Kenya is a fast-growing country with various business opportunities. This country has a total of 47 counties which offer varying business environments.
Kenya is home to both large companies and a thriving small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Many investors like Kenya due to its stable politics, increasing population, and abundant resources. However, with numerous counties to choose from, you might wonder where to begin your business venture in Kenya.
This guide will help you identify the best counties for business based on factors like infrastructure, market access, and the availability of skilled workers.
Best Counties to do Business in Kenya
1. Nairobi County
Nairobi, the capital and largest city of Kenya, serves as the country’s business hub. It houses the headquarters of numerous Kenyan and international companies, government agencies, and embassies.
This county boasts excellent infrastructure, including an international airport, a network of highways (including Thika SuperHighway and Express Way), railways, and modern telecommunications.
Key industries in Nairobi include finance, telecommunications, manufacturing, and tourism. Some of the top companies headquartered in Nairobi include Safaricom, Equity Bank, East African Breweries, and Bamburi Cement among others.
The city is ideal for starting businesses that need skilled labor or proximity to government offices and other companies.
You may also read: How to start a business in Nairobi
2. Kiambu County
Kiambu County is one of Kenya’s most industrialized areas. It’s home to various manufacturing and agro-processing businesses and has a growing service sector.
This county has fast growing towns which include Ruiru, Thika, Juja, among others. Ruiru town was almost crowned the fourth city in Kenya but Nakuru city took that position. Tatu city which is located in Ruiru flourishing fast.
Ruiru is arguably one of the best towns to live in Kenya due to the serene environment and good infrastructure with multiple entry and exit points including Thika Superhighway, Eastern Bypass, Northern Bypass, and Ruiru Kiambu Road.
Kiambu also produces agricultural products like tea, coffee, and dairy items.
The county has a solid infrastructure, with highways , railways, and modern telecommunications. Kiambu is conveniently located near Nairobi and Mombasa, making it an excellent choice for businesses needing proximity to these cities.
Primary industries in Kiambu include manufacturing, agro-processing, agriculture, and tourism. It’s a great place to start businesses that require skilled labor or access to agricultural products.
Notable companies in Kiambu County include Bidco Africa, Brookside Dairy, Del Monte Kenya, Unilever Kenya, General Motors East Africa, and Toyota Kenya.
Reasons to do business in Nairobi and Kiambu Counties:
- Good infrastructure with well-maintained roads, railways, and telecommunications.
- Convenient location at the center of Kenya.
- Availability of a skilled workforce.
- Affordable cost of doing business compared to other major cities in Kenya.
- Supportive business environment with favorable policies and regulations.
3. Nakuru County
Nakuru County is a significant agricultural and industrial center in Kenya, hosting large-scale farms and a growing SME sector. It’s a major producer of horticultural products such as flowers, fruits, and vegetables.
The county boasts reliable infrastructure, including highways, railways, and modern telecommunications. Nakuru’s proximity to Nairobi and Mombasa is advantageous for businesses.
Key industries in Nakuru encompass agriculture, horticulture, manufacturing, and tourism. You can sign up for our Nakuru County Business Week to interact and network with these businesses
is an ideal location for businesses needing access to agricultural or horticultural resources and a skilled workforce.
Prominent companies in Nakuru county include Menengai Creameries, Nakuru Flour Mills, Unilever Tea Kenya, Associated British Foods Kenya, Keroche Breweries, Toyota Kenya, and Kentegra Biotechnology.
If you have been thinking about some of the best business to start in rural areas in Kenya, you can consider agribusiness and value addition, retail outlets and hospitality. Nakuru County offers many opportunities for successful rural businesses.
4. Kisumu County
Kisumu, Kenya’s third-largest city and the capital of the Nyanza region, is a trade and transportation hub. The city also houses agricultural and manufacturing businesses.
Kisumu has a robust infrastructure, including an international airport, a major railway station, and a network of highways and roads.
Key industries in Kisumu are agriculture, manufacturing, trade, and transportation. It is an excellent choice for businesses needing proximity to the railway station or access to agricultural products and markets.
You may also read: Most profitable businesses to start in Kenya with 100K.
5. Mombasa County
Mombasa is Kenya’s second-largest city and the main port city. It’s a center for trade, tourism, and manufacturing and has solid infrastructure, including an international airport, a major port, and a network of highways and railways.
Major industries in Mombasa encompass tourism, trade, manufacturing, and logistics. It is particularly suitable for businesses requiring access to the port or engaging in imports and exports.
Other counties also offer great business opportunities in Kenya, such as Machakos, Meru, Nyeri, Murang’a, Kakamega, and Bungoma. These counties provide good infrastructure, market access, and a skilled workforce.
Key Considerations When Choosing a County for Your Business
- Infrastructure: Ensure the county has well-maintained roads, railways, and telecommunications.
- Market Access: Choose a location near major markets or transportation hubs.
- Skilled Labor: Ensure there’s a skilled workforce to meet your business needs.
- Cost of Doing Business: Consider affordability, including labor costs, rent, and taxes.
- Business Environment: Look for a county with favorable government policies and regulations.
Additional Tips for Doing Business in Kenya
- Register your business with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and obtain a local business permit.
- Comply with Kenya’s tax laws and regulations, seeking professional advice when necessary.
- Join business associations and chambers of commerce in Kenya to network with other businesses and gain insights into the local business environment.
Closing Remarks
Kenya offers excellent opportunities for doing business, and various counties provide favorable environments for entrepreneurs.
The choice of the best county depends on your business’s specific needs. Nairobi and Kiambu counties stand out as two of the best places to establish your business due to their infrastructure, market access, skilled workforce, and supportive business environment.
Nairobi, Kiambu, Nakuru, Mombasa, Kisumu, Machakos, Meru, Nyeri, Murang’a, Kakamega, and Bungoma counties are all worthwhile options to consider to start your next business.
