Last Updated on 22 August 2020 by Gertrude
Students are out of campus because of the coronavirus. Some students rely on HELB to make ends meet.
As a student, you’re asking yourself how do I make myself busy earning money during these uncertain times?
The education system in Kenya teaches students to wait upon their parents to make money. You don’t have to be those students who wait for the loans board to come through for them. After all, you have to earn a way to repay this debt later on. The money you make from your business as a student will help you not rely on student loans, you can raise the status of your family plus you look good if seeking employment after campus. The businesses on this list are easy on the pocket, that means with as little as $10 or more dollars your busy will be up and running. If you want to save money starting a business, remember to maximise the online platforms like Facebook or best yet Instagram. Even if you are a student, you have to solve problems and issues in society. Remember that’s how Facebook got started from a dorm room in the university. Leaders are in campus bearing ideas. You just have to have the courage to begin. After mastering the courage, you have to market your product/service to others so they consume, at rates affordable for students. Remember, all the trends, begin from campus students. Use ‘good and persuasive language’. Don’t skimp on your customer service because good and lasting businesses value their customers. Be patient and never ever give up if your idea doesn’t take off as you’d expected, some things I have learnt take time.
Businesses You Can Do While Studying in Kenya
The following are businesses you can do while studying in Kenya and they are:
Start with social media and become an influencer
Learn how to blog and monetise your blog or publish newsletters or news in your campus
Resell your textbooks
Sell on online marketplaces like Fiverr
Become a freelancer
Sell or upcycle clothes for a profit
Run a delivery service
Become a graphic designer
Publish a book or audiobook
Do voice over artist work
Set a student review website not only for accommodation but everything within your campus and out of campus
Start a language course/school online
Grow and sell fresh veges and fruits
Teach yourself something then use the knowledge to make money
Become a model for stock photos
Organise student trips to exotic locations within Kenya
Become a fitness coach or outdoor fitness trail
Design resumes/CVs
Start video production
Begin a makeup studio
Babysit
Become a mobile game developer
Proofreading service
New student/fresher guide and mentor
Lecture transcription service
Start an essay writing service
Conduct market research
Budget nutritionist
Student financial planner
Gift card business
Do cleaning or begin a laundry service
Start a campus food stall
Create a student survival pack
Provide transport
Rent and re-rent your dorm/hostel
Become a chatbot creator
Begin a student Saas company
In conclusion, do nothing illegal like selling drugs and alcohol. Doing anything that jeopardises your future is something you don’t want. Many regrets are born after campus and youth is gone. Don’t compromise on safety. If you want to begin a diner, don’t start it in your dorm room where electricity is rationed or electric wires tampered with. Do, open and honest business, you cannot cook when you blow up, can you? You’re a student. In as much as you want to make money, don’t forget about your purpose, it’s to study and make a difference in society. Learn how to prioritise.
Make sure you check the rules and regulations within your campus and outside for starting a business. For example, when you earn money you have to pay taxes. Also, some campuses don’t allow students to cook within their premises or use a charcoal stove. Check and double-check you don’t want to get suspended. Don’t and I mean don’t copy or steal some else’s work, that’s plagiarism and is sanctioned even online. Be proud of your work and research, it may take hours or days or months, but it’s your work and ideas.
Don’t beat yourself up when you face failure. They say all success stories happen from failure. You must fail, it’s the actual success you experience. Beginning a business on campus is fun, wild and helps you exercise some qualities and skills in you from being employable, to patience with dealing with people and how to do research. You open up possibilities for yourself and others. It’s at the uni that leaders are born, because you discover yourself and what you want.
Which of the businesses with the low initial investment will you begin as a Kenyan student?