Even though most regular students in Universities are given loans from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), the money is never enough to last a whole semester. The University deduct some amount for tuition and accommodation fee. The remaining amount deposited into the student’s account is usually less than Kshs 20,000. Some students, therefore, engage in some income generating activities to make ends meet. They need to wear smart and eat well.
Photocopy and Printing Services
This is the real deal for most students engaging in business. Because students are required to photocopy handouts and also to present their research/project papers in printed form, there is a huge market for printing and photocopy services. They also sell foolscaps, pens, and rulers.
Eggs
University students prefer quick-fix meals. They have not time for preparing an elaborate meal like Pilau or cakes. Most students go for Ugali/eggs because it is not only cheap but easy to prepare. Girls, on the other side like Spaghetti and Indomie. The business of selling eggs and spaghetti is thus a booming business in Campus.
Scratch Cards
Who does not use airtime nowadays? The usage of airtime in Universities is taking a nose dive given the fact that students are relying on the internet to do their research. They buy airtime on a daily basis to load on their phones and their modems. Most students who are business-oriented are tapping on this huge market by purchasing scratch cards at wholesale prices and selling at retail prices.
Talents
Some smart students are making money out of their talents. They either organize their own shows or perform during University functions like graduation ceremony or Fresha’s Night. They perform comedy, poetry, dance or spoken word for pay. Some upcoming musicians even record and sell their CDs within the Campus. You will find them ever busy pinning posters of upcoming events or they are outside the school performing in various gigs.