Amazingly, these young Kenyans are not only bagging awards; they are making millions in the process. The figures might not be available in all cases but the young people are undeniably making ripples in the business world. Here are some of the leading lights in business, technology and innovation.
1. Cosmas Ochieng, 26 – Founder Ecofuels Cosmas Ochieng is largely credited for the success of Eco Fuels Kenya. This is a large enterprise producing organic fertilizers, bio-fuel and health products. He is also the Director of Operations while co-founder Alan Paul is the Managing Director.In 2012, Village Capital and Growth Africa invested heavily in the company. Consequently, the pair was named by Forbes in their 2013 feature ‘30 Under 30 Innovators and Entrepreneurs’. The company is in its second year of operation with plans of penetrating East Africa and the rest of Africa.
2. Mark Kaigwa, 25 – Partner, Afroinnovator Mark Kaigwa is a much-travelled and recognized young IT guru. His most notable contributions have been in the business sector, helping businessmen harness the power of technology to do better business. Afroinnovator has been lauded by the CNN as one of the top blogs on the African continent. Kaigwa was named by Forbes in 2013 among the ‘30 Under 30 Innovators and Entrepreneurs’ of note.
3. Heshan Da Silva, 25 – Founder VenCap Kenya
Heshan is the more recognizable young multi-millionaire figure in Kenya and VenCap has assisted many startups to source capital for their businesses in Kenya. Da Silva sold his first company for a whopping Ksh 122 million. His amazing business prowess has astounded many with the proof that one can achieve a lot without a university degree. He has been listed by Forbes among Africa’s youngest entrepreneurs to watch.
4. Eric Muthomi, 26 – Founder- Stawi Foods and Fruits
A graduate of the United States International Univerity, Muthomi capitalized on the consumer demand for healthier cheaper foods. His business success has seen the company bag numerous recognitions such as: the Enablis Chase Bank ILO Business Plan Competition (2011), Nature Challenge (2011) and Hamsini Awards (2013).
5. Joel Mwale, 20 –Founder SkyDrop Enterprises
He made about Ksh 42.5 million when he was just aged 19 from the sale of his firm to an Israeli company. Young Mwale through SkyDrop Enterprises has assisted many people in his home town Kitale gain access to clean, affordable drinking water. The entrepreneur is now internationally recognised and has won many accolades including: Anzisha Prize for Youth Leadership in 2011 and Zeitgeist Young Minds Award the following year in 2012.
6. Mike Muthiga, 26 – Founder Fatboy Animations
If you are familiar with Faiba adverts then you know what Muthiga’s genius can amount to. He is also behind Safaricom’s Juma (Mazgwembe) commercials. Mike holds a degree in Civil Engineering but has done a marvelous job in animation; a feat he was able to accomplish when he was as young as 17 years of age. Tinga Tinga Tales on Citizen TV also forms part of his resume. The Faiba advert alone netted him a reportedly 3.5 million fortune.
7. Lorna Rutto, 28 – Founder, EcoPost
Lorna founded EcoPost in 2009having quit her job at a local bank. Her company that recycles waste plastics and converts them into durable fencing posts among other commodities has managed to generate 300 jobs and in the process earned Ksh 10.43 million or 120,000 US Dollars. For her environment conservation efforts, she was feted by Enablis in 2009. She has won several other awards since then. Lorna is an Accountant by profession.
Simply referred to as Tonnie, the young entrepreneur holds vast skills in IT and has mastered the art of turning ideas into reality. In 2010, he founded Deamlt Computing Technology. He however, has been working for Metrocomia East Africa as a Web programmer/ Developer since 2011. He holds a Higher Diploma in IT and has won awards for his innovations such as the Outstanding Developer of the Year Award, 2012.
9. Evans Wadongo, 27-Director of Operations, SDFA Kenya
Evans holds a bachelors degree from the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. He is testimony that great difficulties mould great men. As a child, he walked close to ten kilometers to school but rose to recognition by among other organizations, the CNN. In 2006, he joined the Sustainable Development For All-Kenya (SDFA Kenya). Evans was featured in CNN’s ‘Top Ten Heroes of 2010’. He was also recognized as one of the most influential African entrepreneurs under 30 by Forbes.
There are different ways to potentially acquire millions of Kenyan shillings, but it's important to note that it usually requires significant effort, skills, and investment. Here are a few examples.
1.Start a business: Starting your own business can be a path to generating millions in Kenya. You can identify a gap in the market and develop a product or service that meets the demand. You need to research the market, create a business plan, and acquire the necessary funding to start and grow your business.
Invest in stocks: Investing in the stock market can also be a way to potentially earn millions in Kenya. However, it requires knowledge and experience in the stock market. You need to research companies and industries, monitor market trends, and have a long-term investment strategy.
Real estate investment: Real estate can be a lucrative investment opportunity in Kenya. You can invest in rental properties or buy and sell properties for profit. However, it requires significant capital upfront, and you need to research the market and understand the regulations and laws.
Participate in tenders: Tenders are an opportunity for businesses to secure government contracts. You need to be registered with the relevant authorities, have the necessary experience and qualifications, and submit competitive bids.
It's important to note that there are risks associated with all of these options, and there's no guarantee of earning millions. It's important to do your research, seek professional advice, and be prepared to work hard and take calculated risk.
Online business: With the rise of e-commerce and online platforms, starting an online business can be a way to potentially earn millions in Kenya. You can create an online store, offer digital products or services, or become an affiliate marketer. However, it requires knowledge and skills in digital marketing, e-commerce, and online platforms.
Agriculture: Agriculture is a vital sector in Kenya, and it offers opportunities for investment and entrepreneurship. You can invest in farming, agribusiness, or food processing. However, it requires knowledge and experience in agriculture, access to capital and land, and understanding of the market and regulations.
Freelancing: Freelancing is another option for earning millions in Kenya. You can offer your skills and services online or offline, such as writing, graphic design, programming, or consulting. However, it requires skills, experience, and reputation in your field, and the ability to find and retain clients.
Lottery and gambling: While not a guaranteed way to earn millions, participating in lottery and gambling can potentially lead to large payouts. However, it's important to gamble responsibly and be aware of the risks and regulations.
It's important to note that earning millions usually requires hard work, dedication, and a combination of factors such as skills, knowledge, experience, and capital. It's also important to have a long-term strategy, be prepared for setbacks and challenges, and seek professional advice when necessary.
Partnership and collaboration: Partnering with other businesses or individuals can be a way to leverage resources, expertise, and networks to potentially earn millions in Kenya. You can identify complementary businesses or individuals, such as suppliers, distributors, or investors, and create mutually beneficial partnerships or collaborations.
Innovation and invention: Developing a new product or service that meets a significant need or solves a problem can be a way to potentially earn millions in Kenya. However, it requires innovation, creativity, and knowledge of the market and industry. You also need to protect your intellectual property and secure funding to develop and market your invention.
It's important to note that there are different paths to earning millions in Kenya, and it depends on various factors such as your interests, skills, experience, and resources. However, it usually requires a combination of hard work, dedication, knowledge, and investment. It's also important to consider the social and environmental impact of your activities and contribute to sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
Copywriting: You don't have to be an expert writer to earn money from writing. Many companies will pay people to write articles on various topics for their websites. As long as what you write is interesting and well-researched, you can earn a decent amount of money per article, even if it isn't grammatically perfect.
There are hundreds of local and international websites always hiring new writers - you could pitch to them directly or create an account at freelance websites such as Upwork and get linked to companies looking for writers. The upside of working through freelance websites is that your income is guaranteed - a client cannot shortchange you as opposed to dealing directly with them. However, you will have to part with a percentage of your earnings to enjoy the service.
2. Flipping Clothes
Flipping Clothes - Kenya's economy has been growing over the past couple of years, and with that growth has come more potential customers. If you have clothes lying around that will fit Kenyans, why not sell them on Facebook or at a flea market? Depending on how appealing it is to the target customer, you can make a significant amount.
3. Delivery Services
Kenyans, especially since the pandemic, have become very receptive to the idea of allowing others, that they have never met, to run errands for them. The business of deliveries has thus become very popular over the last two years.
Using various means including door-to-door marketing or on social media, or setting up a brick-and-mortar company, you offer to deliver items at a fee. You are responsible for the logistics of getting the thing to its destination, but it can be almost anything.
The possibilities are endless. You can help people move things around town or even across the country without paying for shipping or gas. You're helping others out and making money at the same time.
4. Taxi Services
Offering taxi services in Kenya is a great way to make money fast. Many taxi companies need drivers, and they're willing to pay well for drivers who can accept credit cards. You can also drive if you own a vehicle and sign up for taxi-hailing apps such as Uber and Bolt.
Note that the taxi business is complex with the rising fuel prices, the need to service car loans with fidelity, and some taxi apps may have low margins that may not meet your needs.
Nevertheless, when well run, a taxi business can guarantee a daily income with a very low barrier to entry which makes it one of the easiest ways to make money fast in Kenya.
5. Cleaning Services
Office space in Nairobi has expanded significantly over the last decade which birthed the need for professional cleaning services when the idea of hiring a permanent cleaner became less viable.
Domestic cleaning services have always been in demand with mama fuas running the show on a much, much smaller scale in low-income neighbourhoods. Given the option of a more professional, structured cleaning service provider, many will buy in - especially in middle-income homes that have more specialised needs.
Being a service that thrives in high trust, you have to spend some time brand building, possibly choosing a niche area or niche service, and start onboarding customers who will be your ambassadors. Setting up a formal cleaning company is the best way as opposed to advertising an individual.
1. Cancel automatic subscriptions and memberships you don’t use.
Chances are, you’re paying for multiple subscriptions like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, gym memberships, trendy subscription boxes and Amazon Prime. It’s time to cancel any subscriptions you don’t use regularly. And make sure you turn off auto-renew when you make a purchase. If you cancel it and decide you can’t go without it, subscribe again—but only if it fits into your new and improved budget.
2.Buy generic.
Hands down, one of the easiest ways to save money is to give brand names the boot. In most cases, the only thing that’s better about name-brand products is the marketing. I mean, look at that box! The logo is so fancy! And that’s about where it ends. Generic brands of medicine, staple food items (like rice and beans), cleaning supplies and paper products cost far less than their marked-up name-brand friends—and they work just as well too.
3.Spend extra or unexpected income wisely.
When you get a nice work bonus (way to go!), inheritance or tax refund, put it to good use. And when we say “good use,” we aren’t talking about adding that fancy new stamp to your stamp collection or even just putting it in the bank to camp out.
If you’ve still got debt in your life, you’ll be better off using those funds to pay off your student loans or the balance on your credit card instead of stashing that money away. If you’re debt-free, use those extra dollars to build up your emergency fund—you know, for emergencies.
4.Adjust your tax withholdings.
Speaking of extra, unexpected income—if you get large tax refunds every year, it’s time to adjust the tax. This way you’ll bring home even more money each month. Plus, you don’t want to give the government any more of your money than you have to, right?
5.Reduce energy costs.
Did you know that you can save money on your electric bill just by making a few tweaks to your home? Start with some simple things like taking shorter showers (nope, we didn’t say fewer), fixing leaky pipes, washing your clothes in cold water, and installing dimmer switches and LED lightbulbs.
While new, energy-efficient appliances are a great way to reduce energy , they’re expensive! But if you work it into your monthly budget, you can save up and pay cash for those improvements over time.
6.Lower your cell phone bill.
If your monthly cell phone bill competes with your monthly grocery budget, it’s time to find ways to cut back. By getting rid of extras like costly data plans, phone insurance and useless warranties. And don’t be afraid to haggle with or completely switch your provider! It might require a little persistence and research, but the savings are worth it.
7.Save money automatically.
Did you know that you can save money without thinking about it? Yup—you can set up your bank account to automatically transfer funds from your checking account into a savings account every month. If that sounds scary to you, you can also set up your direct deposit to automatically transfer 10% of each paycheck into your savings account. Boom!
8. Spend extra or unexpected income wisely.
When you get a nice work bonus (way to go!), inheritance or tax refund, put it to good use. And when we say “good use,” we aren’t talking about adding that fancy new stamp to your stamp collection or even just putting it in the bank to camp out.
If you’ve still got debt in your life, you’ll be better off using those funds to pay off your student loans or the balance on your credit card instead of stashing that money away. If you’re debt-free, use those extra dollars to build up your emergency fund—you know, for emergencies.
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