Top 20 Business Ideas for BBIT Students in Kenya

As a BBIT student, you can start exploring entrepreneurship to gain practical skills and hands-on experience.

With IT and a business background, there are plenty of opportunities you can start without a lot of capital and time commitment.

Many BBIT students are already smiling at the bank because of the small profitable businesses they do on their campus, and you could be next on the long list.

Before we jump to the list, though, what is BBIT?

What is BBIT?

Well, BBIT in full is a Bachelor of Business Information Technology.

The course is structured to offer skills and training in business and IT to help students manage information technologies while focusing on business productivity, either in employment or self-employment.

Universities Offering BBIT in Kenya

There are various universities that offer training in the BBIT course in Kenya.

Some of the public and private universities offering this course include:

• Kenyatta University
• Mt Kenya University (MKU)
• Kenyatta University
• Kibabii University
• African Nazarene University
• Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)
• St Paul’s University
• Multimedia University of Kenya
• Zetech University
• University of Embu
• Technical University of Mombasa
• KCA University
• Strathmore University

Some of the most popular units offered to BBIT students in Kenyan Universities

• Business studies
• Communication and public speaking skills
• Web design and development
• Hardware and software practicum
• Digital literacy
• Mathematics for Society
• Introduction to computer studies and internet
• Computer graphics
• Programming
• Business Process Modeling

See more units here

Top 20 Business Ideas

Here are the top 20 business ideas BBIT students in Kenya can start up.

1. Cyber Café

Information is power, and everyone is thirsty for it. Students and lecturers do a lot of research, and thus, internet connectivity is a necessity.

Not all students and lecturers have laptops, and they cannot all fit into the campus library when using the available computers.

Additionally, the free campus Wi-Fi is sometimes unstable, inconveniencing many if they have assignments with closer deadlines.

Cyber cafés are therefore essential in helping students meet their deadlines and do research without stress.

2. Photocopy and Printing Shop

Photocopying and printing services are booming businesses in any learning environment.

Students must do assignments, photocopy handouts, and other learning notes; hence, picking this business idea is great.

The IT skills you have will come in handy in helping you do edits or typesetting and earn more.

You can use the available space in your shop to sell stationery to add to your income.

3. Computers and Phone Repair

The IT background already gives you the basic skills in hardware and software repairs. You could get more skills from research or lecturers.

This is a thriving business since every student owns a phone or a computer.

And just like any other machine, they are prone to damage.

Repairing phones or computers has handsome rewards and, hence, is a very great idea you should try as a BBIT student.

4. Movie Shop

Most students have a laxity of time and are crazy about anything that entertains them.

Movies and music are such a great source of entertainment for most students.

Avail new movies and music, and you’ll be on top of your game.

5. M-Pesa Shop

Most students receive money regularly from their parents or guardians and must withdraw it for their own upkeep.

The high student population in any institution offers a ready market for the M-Pesa business to thrive.

M-Pesa could be a perfect opportunity to start managing financial transactions, preparing you for bigger roles in the future.

You can also sell airtime to add more to your monthly income.

6. Barbershop 

Every student wants to look good on campus.

There is a large number of female students, too, who love keeping their hair short.

Opening a barbershop around your campus will offer convenience to many students.

You can learn hairdressing skills and make money in the evenings and weekends, or, better yet, have someone work for you.

7. Saloon

The competition for looks and trendy hairstyles is very high on campus.

This is a very good opportunity for a female student to explore and take advantage of.

Even though it’s time-consuming, it has lucrative returns. You must find a balance between your classwork and business.

Have the latest and trendy hair products, and your salon will always be busy.

8. Boutique

Any campus student desires to be fashionable.

This presents a ready market for a boutique business.

If you stock stylish, trendy, and fashionable items, customers will come running.

There is not so much capital that comes with starting this up.

You can find a store or a space in front of your campus and sell in the evening.

Alternatively, you can sell online and do deliveries to student’s hostels when you’re free.

9. Perfume Refilling

The fragrance business has gained traction in the country, and learning institutions are no exception.

Buying packaged colognes is expensive, and most students can hardly afford them.

Refilling in smaller quantities offers great relief to students, and they will be at your doorsteps daily.

This helps them smell nice for as little as 100 shillings for one or two weeks.

This is a great business idea that will fetch quick money in no time.

10. Photography 

With a camera and exemplary photography skills, you’re good to start this business.

Campus students love photoshoots, and you can take advantage of this and earn money.

You can also decide to go professional and add more equipment.

Market yourself well, and you’ll be all over different places over the weekend, covering parties, weddings, or corporate events.

11. Video Games

Video games are very popular among students in Kenya.

It is another small business idea that can earn you a fortune since it’s very addictive.

Video games are in high demand all day long since some students rent them out for a night.

With a video game console and a screen, money will start trickling in.

Alternatively, you can load the games on your laptop and start up while raising capital.

12. Pool Center

Pool games are also very addictive and a great source of entertainment for many students.

It is one of the easiest businesses to manage, giving you the freedom to attend to your coursework 100%.

You don’t have to be present since whenever one wants to play, they can open it using coins.

Your job will be to collect the money on the pool table, something you can do whenever you have time.

13. Blogging

If you have a passion for developing compelling stories, you can start a blog and make money out of it.

Take advantage of your free time and the free Wi-Fi available on campus and learn how you can start blogging, building your website, and earning.

You can monetize your website and earn from advertisements or affiliate marketing.

14. Fast Foods

Students get busy on campus with a lot of activities to do.

Most of them find it hard to shop for food to cook in their hostels.

Fast food businesses come in handy in helping students fix their appetites quickly and conveniently.

You can never go wrong with a fast food business on campus – you have ready customers all day long.

15. Graphic design

You already have an upper hand in grabbing graphic design skills quickly.

There are lots of activities taking place on campus, and this service is in high demand.

You will make a killing during student politics by creating posters, banners, and images for online distribution.

Talk to your student leaders and grab graphic design tasks, and you’ll be laughing all the way to the bank.

16. Social Media Management

Businesses are looking to remain relevant and present on social media.

They need content on the different social media platforms and help managing them.

You can master the art of creating compelling content on their social media platforms and earn good money.

You can also respond to customer questions and earn more.

17. Freelance Writer

There are plenty of online writing opportunities you can grab while studying.

Look out for different online writing sites you can sign up on for free and start earning.

Some of the sites you can look out for include Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr, and Home Market, among others.

18. Transcription

You can join freelance sites and take on transcription roles.

Turning speech into words will not be challenging. In fact, your skills will be vital in the prompt delivery of transcripts, making you earn more.

19. Data entry

Businesses need people who can do data entry most of the time.

Such jobs can be done virtually, with flexible working hours.

You can easily start this up and earn some cash on the side.

20. App Development

With companies and businesses competing in the digital space, mobile apps are selling at a high rate.

Most companies need mobile apps for convenient service delivery, and your IT skills can be vital in developing apps.

This is a hotcake venture on the market that will fetch you a lot of money if you master the skill and can develop the latest tools and technologies.

Conclusion

Investing in business as a BBIT student not only helps you raise money to meet your needs but also offers a perfect opportunity to gain hands-on experience.

However, you must keep a good balance between your education and business.

Take advantage of your free time on campus and turn it into a money-making venture.