How to Start Drop shipping in Kenya: The Ultimate 2025 Guide

Learn how to start drop shipping in Kenya, from choosing products and suppliers to setting up your store and receiving payments online.

Summary

Drop shipping is one of the most profitable and beginner-friendly online business models in Kenya today. It allows you to sell products without holding inventory or managing shipping. Whether you’re a student, full-time worker, or entrepreneur, this guide explains step-by-step how to start drop shipping in Kenya and build a successful e-commerce business.

Introduction

The Kenyan e-commerce market has exploded in recent years, driven by internet access, mobile payments like M-Pesa, and trusted online stores like Jumia and Kilimall. Many aspiring entrepreneurs are now exploring drop shipping as a low-cost way to start an online business.

So, what is drop shipping? It’s a business model where you sell products directly to customers without stocking inventory. When a customer places an order on your store, you forward the order to a supplier (often in China or locally), who ships the product directly to the buyer. You earn the profit margin between your selling price and supplier price.

Let’s walk through how to start dropshipping in Kenya step by step.

Step 1: Understand How Dropshipping Works

Here’s how dropshipping typically operates:

1. You create an online store or use a marketplace.

2. List products from a supplier (usually from AliExpress, Alibaba, or a local wholesaler).

3. When a customer orders, you forward the order to the supplier.

4. The supplier ships the product directly to your customer.

5. You keep the profit after deducting supplier costs and fees.

💡 Example:
You list a smartwatch for KSh 5,000. The supplier sells it to you for KSh 2,500. When your customer buys it, the supplier ships directly, and you keep KSh 2,500 as profit.

Step 2: Choose a Profitable Niche

To succeed in drop shipping, focus on a specific product category or niche. Avoid selling everything—target what Kenyans are actively buying.

Popular Drop shipping Niches in Kenya

• Electronics and accessories (phones, smartwatches, chargers)

• Beauty and skincare products

• Home and kitchen tools

• Baby products

• Fitness and wellness gear

• Fashion and jewelry

💡 Tip: Use tools like Google Trends, TikTok, or Jumia Best Sellers to discover trending products in Kenya.

Step 3: Find Reliable Suppliers

Your supplier is the backbone of your drop shipping business. Choose one who offers good quality, fast shipping, and reliable communication.

💡 Pro Tip: Use Kenyan drop shipping agents (based in China or Nairobi) to handle quality checks and consolidate shipping for faster delivery.

Step 4: Build Your Online Store

To start drop shipping in Kenya, you’ll need an online storefront where customers can view and buy products.

Options to Build Your Store:

1. Shopify

• Easy to use and integrates with AliExpress via Oberlo or DSers.

• Monthly cost: Around $25 (KSh 3,500).

• Best for serious entrepreneurs.

2. WooCommerce (WordPress)

• Free plugin for WordPress websites.

• Great for customization and SEO.

• Hosting cost: About KSh 2,000–5,000/month.

3. Wix or Squarespace

• User-friendly drag-and-drop builders.

• Ideal for beginners with no coding experience.

4. Sell via Social Media

• Start on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or WhatsApp Business before building a full website.

💡 Tip: Add clear product descriptions, pricing, and professional images. Always include customer reviews for trust.

Step 5: Set Up Payment Methods

Your store needs a way to collect payments easily. In Kenya, mobile money is king.

Common Payment Options:

• M-Pesa integration (via Safaricom Daraja API or third-party plugins).

• PayPal (for international customers).

• Flutterwave or Paystack (accept cards, M-Pesa, Airtel Money).

• Bank transfer (for large local orders).

💡 Pro Tip: Offer multiple payment options to cater to both local and international buyers.

Step 6: Promote Your Drop shipping Store

No matter how beautiful your store looks, you need traffic to make sales. Here are the top marketing methods that work in Kenya:

1. Social Media Marketing

• Run targeted Facebook and Instagram ads.

• Use TikTok videos to showcase your products.

• Collaborate with local influencers.

2. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

• Optimize your product titles and descriptions.

• Target keywords like start drop shipping in Kenya, best online business in Kenya, etc.

3. Email Marketing

• Collect customer emails and send promotions or discounts.

4. WhatsApp Marketing

• Create broadcast lists or use WhatsApp Business for order updates.

5. Google Ads

• Run ads for high-demand products with buying intent.

Step 7: Manage Orders and Customer Service

Once sales start rolling in, ensure smooth operations:

• Forward orders to your supplier quickly.

• Provide tracking information to customers.

• Handle returns/refunds professionally.

• Maintain communication—Kenyan customers value prompt updates.

💡 Tip: Use automation tools like DSers (Shopify) or AliDropship (WordPress) to streamline order management.

Step 8: Calculate Profits and Costs

Understanding your expenses helps you price products strategically.

💡 Example:
If a product costs KSh 2,000 (including shipping) and you sell it for KSh 3,500, your profit is KSh 1,500.

Benefits of Drop shipping in Kenya

✅ Low Startup Cost: No need to buy stock upfront.
✅ Flexible: Operate from anywhere with internet access.
✅ Scalable: Add new products easily.
✅ Global Reach: Sell to customers worldwide.
✅ No Inventory Hassle: Supplier handles fulfillment.

Common Challenges and Solutions

FAQs on How to Start Drop shipping in Kenya

Q1: How much does it cost to start drop shipping in Kenya?
A: You can start with as little as KSh 5,000–15,000, depending on website and marketing costs.

Q2: Do I need a business license to dropship in Kenya?
A: It’s not mandatory to start, but registering your business with eCitizen increases credibility.

Q3: Can I do drop shipping without a website?
A: Yes, you can use Instagram, TikTok, or WhatsApp Business, but a website adds professionalism.

Q4: How long does shipping take from China to Kenya?
A: Standard shipping takes 14–35 days, while express delivery (DHL, FedEx) takes 5–10 days.

Q5: Is drop shipping profitable in Kenya?
A: Yes! Many entrepreneurs earn KSh 50,000–300,000/month, depending on marketing and product demand.

Final Thoughts on How to Start Drop shipping in Kenya

Starting drop shipping in Kenya is one of the best online business opportunities in 2025. With minimal investment, you can run an e-commerce store, reach customers globally, and earn profits with ease.

The secret to success lies in choosing the right products, building a trustworthy store, and providing excellent customer service. Start small, learn the process, and scale as your business grows.

If you’ve ever dreamed of running an online business, now is the perfect time to start dropshipping in Kenya.