Thank you all for your comments and feedback. I will definitely keep the "blood-&-business-don't-mix" mantra in mind but I also believe that it's all about taking calculated risks.

It sounds like from the feedback so far, the ranking is:

#1. Kuku
Pros : Rapid turnover; easy to maintain (maji + unga + dawa = happy chickens)
Cons: Risk of chickens falling sick and dying; risk of mis-management

#2. Taxi
Pros : not as hectic as matatu; less maintenance and fewer people to manage
Cons : Market might be saturated; need to get a good location

#3. Matatu
Pros : good cash flow; source of employment for 2
Cons: need to support mshaharaz of a few cops; repairs/parts/maintenance etc

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The question I have is, what other options are there? Where is the smart money getting invested?
I know land is hot right now. My hesitation is that the bubble might burst soon and I do not want to buy at the top. Not to mention I would need about twice as much to get a decent ka-plot + about a mill to build something on the land. Thoughts?

I can invest in stocks etc as most people here propose but what I am looking to do is to build a business.

After trying out some of this business ideas with mixed success, I must say the key thing that determines your success is controls.

1. How do you know how much cash came in or left ?
2. How much effort did staff exert in the affairs of the business ?
3. Was that the best that could be done/ what opportunities did you miss?

Either the system is automated or you have the time on your hands to supervise alot of the key activities and make most decisions.

That said, this is why either your spouse or a partner (someone also financially vested in the business) is the best route to go. Blood family always seem to have a sense of entitlement for to little effort put in.

It depends on the type of relatives u have, i have handled my 2 bros portfolios, and one has doubles the other has regular cashflows for a yr now. he handles my investments in msa, no hustles, thea/c we have is any to sign. trust-personified. it depends on the forkojembes u call relas.

http://wazua.co.ke/forum.aspx?g=posts&t=13397
http://wazua.co.ke/forum...&t=20390#post314800

If you have a relative who can understand what you have in mind in terms of business and is honest then I think you can manage, this is however easier said than done.
The problem starts when a relative decides to get a 48hr loan to solve a small cash problem since he/she is expecting cash from somewhere by then.
They actually get the expected cash but like it's said, "Kukopa ni arusi....
Then when you take the case to be arbitrated by another relative they will be so glad that your brother has started roofing his 1 room house and is therefore getting responsible. That he took his brothers money which he was supposed to buy more stock for biashara is never the point or you will be accused of being unhappy that your brother is taking steps to develop himself.

That will be the best time to be greedy