Best Business Opportunities for Fresh Graduates in Kenya
By Timothy Angwenyi, Business Consultant, and Justine Nyachieo, Business Man & Mentor
For many, life in college is a time for socializing and exploring various interests. However, when graduation day arrives, most graduates find themselves unprepared for the challenges that lie ahead. The decision of whether to venture into business or pursue scarce formal employment opportunities often becomes a dilemma. In the midst of this confusion, some graduates get completely lost, missing out on precious opportunities at the peak of their lives.
Who is to blame for this situation? Is it the porous education system that fails to equip learners with essential skills? Is it society for not setting a good example for the younger generation? Or is it the government for not fulfilling its role? Regardless of where the blame lies, one thing is clear: business is a viable path for fresh graduates seeking to establish themselves.
Here are some of the most profitable businesses for fresh graduates in Kenya, requiring little capital:
1. Academic Writing
Academic writing has become a primary income source for thousands of fresh graduates in Kenya. With just a computer and internet access, graduates can join the ranks of over 3,000 individuals currently engaged in academic writing. Some of the best sites for academic writing jobs include:
WriterBay
Uvocorp
Essay Shark
Asiawriters
Bluecorp
Academia Research
Freelance Writing Center
Writerslabs
Quality Writers
Allwriting
PowerPapers
WriteDom
4Writers
In freelancing, one can make up to Ksh.20,000 per day and at least Ksh.15,000 per month.
2. Blogging
Blogging is a great way to earn passive income in Kenya. It requires minimal capital, with the average cost of starting a blog being around Ksh.5,000. Fresh graduates, full of energy, enthusiasm, and creativity, can start a blog in less than a week and generate income through it.
3. Online Shop
Starting an online shop, similar to platforms like Jumia, can be done with a capital ranging from Ksh.10,000 to Ksh.50,000. Success in this business depends more on effective marketing than on the initial capital. Creating a website for the shop and advertising products online can lead to significant profits.
4. Boutique
The boutique business, particularly suitable for female graduates, requires time and patience to grow. With a starting capital as low as Ksh.50,000, graduates can source stock from Eastleigh, Gikomba, or even from Dubai or China, and sell to their college friends and other customers.
5. Farming
Many youths shy away from farming, opting instead for city life. However, farming can be a lucrative venture, especially for those with access to land in their villages. Returning to the village and engaging in farming can provide a sustainable income.
6. Car Wash
A car wash business can be started with capital ranging from Ksh.50,000 to Ksh.250,000. This business has low risks and can generate steady income. For instance, a car wash set up in Kericho by a graduate with Ksh.80,000 has been successful, earning gratitude and daily profits.
7. Photocopy, Printing, and Movie Business
Setting up a business that offers photocopying, printing, and selling movies in one room near colleges and universities can attract a steady flow of customers.
8. Selling KASNEB Notes and Other Academic Materials Online
Graduates who completed KASNEB courses can start a business selling KASNEB past papers, answers, and notes online. Creating a website and sourcing materials from various institutions can lead to significant earnings.
9. Cosmetics Shop
A cosmetics shop is ideal for female graduates. With minimal initial investment, this business can become profitable quickly, providing a viable alternative to formal employment.
10. Web Design
Graduates with IT and Computer Science degrees can start a web design business. With over 100 websites created daily in Kenya, web design services costing Ksh.15,000 to Ksh.50,000 can provide substantial income if graduates design one or two websites per week.
11. Executive Salon
Nairobi offers numerous opportunities for running a successful salon business. An executive salon catering to women in Nairobi can yield significant profits, with some salons earning up to Ksh.3 million monthly.
Final Thoughts
While finding a job that aligns with one’s studies can be challenging, fresh graduates should not be disheartened. Instead of waiting for employment opportunities, they should take initiative and explore these business ventures. By doing so, they can harness their potential and secure a prosperous future.
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