring high profits.

Poultry farming is also gaining popularity in Kenya and is another great investment opportunity.

13. Milk pasteurisation plant

Milk is an essential product for many families in Kenya, used for tea or consumed raw. The high demand for milk makes it a profitable business.

Many farmers struggle with preserving their milk properly. You can start a milk pasteurization business with less than 500,000 KES.

To succeed, focus on areas where milk supply is limited. This will give you a better chance of meeting local demand.

14. Wines and spirits shop one of most profitable buisness in kenya to start with 500k

Many people in Kenya enjoy wines and spirits, making this business a profitable venture. Despite regulations, alcohol consumption continues to rise steadily.

To start a liquor business, choose a high-traffic location, like a busy town. You will also need a business license for selling wines and spirits.

With 500,000 KES, you can start your business. It will grow quickly if located in an area with high foot traffic.

15. Chemist shop

People often get sick, which creates an opportunity to start a chemist or drugstore. Starting a well-organized chemist with the right equipment can cost around 500,000 KES.

However, not everyone can run this business. First, you need a diploma or degree in pharmacy from a recognized institution. Without proper qualifications, you cannot operate a chemist.

If you are qualified, apply for a license from the Pharmacy and Poisons Board to start your business.

16. Daycare

More parents are choosing to wean their babies early, especially as many middle-income earners seek better jobs and salaries.

Hiring house help has become expensive, and daycare fees are often more affordable.

This creates an opportunity for entrepreneurs to start a daycare business.

You can start with as little as 50,000 KES by securing a spacious room and obtaining a license.

With 500,000 KES, you can launch a larger daycare venture and meet the growing demand for these services.

17. Bakery

Starting a bakery is a great idea since baked goods are popular and sell quickly. Baking doesn’t require formal training, but you can take classes to improve your skills if needed.

The size of your bakery will determine how much you invest. With 500,000 KES, you can open a medium-sized bakery shop.

 

Leave a Comment