The software industry in Kenya is booming, and if you’ve ever thought about developing a custom software solution, now is the time. Businesses are actively seeking automation, efficiency, and digital transformation—and they’re willing to pay good money for it. But how exactly can you turn an idea into a 6 million custom software business?
The truth is, you don’t need a huge team or millions in investment capital. What you need is a solid strategy, a high-demand software solution, and a profitable monetization model. Let’s break it down.
1. Identify a Profitable Software Niche
If you want to make serious money in software, you can’t build just anything. You need to create a solution that businesses or individuals truly need and are willing to pay for. Some high-demand software niches in Kenya include:
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Business automation tools – Payroll systems, HR management software, accounting tools.
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E-commerce solutions – Multi-vendor marketplaces, dropshipping automation, niche online stores.
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SaaS (Software as a Service) – Subscription-based platforms like CRM software, booking systems, or AI-powered customer support chatbots.
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Fintech apps – Loan management systems, expense tracking apps, digital savings platforms.
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POS (Point of Sale) Systems – Customized for retail shops, restaurants, or hardware stores.
Choosing a high-demand niche means you don’t have to struggle to convince people to buy. They already need it—you just have to offer the best solution.
2. Develop a Scalable Software Solution
Your software must be built with scalability in mind. It should be easy to update, handle more users as your business grows, and integrate with other tools.
To maximize your revenue, consider the Software as a Service (SaaS) model. Instead of selling your software once, you charge users a monthly or yearly subscription fee.
Example Calculation:
Let’s say you build a business automation software that helps SMEs manage payroll, inventory, and customer data. You charge:
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Ksh 3,000 per month per business
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If you get 200 paying businesses, that’s Ksh 600,000 per month
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In 10 months, you’ve hit Ksh 6 million with your custom software
This is why SaaS is powerful—it gives you recurring revenue instead of a one-time payment.
3. Use the Right Monetization Strategy
Making 6 million isn’t just about building great software—it’s about how you sell it. Here are some proven ways to make money from custom software:
1. Subscription Model (SaaS)
Charge users monthly or annually to access your software. Works well for business software, cloud storage, and automation tools.
2. One-Time Software License Fee
Charge a one-time fee for lifetime access. Best for customized software like POS systems, CRM tools, and inventory management solutions.
3. Freemium Model
Offer a free basic version with limited features, then charge for premium upgrades. Used in apps like Spotify and Google Drive.
4. Transaction Fees
If your software handles payments (e.g., a fintech app or e-commerce platform), charge a small commission per transaction. Even a 1% fee on Ksh 500 million in transactions would give you Ksh 5 million.
5. White-Labeling
Sell your software to other businesses who can rebrand it and resell it. Works well for POS systems, chatbots, and e-commerce platforms.
The best approach? Combine multiple revenue streams. For example, a SaaS business can offer subscription plans plus one-time customization fees.
4. Market Your Software Like a Pro
Even the best software won’t make money if nobody knows about it. You need an aggressive marketing strategy to attract customers and convert them into paying users.
1. Build a Website & Optimize for SEO
People searching for your software should find you on Google. Write blog posts, optimize pages for keywords like:
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“Best CRM software for SMEs in Kenya”
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“Affordable POS system for Kenyan businesses”
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“Custom software developers in Nairobi”
A good website alone can bring you hundreds of leads every month.
2. Run Targeted Facebook & Google Ads
Spend money where it matters—on ads targeting Kenyan businesses. A budget of Ksh 50,000 per month in ads can bring in hundreds of leads.
3. Offer Free Demos or Trial Periods
Let businesses test your software for free. Once they see the value, they’ll gladly pay for the full version.
4. Use Referrals & Partnerships
Encourage existing customers to refer new users. Offer discounts or bonuses for referrals. Also, partner with SACCOs, banks, or business networks to distribute your software faster.
5. Deliver Value & Keep Customers Happy
Making 6 million isn’t just about getting customers—it’s about keeping them.
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Provide excellent customer support. Happy customers will stay subscribed longer.
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Offer regular software updates to stay ahead of competitors.
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Listen to feedback and keep improving your software.
The longer people use your software, the more money you’ll make.
Final Thoughts: Take Action Now
There are thousands of businesses in Kenya willing to pay for software that solves their problems. If you develop the right solution, market it well, and use a profitable monetization model, making 6 million with custom software or more is not a dream—it’s a realistic goal.
The question is: Will you take action?
If you’re ready to turn your custom software idea into a profitable business, we can help.
📞 Call us: +254726572527
📧 Email: developers@techrahisi.co.ke
🌍 Visit: techrahisi.co.ke
