By STARTING A BUSINESS WITH KSH 5,000: WHAT I’D DO DIFFERENTLY.
Starting small in business is a path many Kenyan youth consider- especially in today’s economy where side hustles are not just an option, but a necessity. Like many, I once believed that with just ksh.5,000, passion, and grit, I could build something impactful. I did- but not without hard lessons along the way.
START WITH A PROBLEM, NOT A PRODUCT.
My first mistake was jumping into a business idea because it looked profitable, not because it solved a real problem. I bought stock of second-hand clothes without researching demand in my area. Research? Slow sales and dead capital. If I were to start over, I’d first identify a gap- what are people around me struggling to find or do?
SPENDING WISELY, NOT EMOTIONALLY.
I blew a good chunk of my initial capital on branding- printed paper bags, business cards, a logo designer. These things are great, but not at the beginning. What matters more is getting your first few customers and delivering value. Looking back, I would have directed that money to better sourcing, transport, or even simple online promotion.
LEVERAGE TECH AND COMMUNITY.
We live in a digital-first era. I didn’t think much of platforms like WhatsApp groups, Tiktok, or Instagram, yet they could have been free marketing tools. Now, I’d build visibility by storytelling online, engaging potential buyers, and joining small business communities that support growth and collaboration.
REINVEST BEFORE YOU REWARD YOURSELF.
It’s tempting to treat yourself after making yourself after making your first profits. I did- and set a reinvestment plan: for every ksh.1,000 made, at least ksh.700 goes back into the business. Growth is slow when you eat your seeds.
LOOKING AHEAD.
Starting with ksh.5,000 is possible- but mindset, discipline, and strategy matter more than capital. Kenya’s hustle culture rewards those who learn fast, adapt often, and keep showing up.
