Pesa Pulse

The side hustle landscape in Kenya remains dynamic in 2026 with high mobile penetration, M-Pesa convenience, and urban demand driving quick-start opportunities. Many Kenyans supplement income through low-capital ventures that leverage local markets, social media, and everyday needs.

Here are five practical side hustles you can launch this weekend with under KSh 10,000. Each fits the high-hustle, low-entry model and shows real earning potential based on current market realities.

Smartphones dominate daily life across Nairobi and beyond, creating constant demand for chargers, cases, earphones, screen protectors, and cables. Start small by sourcing affordable stock from wholesale spots like downtown Nairobi or online importers via platforms like Jumia or direct contacts.  

Startup breakdown: KSh 5,000 to 8,000 for initial stock plus KSh 1,000 for basic packaging and transport. Sell via WhatsApp groups, Instagram, TikTok videos showing products, or roadside near offices and campuses. Price items at 50 to 100 percent markup.  

Many hustlers report turning over stock in days, netting KSh 10,000 to 30,000 monthly with consistent effort. Focus on fast-moving items to build repeat buyers.

Mitumba remains a powerhouse in 2026, supporting millions through affordable fashion. Buy small bales or individual pieces from Gikomba, Toi Market, or weekend hauls, then flip higher-value items like branded shirts, jeans, dresses, or kids wear.  

Startup breakdown: KSh 3,000 to 7,000 for 10 to 20 quality pieces. Clean, photograph professionally on your phone, and sell via Instagram Reels, WhatsApp status, Facebook Marketplace, or pop-up sales in estates.  

Thrift flipping thrives on storytelling with before-and-after transformations or styling tips. Hustlers flipping creatively earn KSh 15,000 to 50,000 monthly, especially targeting youth or office workers seeking affordable style.

Busy professionals, students in hostels, and families in apartments outsource washing and ironing. Offer pickup and drop-off from home using manual methods or a basic machine if available.  

Startup breakdown: KSh 4,000 to 8,000 for detergents, buckets, iron, ironing board, and transport by boda or matatu. Market via neighborhood WhatsApp groups, church networks, or flyers in flats. Charge per piece or per kilo with discounts for bulk.  

With two to three steady clients daily, earnings reach KSh 12,000 to 35,000 monthly. Reliability and neat folding keep customers returning.

M-Pesa and airtime remain daily essentials even in 2026. Register as a sub-agent with an established till or float small working capital to offer withdrawals, deposits, and airtime sales in your estate or workplace area.  

Startup breakdown: KSh 5,000 to 9,000 float plus minimal branding like a small banner or sign. Promote through word-of-mouth and WhatsApp broadcasts.  

Agents in high-traffic residential spots earn KSh 8,000 to 25,000 monthly from commissions alone, especially during month-end and salary days.

Demand for affordable, fresh snacks like mandazi, chapati, samosas, smokies, boiled maize, fresh juices, or flavored water stays strong in busy estates, near schools, or construction sites.  

Startup breakdown: KSh 4,000 to 8,000 for ingredients, basic packaging, cooler box or flasks, and transport. Prepare small batches daily and sell from a strategic spot or deliver via WhatsApp orders.  

Consistent vendors clear KSh 10,000 to 40,000 monthly profit depending on location and variety. Hygiene and taste drive repeat business fast.

These ideas require hustle more than capital. Start small, test demand in your immediate circle, track every shilling spent and earned, and scale what works. In 2026 Kenya rewards action and consistency over perfection. Pick one, move this weekend, and let the market teach you the rest.