#15 Untapped Business Ideas In Nairobi (PROFITS!)
If you want to get into untapped business ideas in Nairobi but are unsure of the direction to take, this blog article has got you covered. You will discover 15 novel business ideas in Nairobi that are yet to be fully explored.
Kenya is a nation brimming with unexplored business prospects. Within the market lie many overlooked openings that can be transformed into lucrative enterprises – provided you possess the knowledge and expertise!
Below is a list of untapped business ideas in Nairobi:
1. E-Commerce business in Nairobi
As per SEACOM East Africa, the e-commerce sector in Kenya is a sizeable market worth 1.5 billion dollars that have not been fully utilized.
The primary reason for this is the absence of sufficient ICT and logistical infrastructure, coupled with the reluctance of customers, which the increase in cybercrime has further intensified.
Additionally, low internet penetration rates and insufficient digital literacy have contributed to the underdevelopment of the industry. Nonetheless, the situation is gradually changing, and Kenya is now one of the leading e-commerce markets in Africa.
The country’s expanding population, increasing internet access, and high mobile penetration are contributing to the growth of the e-commerce sector.
Investing in an e-commerce venture can be a wise decision, particularly if you already have a brick-and-mortar business that can be seamlessly transitioned into the online realm with the help of social media.
2. Mobile game development Business in Nairobi
In Nairobi, the mobile game industry is bursting with potential. Mobile games are the most favored type of mobile application, and they can be developed for free, making it easy for anyone who knows how to code to get started with their app.
Developers can earn money through various methods, such as ads, paid downloads, or micro-transactions within the app. Mobile gaming accounts for over 30% of all digital content revenue worldwide, and African countries like Kenya have witnessed significant growth in this sector.
This means that there is ample space for new players to enter the market. While tech giants such as Google (Niantic) and Facebook (Oculus) are presently dominating virtual reality, smaller businesses are working on augmented reality (AR) solutions.
Mobile game development presents an excellent opportunity for small businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs to establish themselves in the African mobile gaming market.
Related: 15 Most Profitable Businesses To Start With 50K in Nairobi
3. Wearables business
According to a research and consulting firm IDC report, the wearables market is projected to increase from $16 billion to $36 billion by 2023.
While wearables supporting mobile payments provide a promising opportunity for businesses, several other ways exist to integrate wearables into various industries.
The impact of wearables on our lives has resulted in the emergence of new industries such as wearables-enabled fitness devices and smartwatches with payment capabilities like Apple Pay.
This trend is expected to continue, as Gartner forecasts that spending on wearables, including smart clothing and jewelry, could reach $310 billion by 2020.
This niche proves to be perfect for small businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs looking to tap into the expanding African wearables market.
The industry has witnessed a constant rise as more individuals are becoming open to the idea of using wearables, particularly for health tracking purposes.
Furthermore, practical applications like bracelets that can unlock doors or facilitate payments without using a phone are also gaining popularity.
4. Subscription business in Nairobi
Despite the numerous benefits they offer, Kenya has yet to fully tap into the potential of subscription businesses. There are various subscription club ideas that you can explore, such as:
a). A monthly subscription service that delivers clothing or shoes to your doorstep. This would be a convenient way to refresh your wardrobe without having to leave your home.
b). An online subscription service that provides information on a variety of topics, catering to professionals who need guidance on specific tasks related to their industry.
c). Subscription boxes for parents that are tailored to the different age groups of their children, such as newborns, toddlers, and preschoolers. This would save time and effort in figuring out what to buy each month.
There is a wide range of subscription-based businesses available, offering everything from wine and beer to sweets, natural products, makeup kits, cosmetics, and pet accessories.
With the option to order these items on a monthly basis, there is ample opportunity to identify an untapped market niche and launch a successful business with recurring payments.
One of the greatest benefits of this business model is the ability to meet multiple needs with a single product or service.
5. Sale of vegetarian and vegan products Business in Nairobi
Looking for a potential small business idea in Nairobi for 2023? Consider tapping into the growing demand for vegetarian and vegan products. As more people become interested in maintaining a healthy diet, these products’ sales continue to increase.
The food industry in Kenya is a reliable market since people will always need to eat. By offering products that meet the requirements for vegetarian and vegan options, you can tap into a niche market and potentially build a successful business.
6. Sale of natural and handmade cosmetics
Homemade cosmetic is yet another Untapped Business Ideas In Nairobi which is easy to begin due to the readily available natural herbs and resources.
In Kenya and around the world, there is a particular consciousness surrounding the importance of environmental care.
As a result, a potential venture exists in the realm of natural and handcrafted cosmetics. This market is expanding rapidly, with numerous enterprises already operating within the industry.
Although yet to be fully explored in Kenya, this promising business concept will likely be discovered soon.
Related: How To Start A Cosmetics Business In Nairobi
7. Real estate business in Nairobi
In Kenya, the real estate industry remains largely unexplored, particularly in the sector of affordable housing.
A significant number of Kenyans seek housing solutions but lack the financial resources necessary for high-end properties.
This has resulted in a missed opportunity for real estate agents who have primarily targeted the upper and middle classes, neglecting a significant portion of the market.
Venturing into the office rental business is also a fantastic opportunity to explore.
8. IT Services in Nairobi
Kenya is considered to be the technology hub of Africa and the Silicon Savanna due to its advanced technological landscape.
The country’s citizens have an insatiable appetite for new technology, resulting in high demand for IT service providers. As a result, entrepreneurs can expect to see an increase in opportunities within the IT sector in the coming years.
With the prevalence of smartphones among Kenyans, there exists a plethora of business possibilities through mobile application development.
Moreover, the Kenyan Government is providing robust support to facilitate ease of entry into the market. The cost of IT services in the country has decreased, rendering them more accessible and economical to businesses.
9. Food delivery business in Nairobi
As previously stated, venturing into the food industry is always a safe bet. In Nairobi, the food delivery sector remains largely unexplored, presenting an opportunity for entrepreneurs who can employ effective marketing strategies.
Essentially, food delivery involves transporting food from one point to another without the customer having to interact with the vendor.
Notably, FoodPanda, UberEats, and Jumia Food Service are some of the popular food delivery services in Nairobi. These platforms enable both restaurants and individuals who cater for events to enlist on their platform and showcase the dishes they offer.
Customers seeking restaurant meals can be linked to nearby eateries that can provide them at reasonable rates, which are dependent on the order’s location and proximity of the ingredients, including fresh produce.
10. Car rental service Business in Nairobi
Contrary to popular belief, car rental services are not extinct due to the presence of ride-sharing apps like Uber and Bolt. In fact, car rental is a unique and thriving business that remains largely untapped in Nairobi.
More and more people are turning to car rental services for their travel needs worldwide. If you’re thinking of starting a car rental business, here’s a great idea that will set you apart from the competition.
You can offer your cars for rent to drivers who need them temporarily but don’t want to bear the high costs of vehicle ownership like insurance premiums, fuel expenses, and airport parking fees.
Some companies allow customers to book cars online, while others require appointments set up by phone call or email. By offering a convenient and affordable alternative to car ownership, you can become one of the top providers in this industry.
11. Urban Logistics Business
Urban logistics is a venture that deals with the transportation of goods and products within a city or town.
Differing from standard logistics, which focuses on moving materials from point A to B, urban logistics is a cost-effective and straightforward business that requires minimum investment.
With just a few employees and your personal vehicle, you can start operating efficiently in no time. This type of enterprise has seen rapid growth in recent years.
12. Telemedicine Business in Nairobi
A fantastic business opportunity in Nairobi is to explore the field of telemedicine. This sector enables individuals to access medical guidance by connecting with physicians who may not be located in their immediate vicinity.
Furthermore, this service necessitates minimal investment and can be effectively managed from almost any location within the country.
13. Virtual Education Business in Nairobi
In Nairobi, virtual education is a novel entrepreneurial concept on the rise. Thanks to technological advancements, an increasing number of people are gaining access to high-speed internet and other computer devices that enable them to pursue learning.
This development opens up an exceptional avenue for you to earn revenue, either by trading educational resources and equipment like tablets or employing teachers capable of providing real-time lessons via the Internet.
This business idea is worth tapping into right now in Nairobi.
14. Business consulting services
This is one of the best untapped business ideas in Nairobi that can turn your life around as a consultant.
When embarking on a business venture, many individuals commit errors that can lead to squandering their time and resources.
Fortunately, seeking the expertise of a business consultant can aid in identifying potential pitfalls and implementing prompt solutions to rectify them.
This service empowers you to take charge of your own business and set your own rates, all while working from the comfort of your own home. However, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of current industry practices and trends in order to succeed.
15. Transaction Services Business in Nairobi
There has been a significant increase in the number of people who are opting to pay for goods and services online.
As a result, there has been a surge in the transaction services industry. To earn commissions from your clients’ transactions, you must sign up with one of the major players in this field, such as PayPal or Mpesa.
This business model is ideal for individuals who want to supplement their income outside of their regular employment.