How to Start a Phone Accessories Business in Kenya
Introduction
The phone accessories business in Kenya is one of the fastest-moving hustles you can start with little capital. Almost everyone owns a smartphone, and accessories like chargers, earphones, screen protectors, and phone cases are in constant demand. With a simple table setup in a busy area, you can begin selling and grow into a fully stocked shop.
Startup Costs 💰
This business is low-capital and flexible depending on your stock variety.
- Capital Needed: KES 5,000 – 15,000
- Key Expenses:
- Initial stock (chargers, cables, earphones, screen protectors, cases) — KES 4,000 – 12,000
- Display table or small stall — KES 1,000 – 2,000
- Packaging or storage bags — KES 500 – 1,000
- Branding materials (posters, signboard) — KES 500 – 1,000
💡 Tip: Start with fast-moving items (chargers, screen protectors, earphones). Add stylish cases and Bluetooth devices later.
Why This Business Works ✅
- High Demand: Smartphones are everywhere, and accessories spoil or get lost often.
- Repeat Customers: Customers buy replacements frequently.
- Good Margins: Accessories can be bought cheaply and sold at 50–200% markup.
- Low Capital: With just KES 5,000, you can start small.
- Scalable: Grow from a table into a full shop or e-commerce business.
Step-by-Step Setup 🛠️
1. Source Your Stock
Buy wholesale from:
- Luthuli Avenue (Nairobi) — cheapest bulk prices.
- Eastleigh or town wholesale shops.
- Importers selling via Alibaba or local suppliers.
2. Choose Your Location
Best places include:
- Bus stages and matatu stops.
- Near universities, schools, and colleges.
- Busy market centers.
- Outside phone repair shops.
3. Display Neatly
- Arrange items clearly by category.
- Hang earphones and cables.
- Use racks for cases and screen protectors.
4. Price Smartly
- Chargers/cables: KES 150 – 400
- Earphones: KES 200 – 500
- Screen protectors: KES 100 – 300
- Phone cases: KES 200 – 600
- Bluetooth devices: KES 600 – 1,200
5. Attract Customers
- Shout out offers like “Screen Protector KES 100!”
- Offer quick installation of screen protectors for free.
- Be friendly and approachable — it makes a difference.
Profit Breakdown 📊
Example:
- Buy 50 screen protectors at KES 60 each = KES 3,000.
- Sell at KES 150 each = KES 7,500 sales.
- Profit = ~KES 4,500.
- Buy 20 chargers at KES 200 each = KES 4,000.
- Sell at KES 400 each = KES 8,000 sales.
- Profit = ~KES 4,000.
👉 Average daily profit = KES 1,500 – 3,000 depending on location.
That’s KES 45,000 – 90,000 monthly.
Challenges & How to Overcome Them ⚠️
- Counterfeit Products: Many low-quality items spoil quickly.
- Solution: Buy from trusted suppliers, and test stock before selling.
- Competition: Many people sell accessories.
- Solution: Offer neat display, fair prices, and excellent service.
- Small Margins on Some Items: Cheap items bring small profits.
- Solution: Mix fast-moving cheap items with high-margin products like Bluetooth devices.
- County Harassment for Hawkers: Table setups may face crackdowns.
- Solution: Rent a small space or operate near repair shops.
Tips to Grow 🚀
- Add phone repairs (screen replacement, battery swaps).
- Offer bundles (charger + cable + case at discount).
- Sell online through Jiji, Facebook Marketplace, and WhatsApp.
- Introduce trendy items like wireless earbuds or ring lights.
- Reinvest profits to stock higher-end items.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ❓
Q: How much do I need to start a phone accessories business in Kenya?
A: You can start with KES 5,000 – 15,000, depending on how much stock you want.
Q: Where can I buy cheap phone accessories?
A: Luthuli Avenue (Nairobi), Eastleigh, or wholesale importers.
Q: How profitable is this business?
A: Sellers make KES 1,500 – 3,000 profit daily. Monthly income can reach KES 90,000 in busy spots.
Q: Do I need a license?
A: If operating in town, you may need a county business permit. Hawkers may require a hawker’s license.
Conclusion
The phone accessories business in Kenya is one of the most reliable small hustles you can start with little money. With KES 5,000 – 15,000, you can set up a table, stock fast-moving items, and start earning daily profits. By focusing on neat display, trusted suppliers, and customer service, you can grow from a table vendor to owning a full phone accessories shop.
👉 Explore more hustler-friendly opportunities in the Business Ideas Hub — with over 50+ small businesses you can start today.
