The idea of being your own boss, being able to choose your own hours, being more flexible with family and friends and having control of your own financial life is becoming more and more inviting. People want to be at home with their families rather than waste precious time in traffic and at the office. Starting a business from home is a good way to save money on overheads such as rent, utilities, insurance and more. Having a business at home is tax deductible. Even first-time entrepreneurs find it easier to start a business from home, allowing to grow into a full-time venture. Start on a part-time basis and develop the business into a full-time homemade success. Here are 10 businesses you can ran from home in Kenya:
- Online Writing
The online world is a beehive of activities. From content writing to academic writing and affiliate marketing, you’re spoilt for choice on what to do. If you are into writing, you can join sites such as freelancer and work from home. As long as you are good in English, you are good to go. What you will only need is a laptop and reliable internet connectivity.
- Gym
For those living in middle-income estate such as Zimmerman, Kasarani, Roysambu, Umoja, you can make good cash with simple gym at your home. Turn your guest room or an extension of your house and invest some gym equipment. You will also need a small TV and DVD player to play pre-recorded exercises to your client. Target working class and do not mind waking up early to train your clients or hire a professional instructor.
- Mushroom Farming
Mushroom farming is a cheap and high return agriculture venture. You can do it right at your doorstep. With starting capital of 10K and skills on mushroom farming, one is able to start a mushroom farm. You also need space, substrate (material upon which mushroom grows), spawn (mushroom seeds).
- Translation
Are you fluent in more than two languages? Are you good in translation? Then you do not have to beat the morning traffic going to the office, work online, from home. However, you will need a license and a certificate in translation for international translation. To enjoy translation, you will require a computer/laptop, translating software, and internet. The secret of this job it to always maintain professionalism.
- Laundry services
Starting a laundry service at home is easier. Most of your neighbors are busy with careers and have no time to attend to heaps of dirty clothes. Have a washing machine, pressing irons and few detergents to do the laundry services for them.
- Transcribing
This is simple. Transcribing audio content can be best venture if you have required skills and software. Establish customers who need their work to be transcribed then do the work from home on your computer. This can earn you a good cash if well dome.
- Kitting Service
If you have patience, skills and knitting machine then you have no reason to look for a formal job that earns you frustrations in the end. Make knit wear, soft dolls, teddy bears, and sell them to neighbours. Approach local knitting suppliers and advertise yourself.
- Portrait Sketching
Do you have a talent in drawing/sketching? If you are talented in making portraits using paints, advertise yourself then make it your business as you operate from home. You only need paints, pens, and material then you can make good money at home. Clients who need Family portraits and children’s portraits are all over.
- Baking and decorating cakes
If you can bake cakes with artistic touch then you stand a chance to earn an income from your living room. Design and bake cakes then sell them to retailers and neighbours. You can also make and sell biscuits, koeksisters, muffins, cakes, jams, and pickled vegetables to mention just a few.
- Web designer
Due to increased usage of technology, and the need for online presence, many people do not know how to design their websites. Venturing into this business will not demand a lot from you. You only need the skills, computer and relevant software.
By Catherine Akuku
