What if you could start a business with just KES 10,000 (~$100)? You absolutely can.
This guide shows you how to launch a smokie and eggs street food stall step-by-step. No fluff, just straight talk so you can start earning fast.
What Is a Smokie Business?
A smokie business involves selling ready-cooked sausages (smokies) to moving customers. You heat them, wrap them in chapati or buns, serve with kachumbari (onion–tomato salad), and sell on the spot.
It's one of the easiest small businesses. You can start with minimal gear and serve hungry people anywhere.
Data from Kenya shows this hustle can earn KES 1,000 or more per day profit when done in busy areas .
Why It Works
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Low startup cost
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High demand near schools, stations, offices
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Easy to prep and serve
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Fast returns and scaling opportunities
Simple evidence: vendors with daily sales of 110 smokies or more profit KES 1,000 per day .
Your $100 Plan in KES
| Item | Cost (KES) |
|---|---|
| Second‑hand trolley or jiko | 3,000 |
| Initial stock (smokies, eggs) | 2,000–3,000 |
| Utensils and packaging | 500 |
| Daily council permit | 500 |
| Banner or station sign | 500 |
| Float for transport/emergency | 1,000 |
| ― | Total: 8,000–10,000 |
With this, you can set up a basic stall and sell daily .
What to Sell & Pricing
Common items and suggested prices:
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Plain smokie (heated) — 30–40 KES
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Smokie + kachumbari — 40–50 KES
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“Smocha” (smokie in chapati) — 50–70 KES
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Smokie + egg — 60–70 KES
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Boiled egg + salsa — 25–30 KES
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Juice or water sachet — 20–30 KES
Price mix and upsells can boost daily totals.
How to Cook & Prep
Boiling smokies:
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Boil water.
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Add smokies.
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Heat for 5–7 minutes.
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Serve.
Pan frying smokies:
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Heat oil moderately.
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Fry until golden.
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Flip until crispy.
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Serve.
Kachumbari:
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Chop tomatoes, onions, coriander.
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Add lemon juice, a pinch of salt, chili optional.
Prioritize hygiene: wash hands, cover food, keep utensils clean. That earns repeat customers .
Best Places to Sell
Choose busy spots where foot traffic is constant .
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Near matatu/bus stages
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Market entrances
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College gates
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Bars and nightspots
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Busy estates and junctions
Register with local council and pay small daily fee to avoid trouble .
Daily Sales & Profit Example
Sample sales:
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40 smokies @ 40 KES = 1,600 KES
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10 eggs @ 25 KES = 250 KES
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10 chapatis (smocha wraps) = 200 KES
Total revenue = ~2,050 KES
Costs (smokie, eggs, condiments, packaging, fees) = ~1,200 KES
Estimated profit = 800–1,000 KES daily
Monthly if you work 26 days, that shifts to 24,000–30,000 KES (~$240–300).
Real Vendor Examples
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A vendor in Nairobi sold 110 smokies per day and made ~1,100 KES profit
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Another vendor in Mombasa made 6,000 KES daily profit from smokies and eggs
This shows the business can grow quickly with consistency.
Tips to Scale Smart
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Reinvest daily savings (e.g. 100 KES) to build capital.
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Bring your own small banner or sign to look professional.
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Upsell combos — “Add egg or chapati?”
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Change location with demand — mornings at bus stages; evenings at bars.
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Stay clean and smile often — build trust and word of mouth
Financial Advice
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Avoid high-interest loans (10–30% per week). They trap you.
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If you must borrow, use mobile credit only for emergencies. Pay it back fast.
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Don’t borrow to show off. Borrow for stock or gear .
Savings tip: keep a float of 1,000 KES for supplies or emergencies.
Challenges to Note
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High competition means you must stand out with cleanliness and service.
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Price fluctuations in smokie or egg supply can reduce profit margins .
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Food hygiene is critical. Avoid health scares by watching storage and prep.
Being licensed helps avoid trouble with county askaris or council .
Growth Ideas
Once stable, you can:
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Add chapatis, mandazis, or local snacks
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Hire part-time staff to operate a second stand
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Use social media (WhatsApp, TikTok, Twitter) to post your location and deals
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Start selling in events or small functions .
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Custom branding on your cart or banner
Smart marketing and product variety boost sales fast.
FAQs
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Can I start with 10,000 KES?
Yes. The guide shows how to get setup and sell fast. -
Do I need a licence or permit?
Yes, obtain a food handler certification and a daily or annual county permission. -
Is smokie business profitable in Kenya?
Yes. Vendors report daily profits of 1,000–6,000 KES depending on volume and location. -
What times sell best?
Morning (commuter rush) and evening (night crowd at bars or stations). -
Can I add other foods later?
Definitely. Many vendors grow to add eggs, mandazis, and more.
Final Words
You don’t need a big loan or fancy gear to start. With KES 10,000, you set up a smokie stall, sell food, and grow your income. On good days, you can earn more than a formal job earns monthly.
Stay clean, show up daily, serve well, and reinvest your profits. This hustle transforms KES 10,000 into your stepping stone for a better future.
If you have questions about stock, suppliers, or menu ideas—just ask.