There are many advantages to starting a business in rural areas of Kenya, such as low overhead costs, plenty of available resources, and a close-knit community that can offer support. This article will discuss 10 Profitable Businesses To Start In Rural Areas of Kenya based on the population’s current needs.
Why Start Business in Rural Area ?
When starting a business, rural Kenya is a great place to consider. There are many benefits to starting a business in rural areas, including the following:
- Growing market potential: Rural areas offer a growing market potential for businesses looking to expand their reach. The population is large, and the economy is growing, providing opportunities for businesses to thrive.
- Low cost of doing business: In rural areas, the cost of doing business is lower than in urban areas. This gives entrepreneurs a competitive advantage and makes starting and growing a business easier.
- Less competition: In rural areas, there is less competition than in urban areas. This allows entrepreneurs to build successful businesses without competing with established businesses.
- Rapid population growth: Rural areas are growing rapidly, providing entrepreneurs with a large customer base to target their products and services.
- Improved infrastructure: Rural areas are improving rapidly, making it easier for entrepreneurs to do business in these areas. This includes improved access to capital and resources, making starting and growing your business easier.
Profitable Businesses To Start In Rural Areas
Given the sparse population, choosing a business to launch in Kenya’s rural areas can be difficult. You want a business concept that will gain traction quickly, draw clients, and be lucrative. This is the reason we’ve put together 10 Profitable Businesses To Start In Rural Areas of Kenya.
1. Agrovet
Due to their ability to carry animal feed supplies and offer basic veterinary services, agrovets are also a fantastic business potential in rural Kenya. Agro veterinarians are frequently used by farmers to buy medication and animal feed for their livestock.
This is an excellent business venture because it offers a steady stream of customers and can be profitable in the long run. Agro-vets are also a great way to employ in rural areas and can help stimulate the local economy.
2. Transportation/Boda Boda Business
A transportation company can meet the need for reliable public transit that many residents in these places lack. The majority of rural populations live a long way from town centers. They constantly require methods of transportation to get to the town centers. The Boda Boda is practical and can access places where automobiles cannot.
The best thing with the Boda Boda business is that you’ll have regular customers who can call you to pick up and drop them off. Boda Boda consumes little fuel; hence they are inexpensive to maintain, making the boba Boda business one of the best businesses to start in rural areas.
This type of business has the potential to generate a steady stream of income and provide employment to residents in rural areas. Moreover, it can be a great way to connect rural areas to the rest of the country.
3. Tents/Chairs/Public Adress Hire service
Tents, chairs, and public address system hire services are some of the most in-demand businesses in rural areas of Kenya. These items are often needed for weddings, funerals, church events, and other social gatherings.
By setting up this type of business, entrepreneurs can provide an important service to the area and make a good profit in the process.
4. MotorCycle Repairs
With regard to the motorcycle industry, there are countless business opportunities. You can start a Boda Boda repair and maintenance shop because there are so many of them in rural areas.
Even so, you may establish a motorcycle spare parts store next door to increase your income. Since there aren’t as many Boda Boda mechanics as there are new motorbikes on the road, cycle repairs are a great company to start in Kenya’s rural districts.
In most rural areas, riders have to hassle to reach their nearby towns to get their broken bikes repaired. You can consider this idea if you’re proficient in this area.
5. Construction Hardware
Opening a hardware store is another profitable business venture in rural Kenya. This line of work enables business owners to capitalize on the rising need for building supplies, equipment, and accessories as rural housing infrastructure expands quickly.
These stores can also offer plumbing supplies, timber, and electrical components needed for home construction services. Additionally, hardware stores can provide a good source of income and employment for residents.
6. Salon/ Kinyozi
One of the best businesses to establish in rural areas is a salon or kinyozi. Men need haircuts whereas women frequently need hair services. In contrast to towns, there is less competition and a great demand for these services. The electrification program for rural states makes it simple to start a salon or kinyozi practically everywhere in the country.
The business can generate substantial profits for you, especially if you locate it in a densely populated area. All you need are professionalism and exceptional client-attracting abilities. Even better, you can run a salon and a Kinyozi side by side, depending on the market’s desire, to have a comprehensive hair care business.
7. Information Technology Services
With internet access becoming increasingly accessible in rural Kenya, technology businesses are beginning to flourish. From mobile app development Cyber Cafes to mobile/computer repair and training, a wide range of services can be provided in this area.
Furthermore, technology businesses can be a great way to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural areas in Kenya.
8. Culinary and cookware hire services
In rural areas, there is a significant demand for food and cooking equipment rental services.This is because it might be challenging for certain people to host significant social events like weddings or funerals because they lack access to these products.
Entrepreneurs can offer a valuable service to the community and generate a sizable profit by starting a business that rents out food and cookware. Additionally, this line of work offers room for expansion because demand is probably going to rise as access to water and electricity in rural regions is improved.
9. Poultry Farming / Agribusiness
Another great business possibility is raising poultry. You can start by trying to sell poultry items like chicken meat and eggs. Free-range chickens, often referred to as Kienyeji chicken, thrive in rural regions because they are typically fed with natural resources, which lowers production costs and makes feeding them simple and economical.
A good livelihood has been made by many rural farmers from their land and cattle. A great way to get money is by selling agricultural products like maize, beans, rice, and other grains. A great method to make money and satisfy local need is to open a small bakery, butcher shop, or grocery store.
10. Butchery Business
Starting a butchery business can be profitable since farmers in rural areas have extra animals they are unable to sell. The livestock supply is high; hence you can buy the animals at a lower price and then process the meat to make canned products, which you can sell in supermarkets.
Conclusion - How To Get Started
There are numerous business options in Kenya’s rural districts. There are a few considerations to make if you’re starting a business in rural Kenya. Here are some suggestions for getting going:
- Get organized: Running a business in rural Kenya can be challenging, so staying organized and on top of things is important.
- Choose the right business: Not all businesses are suited for rural areas. Choosing a business that will be successful in your area is important.
- Do your research: Make sure you know what you’re getting into before you start your business. Research the market and make sure you have a solid business plan.
- Stay positive: The challenges of running a business in rural Kenya can be daunting, but staying positive and working hard is important.”
- Develop relationships: Building relationships with local suppliers, customers, and other businesses is key to success. Taking the time to know your potential partners is essential for long-term success.
- Invest in technology: Technology can help make running a business in rural Kenya easier and more efficient. Investing in the right technologies can help you better manage your business.
Look for opportunities: There are often government initiatives and grants to help businesses in rural areas succeed. Doing some research can help you find these opportunities, so explore every avenue available