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Hey Kimblei,
Welcome to nairobi,its gud if you want to do business,When you will come you have to explore the things for business  if you need any help from me i feel happy to hear from you.

I moved 7 months ago its the best decision I ever did, and the quality of life makes everything even better... shoot me and email and can tell you more.... protusn@gmail.com

Hi,

Going for the option of starting your own business is probably best, as the jobs market is incredibly competitive.  In order to any sort of work in Kenya, including running a business, you need to have a work permit. 

For a foreigner starting in business, a Class H permit is a good one to apply for.  You need to have registered a company in Kenya, which is not a difficult, or costly process.  It is useful to engage a lawyer to draw up the 'Articles od Association', as they know how to word it all and what to include.  You also need to apply for a PIN from Kenya Revenue Authority and I believe that this can be done online.  Opening a bank account in Kenya also helps.  You should be able to do all of the above on a visitors visa.

The Class H work permit requires the applicant to have a minimum of $100 000 in capital, or demonstrate the investment, in Kenya of a similar amount and you do need to evidence that your business plan will be of direct benefit to Kenya.

The application takes several months and if your visitors visa expires in the meantime, you will have to leave Kenya, but this will not affect your application.  Note: all visitors to Kenya must register with Immmigration if staying in country for more than 90 days.  It is an offence not to do this.

As to what area of business to aim for:  Real estate is common, as there ia a healthy rented sector.  Vehicle import is also a common area, but the market is almost saturated.  IT and online retail is a growth area.  Transport: especially long distance buses has made a lot of money for some.

Good luck!

Hi,

Good idea but very tricky....Kenya is a unique marke. The best target would be either the high end or average. I lived in the Maryland for a while and when i came back make all the wrong business moves but now i have my foot back in and know whathow to go about business so let me know 1. What you would to do, advise is free.

You said you had moved to Maryland, and now you are back in Kenya? Well, I don't know what type of business to go into. I want something that won't take a great deal of capital, but I do want something profitable. I assume Nairobi would be the better area in Kenya to start a business, is that correct? And I guess that depends on what type of business I choose, right? Do you have any suggestions? Please give me your honest opinion. Thank you so much for replying.

Longonot62 wrote:

Hi,

Going for the option of starting your own business is probably best, as the jobs market is incredibly competitive.  In order to any sort of work in Kenya, including running a business, you need to have a work permit. 

For a foreigner starting in business, a Class H permit is a good one to apply for.  You need to have registered a company in Kenya, which is not a difficult, or costly process.  It is useful to engage a lawyer to draw up the 'Articles od Association', as they know how to word it all and what to include.  You also need to apply for a PIN from Kenya Revenue Authority and I believe that this can be done online.  Opening a bank account in Kenya also helps.  You should be able to do all of the above on a visitors visa.

The Class H work permit requires the applicant to have a minimum of $100 000 in capital, or demonstrate the investment, in Kenya of a similar amount and you do need to evidence that your business plan will be of direct benefit to Kenya.

The application takes several months and if your visitors visa expires in the meantime, you will have to leave Kenya, but this will not affect your application.  Note: all visitors to Kenya must register with Immmigration if staying in country for more than 90 days.  It is an offence not to do this.

As to what area of business to aim for:  Real estate is common, as there ia a healthy rented sector.  Vehicle import is also a common area, but the market is almost saturated.  IT and online retail is a growth area.  Transport: especially long distance buses has made a lot of money for some.

Good luck!

Open a MacDonalds.
Enough said.

nairobi, its good place coz thier are lots of peoples and the demand is high,it's for you to do market survey and decide,coz you are in nairobi.hope you will take your time,chaoo

Hi kimblie,
I hope you'll accomplish your dreams. I'm sure you'll fall in love with Kenya. Kenyans are also one of the most hospitable people you'll ever find. But please, do your homework and do not rush into things.

I wish you all best.
Ali

Hi thanks for your reply. Are you from Nairobi and do you reside there? I do love Kenya and the people. I was thinking more on the lines of a tourist business like doing safari tours, but the only problem I think with that is that it's so competitive. There are so many tourist companies in Kenya. What do you think? Please give me your opinion.
Thanks!

Hi there. Yes, I'm from Nairobi but currently in the US. Although the business you propose is competitive, you could go the route of organizing trips from the US. Plan a good itinerary and network among your close friends. The most expensive thing would be the ticket from the US to Nairobi. If you are familiar with Nairobi, then you could arrange a guide/driver who would also act as your personal security. Try with a 3-4 clients and build on.
Good luck

yep. you can set up a company and offer consultancy services. hit me up i assist you with the registration process.

Calinoor has the best idea!!! having studied tourism as my major i would tell you to take that up. its quite doable

[Moderated]

I agree with the contents with duality and, for their specific purpose, you should invest in a virtual business based in the United States of America , and now it is something virtual, you can live anywhere as you like (or as plant to acquire the business duality virtual walking.) good for you can avoid problems
be six months in Kenya and Tanzania six months, or six months in Uganda, have more fun with it and learn more. and will have no problem creating complicated business world affricate

[Moderated: No free ad on the forum]

Am a geotechica engineer in kenya doing drilling business.  Welcome to kenya for business. 
Engineering businesses in kenya does well particularly because there is marginal competition .
Try it.