Small-Scale Businesses You Can Start at Home in Kenya

Starting a small-scale business can be a great way to earn extra income in Kenya. Whether you are looking to supplement your income or start a full-time business, a  home-based small-scale business is a great place to start. There are plenty of ideas for such businesses. They range from offering services like tutoring or design work, to selling products like handmade crafts or cosmetics.

The following are five small-scale business ideas you can start at home in Kenya and how you can succeed with them:

1. Home Bakery

Baking and selling bread, pastries, and other baked foods from a home kitchen can be a rewarding small-scale business to start in Kenya. If you have a knack for baking and enjoy experimenting with new recipes, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. 

To get started, you will need to have some baking skills and necessary kitchen appliances such as an oven, baking pans, and utensils. You may also want to consider investing in some marketing materials like business cards or a website to help promote your business.

2. Home-based clothing alterations and sewing services

Offering clothing alterations, mending, and sewing services is another small-scale business idea you can easily run from home. If you have a passion for fashion and enjoy working with fabric, this could be a great opportunity. 

To start this business, you will need to have a sewing machine, thread, and fabric, as well as some sewing skills. Your target market could include residents and online marketplaces.

3. Lawn Care and Landscaping Services

Do you like tending to plants and think you have a passion for them? If yes, why not use your passion to start a lawn care and landscaping business at home? Offering lawn care and landscaping services such as mowing, pruning, and planting, can be a lucrative small-scale business in Kenya. All you will need is knowledge of plants and gardening techniques, as well as a lawn mower, pruning tools, and gardening gloves. Possible target markets for your services could include individual residents in the local area, property management companies, and commercial properties.

4. Handmade crafts or jewellery

Using your artistic skills to create and sell handmade crafts or jewellery can be a fun and rewarding small-scale business in Kenya. This might involve creating one-of-a-kind items, such as pottery, woodworking, or beaded jewellery. You can either specialize in a specific type of craft or offer custom orders. 

You will need to market and advertise your creations to reach potential customers. Consider setting up an online shop or using social media to showcase your work and attract new customers.

5. Beauty or Grooming Services

Offering beauty or grooming services at home can be a lucrative small-scale business to start in Kenya. These services can include hair styling and cutting, makeup application, nail care, facial treatments, and body care services such as massages. This type of business requires specialized skills and equipment, such as a salon chair, hairdryer, and styling products. You can target residents or sell your services online through social media or other online marketplaces.

Conclusion

If you are looking forward to becoming your own boss and creating a successful business from the comfort of your home, the above small-scale business ideas are just a few of the many opportunities available. With careful planning and hard work, anyone can turn their small-scale business idea into a reality. So why not try it? Take the first step and start your own home-based small-scale business.