The 10-Minute Hustle: How to Use AI (ChatGPT) to Write a Winning Business Plan in Kenya

The 10-Minute Hustle: How to Use AI (ChatGPT) to Write a Winning Business Plan in Kenya

In the heart of Nairobi, the bustling markets of Eldoret, or the coastal shops of Mombasa, one thing remains constant: the Kenyan spirit of entrepreneurship. We are a nation of “hustlers.” Whether it’s a side-hustle selling mitumba on Instagram, a tech startup in a shared office space, or a poultry farm in the village, we are always looking for the next big opportunity.

However, there is a giant “stone” that many of us trip over before we even start: The Business Plan.

Most of us view a business plan as a 50-page document full of “big English” and complicated graphs that only bankers understand. Because of this, many Kenyans start businesses “vitu kwa ground”—jumping in without a map. While “vitu kwa ground” is great for taking action, it’s also why many businesses fail within their first year. They run out of cash, they don’t understand their competition, or they don’t have a marketing strategy.

What if I told you that in 2025, you don’t need a degree or a consultant to write a professional business plan? You just need 10 minutes and a free tool called ChatGPT.

What Is ChatGPT and Why Should a Hustler Care?

Think of ChatGPT as a very smart, well-read intern who has read every business book in the world but has never been to a Kenyan market. It knows the theory perfectly, but it needs you to give it the local flavor.

By using AI, you aren’t just saving time; you are stress-testing your idea. The AI can point out risks you hadn’t thought of and suggest marketing ideas that would cost thousands if you hired an agency.

Phase 1: The “Hustle Setup” (Minutes 1–2)

The biggest mistake people make is being too vague. If you ask ChatGPT to “write a business plan for a shop,” it will give you a boring, generic answer.

To get real value, you must prime the AI.

The Golden Prompt

Copy and paste this into ChatGPT to start:

“I want you to act as a Senior Business Consultant who specializes in the Kenyan market. I am starting a [Insert Business Name, e.g., ‘Mshwari Mobile Repairs’] in [Insert Location, e.g., ‘Pipeline, Nairobi’]. My target customers are [Insert Audience, e.g., ‘low to middle-income residents and commuters’]. My total starting capital is [Insert Amount, e.g., ‘80,000 KES’]. Please acknowledge this and wait for my instructions for the first section of the business plan.”

By setting the location and the budget, the AI now knows it shouldn’t suggest high-end luxury marketing if you are based in a residential area like Pipeline.

Phase 2: Defining Your “Why” and “Who” (Minutes 3–4)

Now, ask the AI to define your brand and your competition.

In Kenya, competition is fierce. If you open a butchery, there might be three others on the same street. You need a Unique Selling Point (USP).

The Prompt

“Based on my location and budget, give me 3 unique ways I can stand out from local competitors. Also, write a 2-paragraph Executive Summary that explains what my business does and why it will succeed.”

The AI might suggest things like offering home delivery via boda boda or a loyalty program for repeat customers. These small ideas often make the biggest difference.

Phase 3: The Marketing Game Plan (Minutes 5–6)

We live in a digital age. If your business isn’t on WhatsApp, Instagram, or TikTok, you are missing customers.

The Prompt

“Create a 30-day marketing calendar for my business. Focus on free or low-cost methods like WhatsApp Status, Facebook Groups, and TikTok. Include 3 specific ideas for ‘Grand Opening’ posters I can make on Canva.”

This turns the AI into your personal social media manager, telling you exactly what to post and when.

Phase 4: Operations and “Vitu kwa Ground” (Minutes 7–8)

This is where the rubber meets the road.

You need to know what to buy and how much it will cost.

The Prompt

“List the essential equipment and stock I need to buy with my [Amount] budget. Research typical Kenyan prices for these items and organize them in a table. Also, list any specific Kenyan licenses (like the Single Business Permit) I will need to operate legally in [Your County].”

Important: Always verify prices. AI might say a shelf costs 2,000 KES, but your local fundi might do it for 1,500 KES. Use the AI as a guide, not gospel.

Phase 5: The Money Talk (Minutes 9–10)

This is the most important part.

If you don’t know your break-even point, you are gambling—not running a business.

The Prompt

“Create a financial table for my first 6 months. Include estimated rent, electricity, stock costs, and transport. Tell me exactly how many [Products/Services] I need to sell daily at a price of [Your Price] to make a profit of 20,000 KES per month.”

Seeing these numbers clearly transforms your mindset from “I want to be rich” to “I need to sell 10 items a day to be safe.”

The Kenyan Reality Check: What AI Can’t Do for You

AI is powerful—but it’s not perfect.

Here’s what you must still handle:

• The “Kanjo” Factor: AI doesn’t fully understand local council enforcement or inspections. Always talk to nearby business owners.
• M-Pesa Fees: AI often forgets withdrawal and Buy Goods charges. Add them manually.
• Power Outages: If your business relies on electricity, budget for power banks, generators, or backup options.

Why We Are Doing This at Tujulishane

At Tujulishane.com, our goal is simple: empowerment through information.

We believe every Kenyan—whether a mama mboga, student, or side-hustler—deserves access to tools that help them grow. Technology should not be reserved for the elite.

Writing a business plan is the first step from surviving to thriving.

What’s Next for You?

Don’t just read this and move on.

Open ChatGPT right now and try the first prompt. Even if you’re not ready to launch, seeing your idea laid out clearly will change how you think.

We Need Your Help!

We’re building more tools for the community and would love your input.

Which would help you more?

• A Kenyan Business Idea Generator (you enter your budget + location, we give you profitable ideas)
• A Simple KRA/Tax Estimator (know what you owe before deadlines)

Drop a comment and let us know.

Let’s keep learning, building, and growing together. Tujulishane!

Quick Checklist: The 10-Minute Plan

• ✅ Min 1–2: Set the Consultant Persona
• ✅ Min 3–4: Define Your Unique Selling Point
• ✅ Min 5–6: Build Your Social Media Calendar
• ✅ Min 7–8: List Equipment & Licenses
• ✅ Min 9–10: Calculate Daily Sales Targets

Happy Hustling!