When I first told my friends I was going to start a business with just $100 (about KSh 10,000), they laughed. “You can’t even buy decent sneakers with that!” one joked.
Fast forward a few months, and that “tiny” $100 had turned into a steady side income that paid my rent. My secret? A humble smokie street food stand.
This isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. It’s a simple, practical business that works if you’re consistent. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to set up your own smokie business (or similar street food hustle) without overspending or overthinking.
What is a Smokie Business (and Why Does It Work)?
If you’re not from East Africa, “smokie” is basically a sausage—pre-cooked, easy to reheat, and loved by everyone from students to boda riders.
The magic is in how you serve it:
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Paired with kachumbari (fresh tomato-onion salad)
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Stuffed in a bun or served with an egg
Why it works:
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Low startup costs – you can get rolling with under $100.
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Quick returns – daily cash flow, no waiting 30 days for invoices.
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Universal demand – who doesn’t love a quick, tasty snack?
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Scalable – start small, upgrade to a trolley or food cart as profits grow.
This is why the smokie business thrives in Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, and beyond.
$100 Startup Budget: What You Actually Need
Here’s a realistic breakdown of what it takes to get started (figures in KSh):
| Item | Cost (KES) | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second-hand stove + pot | 3,000 | $30 | Essential for heating |
| Initial stock (smokies, eggs, chapatis) | 2,000 | $20 | Start small |
| Utensils & tools | 500 | $5 | Tongs, plates, spoons |
| Packaging & napkins | 500 | $5 | Keep it clean |
| Daily council fees | 500 | $5 | Stay legal |
| Banner/sign | 500 | $5 | Visibility = sales |
| Transport/emergency float | 1,000 | $10 | For flexibility |
| Total | 8,000–10,000 | $80–100 | Enough to launch |
💡 Tip: Can’t afford a trolley yet? Start with a jiko (charcoal stove). Upgrade later.
What to Sell (and How to Price It)
The key to street food is simplicity and taste. Here’s a proven menu that works:
| Item | Description | Price (KES / USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Plain smokie | Just heated | 30–40 (~$0.30–0.40) |
| Smokie + kachumbari | Salsa magic | 40–50 (~$0.40–0.50) |
| Smocha | Smokie wrapped in chapati | 50–70 (~$0.50–0.70) |
| Smokie + egg | Protein overload | 60–70 (~$0.60–0.70) |
| Mandazi pasua | Stuffed fried dough | 50–60 (~$0.50–0.60) |
| Egg + salsa | Veggie option | 25–30 (~$0.25–0.30) |
| Smokie samosa | Deep-fried triangle | 20–30 (~$0.20–0.30) |
| Juice/water sachet | Extra sales | 20–30 (~$0.20–0.30) |
💡 Upselling trick: Always ask, “Chapati ama egg na hiyo?” (Want chapati or egg with that?). Customers often say yes.
How to Prepare (Even If You Can’t Cook)
Don’t worry—this isn’t culinary school.
Option 1: Boil
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Boil water.
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Toss in smokies.
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Heat 5–7 minutes.
Option 2: Pan-fry
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Heat oil.
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Fry smokies until golden.
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Flip till crispy.
Quick kachumbari recipe: Dice tomatoes, onions, coriander. Add lemon juice, salt, optional chili. Done.
⚠️ Cleanliness matters. Wash your hands, cover food, and wipe surfaces often. Hygiene builds trust.
Best Street Locations
You don’t need a fancy shop. You need foot traffic.
Hotspots include:
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Market entrances
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Outside bars or clubs at night
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Busy estate corners
Remember: pay your council fee daily to avoid harassment or fines.
How Much Can You Make?
Let’s do the math with a sample day:
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40 smokies @ 40 KES = 1,600
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10 eggs @ 25 KES = 250
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10 chapatis @ 20 KES = 200
Total sales = 2,050 KES (~$20.50).
Daily costs = ~1,200 KES (~$12).
Profit = 800–1,000 KES (~$8–10).
Monthly (26 working days): 24,000–30,000 KES ($240–$300).
That’s more than many entry-level jobs in East Africa.
Real-World Case Studies
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Joseph the Student Hustler
Joseph started with just 9,500 KES outside his university gate. Within two months, he was making 1,000 KES daily profit—enough to pay tuition installments. -
Mercy’s Night Owl Stand
Mercy set up outside a popular Nairobi club. Her “smochas” became legendary with partygoers. Now she clears 50,000 KES monthly and employs a cousin to help. -
Peter’s Estate Corner Shop
Peter positioned himself near a busy estate in Kisumu. He added mandazi and juice to his menu. Families became his repeat customers. He’s now saving to buy a food trolley.
Street-Smart Money Tips
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❌ Avoid shylock loans. Interest rates are brutal.
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✅ If you must borrow, use mobile loan apps (Tala, Branch, Fuliza) and repay fast.
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✅ Save at least 100 KES daily for reinvestment.
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✅ Market daily—post on WhatsApp Status, TikTok, or Facebook. Free visibility!
Key Success Tips
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Be consistent. Customers expect you daily.
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Keep food clean and fresh. Hygiene = repeat sales.
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Smile and engage—it’s free marketing.
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Add extras (like boiled eggs or juice) to increase basket size.
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Scale slowly—upgrade gear or expand menu once profits stabilize.
Final Thoughts
Starting a street food business with just $100 is not only possible—it’s practical. I’ve done it, and thousands of others across Africa have too. You don’t need a degree or a big loan. You need drive, consistency, and clean, tasty food.
So, what’s stopping you? With KSh 10,000 and some hustle, you can start earning tomorrow.
👉 Your turn: If you had $100 today, would you start with smokies, chapatis, or mandazi? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear your plan!