10 business ideas for college students in Kenya

For young people, college is a thrilling period, although financial struggles can make it tough.

A youth requires more funds for food, clothing, and for renting an apartment. Furthermore, the desire for a “college lifestyle” coupled with the need for extra money has never been greater. Here are business ideas for college students to supplement their pocket money from parents.

1. Cyber Café & Printing Services

As a student, you can offer printing, photocopying, scanning, and internet access from your hostel or a small rented space. You will need an initial capital to buy a laptop and a printer, but from there there will always be business as students are ever printing documents.

2. Secondhand Clothes (Thrift/“Mitumba”) Resale

Source trendy clothes from Gikomba or Toi Market and resell on campus or via Instagram.

3. Mobile Food Delivery

Cook or partner with local eateries to deliver affordable meals to students during lunch hour.

4. Phone & Laptop Repair

If you have basic tech repair skills, you can offer affordable fixes for cracked screens, software issues, or sell phone accessories.

5. Academic Tutoring or Notes Resale

Sell well-organized notes, offer tutoring in tough subjects, or create revision booklets.

6. Freelance Writing, Design, or Voiceover

Use platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or local WhatsApp groups to offer writing, editing, graphic design, or voiceover services.

7. YouTube or TikTok Channel

Create content around student life, fashion, comedy, or educational topics. Monetize through ads like Google AdSense or Ezoic and pitch for brand deals.

8. Social Media Management

Help small businesses or student clubs manage their Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook pages.

9. Online Reselling (Jumia, Kilimall, Instagram)

Buy items in bulk (earphones, skincare, stationery) and resell online with student-friendly pricing.

10. Event Planning or Photography

Organize student events, birthdays, or offer photography/videography services for campus functions.

That’s it, I hope you’ve found this helpful.