In Kenya, the most profitable products are usually small, lightweight, and easy to transport. These items often have very high retail markups, especially when bought in bulk from wholesale markets like Eastleigh, River Road, or Dubois Road.

Generally, wholesalers make 5–15% margins on basic commodities, but retailers selling small items like cosmetics or accessories can achieve 20–100% or more markup depending on the product.

Below are 10 products known for high markup potential in Kenyan wholesale markets.

1. Phone Accessories

Examples:

• charging cables
• earphones
• phone covers
• screen protectors

Typical pricing:

• Buy charger: KSh 100
• Sell price: KSh 200–300

Markup: 100–200%Phone accessories are considered low risk and high markup products because they are small, durable, and in constant demand.

2. Cosmetics and Beauty Products

Examples:

• lip gloss
• eyelashes
• makeup kits
• face creams

Typical pricing:

• Buy: KSh 200–500
• Sell: KSh 600–1,500

Markup: 100–200%Beauty products are among the most profitable retail categories worldwide.

3. Sunglasses

Wholesale sunglasses are extremely cheap in markets like Eastleigh.

Typical pricing:

• Buy: KSh 150
• Sell: KSh 400–500

Markup: 150–200%

4. Jewelry (Fashion Jewelry)

Examples:

• earrings
• necklaces
• bracelets

Typical pricing:

• Buy: KSh 30–100
• Sell: KSh 200–400

Markup: 200–400%Fashion jewelry has very high perceived value, making it profitable.

5. Mitumba Clothes

Second-hand clothes are one of the largest retail businesses in Kenya.

Typical pricing:

• Buy per piece from bale: KSh 80–200
• Sell price: KSh 300–800

Markup: 100–300%

6. Ladies Handbags

Handbags sourced from wholesale markets are very cheap.

Typical pricing:

• Buy: KSh 500
• Sell: KSh 1,200–1,800

Markup: 100–200%

7. Kitchen Plastic Items

Examples:

• basins
• storage containers
• water bottles
• food flasks

Typical pricing:

• Buy: KSh 150
• Sell: KSh 400

Markup: 100–150%These items sell well because they are daily household essentials.

8. Perfumes and Body Sprays

Small perfume bottles are extremely profitable.

Typical pricing:

• Buy: KSh 250
• Sell: KSh 700–1,200

Markup: 150–300%

9. Socks

A surprisingly profitable product.

Typical pricing:

• Buy wholesale: KSh 40–50
• Sell: KSh 100

Markup: 100%They sell fast because they are cheap everyday clothing items.

10. LED Flashlights and Small Electronics

Examples:

• rechargeable torches
• emergency lights
• small radios

Typical pricing:

• Buy: KSh 300
• Sell: KSh 800

Markup: 100–170%

Why These Products Have High Markups

The most profitable wholesale products usually share these traits:

Small Size

Easy to transport and store.

High Demand

Products people buy frequently.

Low Import Cost

Many are imported cheaply from Asia.

Impulse Purchases

Customers buy without planning.

Bonus Tip for Hustlers

If you want maximum profit, combine:

• high markup products (cosmetics, accessories)
• fast-moving essentials (food, groceries)

This balance ensures daily cash flow plus high margins.

✅ Example mini-stall mix

High markup products:

• sunglasses
• phone accessories
• jewelry

Fast moving products:

• socks
• snacks
• cosmetics.