Easy Side Hustles You Can Start in Nairobi with Less Than KSh 5,000



 Living in Nairobi can be expensive, and many of us are constantly on the lookout for ways to earn a little extra. The good news? You don’t need to have a lot of money to start a side hustle. With just KSh 5,000 or less, you can kick off something small that could grow into a steady source of income.

Here are six realistic, low-capital side hustles that are already working for people in Nairobi:

1. Selling Second-Hand Clothes (Mitumba)


Mitumba is a tried-and-tested hustle in Nairobi. You can start by sourcing quality clothes from Gikomba or Toi Market and reselling them online via WhatsApp, Instagram, or Facebook Marketplace.

  • Startup cost: KSh 2,000 – KSh 5,000

  • Tip: Focus on trendy items like jeans, handbags, or kids’ wear.

2. Printing and Selling Custom Mugs or T-Shirts

Partner with a local printing shop and offer custom mugs, T-shirts, or notebooks. Market through social media and deliver on order.

  • Startup cost: KSh 3,000 – KSh 5,000 (for samples, design tools, delivery)

  • Tip: Use Canva for free designs and WhatsApp for marketing.

3. Reselling Perfumes or Cosmetics

Buy popular perfumes or skincare products in bulk from local suppliers and sell them at a profit in your neighborhood or on social media.

  • Startup cost: KSh 2,000 – KSh 5,000

  • Tip: Start with testers or small bottles to minimize risk.

4. Cooking and Selling Snacks

Are you good in the kitchen? Make samosas, chapatis, mandazis, or cakes and sell them at your workplace, school, or estate.

  • Startup cost: KSh 1,000 – KSh 3,000 (ingredients + packaging)

  • Tip: Start small and build a loyal customer base from your community.

5. Online Freelancing

If you have a skill—writing, graphic design, transcription, or social media management—you can start freelancing on sites like Upwork, Fiverr, or Remotasks. (Need guidance? Contact me)

  • Startup cost: Internet bundle + basic training (~KSh 1,000 – KSh 2,000)

  • Tip: Focus on one skill, build your profile, and offer your service for cheap as you build credibility.

6. Selling Data Bundles and Airtime

Turn your phone into a small kiosk! Use mobile money to buy and resell data bundles or airtime to people in your neighborhood or workplace.

  • Startup cost: As low as KSh 500

  • Tip: Use apps like Tingg or Pesapal to manage your small hustle.

Final Thoughts 💬

Starting small doesn't mean thinking small. Nairobi is full of opportunities—you just need to pick one and take action. Whether it’s reselling clothes, cooking snacks, or offering services online, your KSh 5,000 can be the seed that grows into something serious.

👉 Have you tried any of these hustles? Got more ideas? Drop a comment and let’s build a community of Nairobi hustlers helping each other grow!

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