10 Side Hustles You Can Start With Ksh 5,000 in Kenya

Times are hard, and the high cost of living in Kenya has made many individuals seek an alternative source of cash. Good news: you don’t require a million shillings to begin a business. You can even begin a side hustle with as little as Ksh 5,000 that will turn into a serious cash flow.

Below is a list of 10 profitable side hustles in Kenya that you can begin today on a tight budget.

Second-Hand Clothing (Mitumba Clothes Business)

The mitumba business in Kenya is the most lucrative and demanded side hustle. You can purchase a bale of good hand-picked clothes at Gikomba or in markets for only Ksh 3,000 – Ksh 5,000. Sell it on Facebook, Instagram, or even around an estate. Fashion never goes out of trend.

Street Food Business.

If you can prepare chapati, smokies, samosas, or boiled eggs, then you can scale it up to a business. You can invest in ingredients, a small cooler, and kitchenware with less than Ksh 5,000. The side hustle is perfect in populous towns, bus stages, or around campuses.

Mobile Money Agent (M-Pesa or Airtel Money).

You would require a larger float to become an on-street M-Pesa agent in Kenya, but Ksh 5,000 would allow you to become a sub-agent for an existing one. Small kiosks in rural or estate areas where there is high demand are favored by others.

Online Freelancing

With only a smartphone and internet subscriptions, you can begin freelancing in Upwork, Fiverr, or even in local sites. You can render services such as writing articles, transcription, or virtual support without capital—only skills and determination.

Urban Farming (Vegetables or Herbs)

You can purchase seeds, packets of soil, and a few small pots for less than Ksh 5,000. Sukuma wiki, spinach, or coriander (dania) are simple to cultivate and sell to neighbors or small markets. Urban farming is a side job that also keeps your grocery bills down.

Mobile Phone Accessories Business

Mobile phone cases, headphones, screen protectors, and chargers always have a market. You can purchase them at very low prices from Nairobi wholesalers (e.g., Luthuli Avenue) and sell them at a margin.

Car Wash Services (Portable Option)

Rather than buying a large car wash, begin with an in-home car wash set (bucket, soap, and brush). Provide car washing services in estates or offices at a moderate price. Upgrade to a pressure washer as the business expands.

Beauty and Personal Care

Women like to look good, and the beauty sector is doing very well in Kenya. Braiding, nail polish sales, or mobile makeup can be attempted with Ksh 5,000. Your margins are very high if you already possess skills.

Printing and Photocopy Services (Small Scale)

If you are close to school, college, or governmental offices, a used printer sale and print/photocopy services can be an excellent side hustle. Start small and as profit increases, add lamination and binding.

Content Creation (TikTok, YouTube, Blogging)

All you need is your phone and internet connection, and you can begin creating Kenya-centered content—comedies, agriculture tips, among others. You can make money through ads, brand endorsement, and referral marketing using platforms like TikTok and YouTube.

You do not need millions to invest in a side hustle in Kenya. With Ksh 5,000 you can begin small and build it into a successful business. Consistency, branding and plowing back the profits into the business is the secret.
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to start, this is it. Pick one of these profitable side hustles in Kenya and start your journey to financial freedom today.