How To Set Up Your Own Fruits Business In Kenya

For ‘young’ people, starting your very own business and becoming self employed is the most suitable alternative to the ever growing hard to get 9 to 5 jobs. Starting a business is always the best alternative to the ever elusive jobs.

A survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) revealed that seven (7) million Kenyans are unemployed. An additional figure of over 1.4 million are actively looking for employment. With those figures, it is easy to see why more and more people are looking for alternatives.

Because we know very many business ventures require huge amounts of capital to get started, this new How To series will only show you how to start and execute several small business that require capital from as little as 5,000 Kenyan Shillings. Thus giving you the keys to the kingdom of starting a profitable business with little or no capital.

If you are also just looking for a side hustle to maybe supplement your 9 to 5 or full time job, this is for you.

All that you need to thrive in these businesses besides capital, is good customer service of course, great managerial skills, a suitable business location, and a clear cut vision.

Today’s article will show you how to set up your very own Fruits business in Kenya. While this is not exactly a 5,000 Kenyan Shillings capital business, I am sure you would agree that this is also a very viable option.

Fruits and their consumption, have become an integral part of the human diet. This is because taking fruits, helps to keep you healthy, by boosting your immune system and providing you with the necessary nutrients. The current awareness and push for healthy eating especially with the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic, has put fruits at the forefront of the minds of majority of the population.

The wide variety, also means that there is something for everyone. We are in a nutshell, spoilt for choice.

How To Start A Fruits Business In Kenya

How much do you need to start a Fruits business? What paperwork, and or equipment are you required to have in Kenya? If you are considering this option, here is everything you will need to kickstart your Fruits business in Kenya.

1. A Business License Or Permit. This is one of the most fundamental licences that businesses in Kenya are required to have before commencing operations, so you will definitely need one for your Fruit business. Although the cost of a business licence or permit differs from county to county, it usually sits at around 3,000 Kenyan shillings.
2. A Location. As with most businesses, a good location is one of the major factors that determine whether or not your fruit business will succeed. Maximum exposure to potential customers, weather restrictions like rain or dust, are some of the reasons why getting a good location is a must.
3. The Cost Involved In Setting Up Your Fruit Business. While the cost might vary based on the type of your fruit business and the size, it still should be relatively inexpensive to start. If for example, your Fruit business will involve or be stationed via a roadside stand, your costs will include the construction of a temporary structure to protect against extreme winds, rains, dust as well as other weather and environmental occurrences. It will also include the creation or purchase of bins and containers for your fruits, and of course the various fruits that you will be selling. If you will be setting up your fruit business in a more permanent location or in a Farmer’s market, your costs will include the rent for your stand or any other kind of location, as well as the cost of acquiring the fruits you would be selling.
4. Expenses Involved In Running And Maintaining Your Fruit Business. This will include your market cost expenses, electricity (if you are in a Farmer’s market or supermarket), as well as other expenses. Please make sure you also factor in things like where you get your fruits from, i.e if they come from a wholesaler or a farm that is not yours. If you have your own farm, your expenses will be those of growing and cultivating your products.
5. Find Out Your Target Market. Know your demographics. In the case of the fruit business, this will mostly be consumers who are looking for fresh fruits at low prices that are very affordable. This will include, students, cooks and chefs, as well as middle income earners and of course residential shoppers. Knowledge like that, should help you fine tune your marketing towards said market.
6. Decide Your Pricing. Having a realistic pricing point, will ensure that you will stay relevant and competitive. When doing this, please put into consideration, your labor, logistics, expenses, as well as your competition, branding, demographics and other factors.
7. Talk To Others Who Have Done This Before You. No man is an island. Talk to entrepreneurs who have gone into or are still in the Poultry Farming business. Take time out to analyze other poultry farmers and what they have done, their methods, strengths, as well as areas that need improvement. Doing this will make sure that you be better equipped to satisfy your customers.

And that is it! All you need to know about starting your very own Fruits business. Depending on the demand for your goods i.e fruits, you can make as much as 2,000 Kenyan Shillings per day. Cool right?

Is the Fruits business, a suitable venture for you? That question, is left for you to think on and answer. This writer’s goal is to open your eyes to the various entrepreneurial opportunities that abound in the country.

Also while the prospects are very promising please have a realistic approach as well. As with any business, there is a chance that you might incur losses. Especially at the beginning, so please keep your overheads low.

Was this article helpful? Are there any other How To topics you would like us to write on? Feel free to reach out to Mpesa Pay in the comment section.