Kentom 2026: Charting New Creative Directions
A realistic roadmap for expanding beyond digital services into physical creative production exploring what AI can't replace: craftsmanship, local relationships, and tangible value.
Where We Are Today
Currently, Kentom operates as a freelance creative studio, taking on projects through a combination of Fiverr gigs and direct client relationships. While this model generates revenue, it's far from optimized for maximum earnings or sustainable growth.
The Current Reality
- ⚠ Platform Dependency: Fiverr takes 20% commission on every project, limiting profit margins
- ⚠ Unoptimized Workflow: Ad-hoc project management leads to inefficiencies and missed opportunities
- ⚠ Undocumented Projects: Significant work on projects like dishpoa.com (food delivery), Chezapay (payment platform), and qailly.com (quality assurance) remains largely undocumented and undermonetized
- ⚠ No Scalable Systems: Growth is limited by available hours rather than systems and processes
- ⚠ Service-Only Revenue: 100% active income if we don't work, we don't earn
Current Project Portfolio (Undocumented)
dishpoa.com
Food delivery platform development full-stack web application with restaurant management, order tracking, and payment integration
Chezapay
Earn from your playing skills by playing games against other players
qailly.com
Quality assurance platform automated testing and quality management system
These projects represent significant value and expertise, but without proper documentation, case studies, and strategic positioning, they don't contribute to brand building or attract new opportunities.
The Problem
This reactive, platform-dependent model leaves money on the table. We're trading time for dollars with no leverage, no product lines, and no passive income. The expertise exists, but the business structure doesn't maximize its value.
The Strategic Vision: A New Direction
As we enter 2026, the creative industry faces a fundamental shift. AI tools have democratized digital content creation, making design, copywriting, and basic visual work accessible to everyone. But this shift reveals an opportunity: the growing value of physical, hands-on creativity that AI cannot replicate.
Kentom is positioned to pivot toward services that combine digital design expertise with physical production, local market understanding, and authentic human craftsmanship. This isn't about abandoning digital it's about expanding into spaces where our human touch creates irreplaceable value.
Core Philosophy:
"While AI generates pixels, humans create products. While algorithms suggest designs, craftspeople deliver quality. While bots post content, people build relationships."
Path 1: Custom Apparel & Print Production
Why This Works
Every business, school, church, and sports team in Kenya needs branded apparel. AI can suggest designs, but it can't operate a heat press, ensure color accuracy, or hand-deliver quality products to local customers.
Realistic Revenue Model
- • Custom T-shirts: KES 600-1,200 per piece (profit margin: 40-50%)
- • Bulk orders: KES 400-700 per piece (schools, events, companies)
- • Premium work: KES 1,000-2,000 (embroidery, specialty prints)
Realistic First Quarter Target
Monthly Production
40-60 pieces
Expected Revenue
KES 35,000-55,000
*Based on conservative estimates, assuming part-time operation while building client base
Investment Required
ROI Timeline: Break-even expected in 2-3 months with consistent orders. Marketing through Instagram showcases and local events.
Path 2: 3D Printing Services
Market Opportunity
Kenya's innovation ecosystem is growing, but affordable local 3D printing services remain scarce. From architects needing models to inventors prototyping ideas, the demand exists it just needs to be tapped.
Service Offerings
- • Prototypes: KES 1,500-8,000 per project (based on size/complexity)
- • Custom phone cases: KES 400-800 each
- • Architectural models: KES 5,000-25,000
- • Replacement parts: KES 300-3,000
- • Custom gifts & decor: KES 250-1,500
Realistic First Quarter Target
Monthly Projects
12-20 projects
Expected Revenue
KES 25,000-45,000
*Averaging small to medium complexity projects, print time considered
Investment Required
Marketing Strategy:
Create YouTube channel "3D Print Kenya" with tutorials, project showcases, and time-lapses. Partner with innovation hubs (iHub, Nailab), architects, and inventors. Content creation doubles as both education and marketing.
Path 3: Full-Service Digital Marketing
Why This Remains Valuable
While AI can create content, it cannot understand local market nuances, build client relationships, or execute strategic campaigns. Small Kenyan businesses need more than templates they need partners who understand their customers.
Service Packages (Realistic Pricing)
Starter Package
KES 18,000-28,000
- • Logo design + brand colors
- • Social media setup (3 platforms)
- • Basic landing page
- • 2-week content calendar
- • Google My Business setup
Growth Package
KES 35,000-55,000
- • Everything in Starter
- • Professional website (WordPress)
- • 1 month content + posting
- • Basic SEO setup
- • Email marketing integration
- • Product photography session
Premium Package
KES 75,000-120,000
- • Everything in Growth
- • Custom website development
- • 3 months managed social media
- • 2 professional videos
- • Paid ads management (Meta/Google)
- • Monthly analytics & strategy calls
Realistic First Quarter Target
Starter Clients
2-3 clients
Growth Clients
1-2 clients
Monthly Revenue
KES 70,000-140,000
*Focus on 3-5 quality clients initially, building case studies and referrals
Investment Required
Advantage: Lowest startup cost, leverages existing laptop and skills. Can be started immediately while building other service lines.
Path 4: Video Production & Content Creation
The Opportunity
Every business needs video content, but quality local production is expensive. By starting with smartphone setups and scaling gradually, we can offer affordable options while building a portfolio and YouTube presence.
Service Pricing (Realistic)
- • Social media reels/shorts: KES 3,000-8,000 per video
- • Product videos: KES 8,000-25,000
- • Corporate videos: KES 20,000-60,000
- • Event coverage: KES 15,000-45,000
- • Testimonial videos: KES 5,000-15,000
Phased Equipment Investment
Phase 1: Smartphone Setup
KES 18,000-30,000
- • Smartphone gimbal stabilizer: KES 7,000-12,000
- • Lapel/shotgun mic: KES 4,000-8,000
- • Ring light: KES 2,500-4,000
- • Tripod: KES 2,000-3,500
- • Editing: DaVinci Resolve (Free) + laptop
Start here. Can produce professional-looking content immediately.
Phase 2: Semi-Pro Setup (Later)
KES 90,000-150,000
- • Entry mirrorless camera: KES 55,000-95,000
- • Rode VideoMic: KES 10,000-15,000
- • LED panel lights: KES 12,000-22,000
- • Backdrop setup: KES 5,000-8,000
Upgrade after 4-6 months once revenue justifies it.
Realistic First Quarter Target
Monthly Projects
3-5 videos
Expected Revenue
KES 20,000-45,000
*Starting with smaller projects (reels, testimonials) while building portfolio
YouTube Strategy:
Document every project. Create "Behind the Scenes" content. Share tips and tutorials. Build authority while marketing services. Target: 300-500 subscribers in Q1, monetization in Q3-Q4.
Realistic Financial Projections
Quarter 1 (Jan-Mar 2026)
Total Investment Needed
KES 80,000-150,000
Choose 1-2 primary service lines to start
Expected Monthly Revenue
KES 85,000-165,000
By end of Q1, combining 2 service lines
Conservative Revenue Breakdown (Monthly, Q1 Average)
Quarter 2-3 Growth Projection
Monthly Revenue (Q2)
KES 140,000-250,000
Monthly Revenue (Q3)
KES 200,000-350,000
Operating Costs
40-50%
Key Assumptions
- • Start from home initially (no rent overhead)
- • You handle most work yourself initially
- • Hire freelancers only as needed (commission basis)
- • Marketing through organic social media + word of mouth
- • Equipment purchased gradually from profits
- • 30-40% profit reinvested for growth
Year 1 Summary (Conservative)
Total Annual Revenue
KES 1.8M - 3.2M
Across all service lines
Net Profit (50-60%)
KES 900K - 1.9M
After reinvestment & expenses
Recommended Starting Path
Phase 1 Combo: Digital Marketing + One Physical Service
Start with digital marketing services (immediate cash flow, low investment) + either apparel printing OR video production (your choice based on interest and local demand).
Option A: Marketing + Apparel
Best if you prefer tangible products and have space for equipment.
Option B: Marketing + Video
Best if you enjoy storytelling and want to build YouTube presence.
Why This Works
- ✓ Digital marketing generates immediate cash flow with minimal investment
- ✓ Physical service differentiates you from pure digital agencies
- ✓ Cross-selling opportunity: offer branding + branded merchandise
- ✓ Portfolio building through your own marketing showcases your services
- ✓ Lower risk start from home, scale as revenue grows
Realistic Implementation Timeline
Week 1-2: Foundation
Setup Phase- • Business registration & bank account
- • Domain purchase, email setup, social media handles
- • Logo & basic branding (DIY with Canva or budget designer)
- • Research equipment options, compare suppliers
Week 3-4: Launch Preparation
Build Phase- • Website launch (simple WordPress or portfolio site)
- • Purchase primary equipment (heat press OR video kit)
- • Create sample products/demo videos
- • Prepare 20-30 social media posts
Month 2: First Clients
Launch Phase- • Launch promotion (20% off for first 10 clients)
- • Fulfill first 5-10 orders, collect testimonials
- • Post consistently on social media (daily stories, 3-5 posts/week)
- • Network actively reach out to 50+ potential clients
Month 3: Scale & Refine
Growth Phase- • Target 20-30 completed projects
- • Launch YouTube channel (if doing video) or tutorial content
- • Evaluate Q1 performance what worked? What didn't?
- • Consider adding third service line if capacity allows
Keys to Success
Quality Over Quantity
Perfect 2-3 services before expanding. Every project should be portfolio-worthy. Under-promise, over-deliver.
Document Everything
Before/after photos are mandatory. Collect video testimonials. Every project is marketing material for the next.
Build Relationships
Personal touch with every client. Follow up after delivery. Referrals are your best marketing incentivize them.
Financial Discipline
Track every expense. Require 50% deposit upfront. Build 3-month emergency fund before big equipment purchases.
Learn Continuously
YouTube tutorials are free. Join creator communities. Test new techniques. Stay ahead of local competition.
Start Lean, Scale Smart
Work from home initially. Hire freelancers before full-time staff. Let revenue dictate growth pace.
The Path Forward
These projections aren't dreams they're achievable targets based on conservative estimates and realistic market conditions. The key is starting now, starting small, and scaling based on actual results.
While AI reshapes digital content creation, physical craftsmanship, local service delivery, and authentic human relationships become more valuable. Kentom's opportunity lies at this intersection: digital expertise meeting physical reality.
Next 48 Hours Action Plan
- 1. Choose your starting combination (Marketing + Physical service)
- 2. Calculate exact startup capital needed for your choice
- 3. Secure domain name and social media handles
- 4. Reach out to 10 people in your network about your services
- 5. Create a simple landing page (even a Google Doc works initially)
"The best time to start was yesterday. The second best time is now. Pick your path, take the first step, and adjust as you learn. The market rewards those who act."
Ready to Support This Journey?
Every contribution helps us invest in equipment, skills, and growth. Your support makes these plans reality.
Support Kentom's Growth