If you’ve been following my Nairobi real estate journey, you’ve seen both the potential rewards and risks. But what if I told you that real estate isn’t the only—or even the best—way to make money in Kenya?
There’s a better way—one that generates strong profits while creating real impact.
In this blog, I’ll break down how I invested in TWO highly profitable businesses with under $50K—and why Kenya is an untapped goldmine for smart investors beyond real estate. 🚀
A Quick Disclaimer Before You Dive In...
This type of investment isn’t for everyone. If you’ve never built or managed a business before, I strongly advise against jumping into this type of investment blindly.
Even seasoned investors experience failures—70% of individual angel investments don’t return initial capital, and only 7% generate 10x returns.
If that doesn’t scare you off, let’s dive in! 👇
How I Discovered Profitable Business Opportunities in Nairobi
I originally planned my trip to Nairobi to explore real estate opportunities. But just as I was finalizing my plans, I stumbled upon an exclusive business investment event happening at the exact same time.
It felt like the universe was giving me a sign. Not only did this event cement my decision to visit Nairobi, but it also gave me an even stronger reason to experience the city firsthand.
To be honest, I joined the one-week investment program with zero expectations—I simply wanted to meet people, understand Kenya’s business landscape, and explore potential opportunities for the future. Investing immediately was not part of my plan.
And yet, what I discovered completely shattered my expectations.
I was blown away by the sheer diversity of businesses I encountered—many in industries I had never even considered investing in before. From garbage collection services to borehole drilling, poultry farming, and more, I was exposed to businesses that power Kenya’s economy yet often go unnoticed by international investors.
I felt like a kid in a candy store—excited, inspired, and fascinated by the possibilities I had never explored before.
The People Who Made It Happen
This journey wouldn’t have been possible without some incredible individuals who welcomed me into their world:
- Rachel – The friend who introduced me to this opportunity.
- Roland – The visionary behind Christian Business Angels, who welcomed me with open arms—even though I’m not Christian.
- Elizabeth – Roland’s wife, whose kindness and support made this experience even more special.
- Collins & David – Local experts who curated the event, facilitated key connections, and ensured we met the right people.
• Fellow investors – A group of inspiring individuals who shared this game-changing week with me.
A Life-Changing Shift
This trip didn’t just broaden my investment outlook—it ignited a brand-new idea.
One that I believe will bring tremendous value, not just to me, but to investors like you.
Keep reading until THE END to find out more!
Why Kenya is the Best Country for Business Investment in Africa
Unlike Vietnam, where I spent years building connections with little investment success (you can read more about that in my other blogs: [here ] and [here]), Kenya— a country I had never even visited before—unfolded opportunities in ways I never anticipated.
Within just two weeks, I successfully invested in TWO properties and TWO businesses in Nairobi. Everything seemed to fall into place effortlessly—from meeting the right people to uncovering high-potential investment opportunities.
1. Why Kenya Stands Out
✅ 5.6% GDP Growth Rate (2023, driven by strong performance in agriculture and services sectors (World Bank)
✅ Nairobi has emerged as a major entrepreneurial hub in Africa with $800M in Venture Capital Funding for local startups (Google Kenya Report)
✅ Key Strategic Location in East Africa with a growing middle class and young median population of just 19.9 years old 📈 (Statista)
With its rapidly expanding economy, entrepreneurial energy, and untapped market potential, Kenya is a goldmine for investors willing to explore beyond their comfort zones.
2. Why Kenya is a Unique Investment Opportunity
Beyond my personal experience, Kenya offers a rare blend of financial leverage, business potential, and impact investing. Unlike investing $50,000 in a European or U.S. tech startup, where it barely moves the needle, in Kenya, that same amount can transform an entire business.
The Power of Impact Investing
Kenya’s unemployment rate officially stands at 12%, though the vast informal sector likely pushes the real figure even higher. My investments here don’t just generate returns—they create jobs and contribute to long-term economic stability. This is impact investing at its finest: profitable, yet deeply meaningful.
That said, in my real estate, crypto, and stock investments, profit has always been the driving force. But when it comes to business investments, my perspective has shifted.
After enduring 2.5 of the darkest years of my life under a tax evasion investigation (which I detail in my book), I made a commitment:
If I ever got out of that situation alive, every business I build or invest in must have a positive impact on the world.
And here in Kenya, I feel like that promise isn’t just being fulfilled—it’s accelerating tenfold.
The Two High-Potential Businesses I Invested In
I personally visited six to seven shortlisted companies, touring their offices and manufacturing sites to get a firsthand look at their operations. After a thorough evaluation, I narrowed it down to two businesses that stood out in terms of profitability, growth potential, and impact.
Here’s why I chose to invest in them:
1. The Door Manufacturing Company
📌 Investment Required: $100K
📌 Net Profit: 30%+
📌 Why I Invested:
- ✅ Proven resilience – Over 5+ years of operation, demonstrating stability and adaptability.
- ✅ Premium market focus – Catering to upper-middle and high-income customers, ensuring a steady demand and strong margins.
- ✅ Expansion potential – Needs capital to purchase advanced machinery and open a showroom, increasing efficiency, production capacity, and sales.
- ✅ Strong team – A highly driven, motivated, and committed workforce.
- ✅ Exceptional leadership – Led by a disciplined and visionary founder who is determined to scale the business.
Although I have no prior experience in the manufacturing sector, both the financial upside and ethical impact of this investment made it an easy decision.
What struck me most was the unwavering determination of the team—working under challenging conditions yet refusing to give up. Their resilience and commitment inspired me to not only invest in their growth but also in improving their livelihoods.
This isn’t just an investment in a business—it’s an investment in people who refuse to settle and are determined to succeed.
2. The Natural & Health Beverage Company
📌 Investment Required: $100K
📌 Net Profit: 30%+
📌 Why I Invested:
- ✅ High-demand products – Specializing in raw honey, fresh ginger juice, and health beverages, this company meets the rising demand for natural and healthy alternatives.
- ✅ Strong infrastructure – The factory is well-structured, hygienic, and efficiently managed, ensuring smooth operations and scalability.
- ✅ Proven market success – Their products are already stocked in Kenya’s largest supermarket chains, with several becoming bestsellers in national retail outlets.
- ✅ Growth potential – They need capital to acquire automated machinery and land to expand production and meet increasing demand.
- ✅ Visionary leadership – Led by a strong, capable founder with a clear strategy for long-term growth.
Unlike my investment in the door manufacturing company, this venture deeply aligns with my personal values—it supports a woman-led business, empowers local farmers, and expands access to healthy products across Africa.
But beyond the numbers, this investment fulfills a personal aspiration.
Despite founding nearly 10 businesses, I’ve always kept them small, boutique-sized, and tightly run, fostering close-knit teams and strong personal relationships with my employees. Scaling to 100+ employees was never my priority—until now.
A part of me has always been curious: What does it take to scale a company successfully?
This investment isn’t just about returns—it’s a rare opportunity to be part of something bigger than my own ventures while gaining firsthand insights into large-scale business growth.
Challenges Facing Businesses in Kenya
You might be wondering: If these companies have been around for three to five years, making 30% net profit, and are thriving, why don’t they have $100K to reinvest?
The reality is that doing business in Kenya comes with unique financial challenges that many small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) face, despite their profitability.
- Currency Depreciation: Kenya’s currency has lost 50% of its value over the past decade, eroding savings and purchasing power.
- High Interest Rates: Kenyan banks charge 15-20% interest rates on loans, making traditional financing inaccessible for many businesses.
- Limited Capital Accumulation: The average Kenyan earns KSh 20,123 ($176) per month (KNBS, 2021), making it difficult for entrepreneurs to reinvest in their businesses.
- Late Payments & Cash Flow Issues: A common challenge voiced by many entrepreneurs is the difficulty of collecting payments on time. Even large international supermarket chains and corporations delay payments for months, creating severe cash flow issues and forcing businesses to act as unwilling creditors.
To put it simply—$100K is transformational for a business like this. It enables expansion that would otherwise take years, if not decades, to achieve. This investment isn’t just financially sound—it’s a catalyst for growth in a way that wouldn’t be possible through conventional financing.
My Investment Strategy
I’m not investing the full amount alone. Instead, I’m co-investing with other investors, reducing risk while diversifying my portfolio. This approach allows me to spread capital across multiple ventures, ensuring higher returns with lower exposure.
Even though each company requires a $100K investment, my total contribution is under $50K. By pooling resources, we mitigate risks, build a stronger foundation for growth, and provide businesses with the capital they need to scale effectively.
Due Diligence: No Room for Guesswork
To separate promising ventures from financial pitfalls, we have a dedicated validation team that meticulously audits each business’s financials. Every number is scrutinized—from cash flow consistency to debt obligations—to ensure the investment is truly justified.
This rigorous process:
✅ Prevents overfunding – Ensuring capital is allocated efficiently.
✅ Eliminates unnecessary risks – Avoiding investments based on inflated projections.
✅ Maximizes long-term success – Investing only in businesses with clear, data-backed growth potential.
No Verified Financials? No Deal.
While I’ve made verbal commitments, these deals are not finalized yet. I’m still waiting on verified financial records before making my final decision. That’s why I haven’t included specific figures in this blog—such as current productivity levels, projected growth post-investment, or a detailed cost breakdown.
Because at the end of the day, numbers don’t lie—and neither do I.
If the verified financials don’t back up the business owner’s claims, I walk away—no exceptions. A strong vision is great, but financial transparency is non-negotiable in my investment decisions.
While these deals are still under review, I’m optimistic about what’s ahead.
Stay tuned for updates—I’ll share the final outcome soon, along with key takeaways from this process.
Beyond Investment: A New Mission
As I mentioned at the start of this blog, my trip to Kenya did more than just lead me to great investments—it opened my mind to a new business idea—one that I believe will bring significant value, not just to me, but to investors like you.
This experience has made me rethink my investment approach and sparked a pressing question:
👉 How can I create more of these positive impacts while still making great investments?
Alone, my resources are limited—I can’t invest in every promising business I come across. But what if I could bring together a network of investors who share my passion for impact-driven investments?
Not just any investments, but those with real-world significance—essential businesses in developing countries rather than speculative tech startups in the US or Europe.
Join Us On Our Next Investment Trip! 🚀🌍
A Global Network for High-Impact Investments
That’s why I’m building a global network of investors who want to fund high-potential businesses in emerging markets.
If you’re an entrepreneur looking for funding or an investor seeking high-impact opportunities, let’s connect.
📩 Email me at moon@mopammedia.com or join me on my next investment trip to Kenya, Vietnam, China, and beyond.
