Business · 5 min read
How to start an online business in Kenya: a practical start
From a WhatsApp catalogue to registration and a simple website — the steps in the right order.
Want help registering your business name?
Prefer to understand the process yourself? Continue below.
You don't need a big budget to start selling online. You need a clear offer, a way for people to find you and a simple way to take orders.
A sensible order
- 1Pick one product or service and test it with people you know.
- 2Set up WhatsApp Business with a catalogue and clear prices.
- 3Make a simple logo and consistent posts.
- 4Register a business name once sales are steady.
- 5Get a KRA PIN for the business obligations that apply.
- 6Add a website when you need to be found on Google.
Free tools that help
- WhatsApp link generator — share one link everywhere
- QR code generator — for posters and your shop counter
- Invoice calculator — quick quotes for customers
Tip: Keep a simple record of every sale from day one. It makes tax, loans and growth decisions much easier.