Top Businesses That Are Thriving Amongst University Students in Kenya

By Virginia Nyambura

University students are, mostly, portrayed as young and free without a care in the world, however, most of the young minds in our Kenyan campuses have put their entrepreneurial skills into test and are enjoying the benefits.

Some of the students are pushed by circumstances especially those that come from very poor backgrounds while others are simply challenged by their peers.

Well, whatever the drive is, the businesses are thriving and that is why we will analyze them for you if only to inspire.

Printing, photocopying and Registration Services

This business only requires a laptop, a printer and printing papers, and the internet. The entrepreneur, however, can do without the internet in case they are unable to afford and concentrate on printing and photocopying.

University students require the services very often as most of them are either too lazy to write down their notes or are not able to attend all their lessons. Lecturers who are not able to attend the classes too email the notes and students need to print enabling the business to thrive.

Selling Snacks

The snacks include chapatti, sweets, biscuits, mandazis, boiled eggs, smokies among many others. Most young people enjoy snacking, especially during the cold season, hence the business idea. Majority of the students wake up late and are not able to prepare breakfast, at that time, the snack sellers come in and make a profit.

Selling E-books

This is, most likely, the newest idea in our campuses. The books vary from motivational, research to creative material and can be sent through email or WhatsApp.

The prices vary from as low as 50 shillings to 200 shillings depending on content, author and demand. The books are mostly advertised on social media platforms.

Selling second-hand clothes and shoes

This is the most common idea among the students given their obvious desire to keep up with the fashion and fit in amongst their peers. The seller visits famous second-hand markets, such as Gikomba and Toi, in the wee hours of the morning, scouting for clothes that are likely to sell out to their peers.

Clothes at the market are likely to cost as low as 10 shillings to 300 shillings. Competition in this market though has pushed some of the students to market their products online, with a promise to deliver to their clients at a cost, targeting a larger market.

Selling Khaki Packaging Papers

The ban of nylon packaging papers to reduce the environment pollution opened ways to this idea. Khaki packaging papers have helped ease the confusion among traders. One only requires the khaki papers and glue which are sold around River Road.

The process of folding the Khakis into packaging bags is also available on YouTube or will most like be sold to you by those selling E-books.

Unemployment is definitely no reason to engage in criminal activities or gamble down your school fees, one just needs to look around for a likely gap in the market.