How I Started a Chips Business in Nairobi with a Budget of KSh 50K
Selling fried chips is one of the most profitable businesses to start in Kenya, especially in urban areas. People really love fast food, and those who combine it with chicken usually receive many customers. If you have ever walked in the streets of Nairobi day or night, you will see that their restaurants always have customers.
Starting this, you need good capital, which also varies depending on the location and the size of the shop. In town centres and estates that have wealthy individuals, you need high capital, from KSh 300,000 to 1M. Most people start small, selling chipo mwitu, which is fried using firewood along the roads or in small shops in middle-class estates.
This article is a story of Antony, his journey of how he began and grew in the chips business.
My name is Antony Juma, a resident of Nairobi. I came to the city to pursue my degree at one of the universities. After graduating, I started to think about what to do before I secured my dream job. I thought of many businesses to start, but finally, my thoughts settled on a chips business.
Cost of Starting
I requested my father to lend me some cash to start. He then sent me KSh 60,000 to my phone. I was not really sure of the best way to start, but I just had to do it because the bills started to pile up, and I never wanted to depend on my father anymore.
The Equipments
So I first went and secured a shop along Mombasa Road. It was an iron sheet structure, and the owner charged me KSh 6,000 plus a deposit. I then did some renovation, painting, and some small interior design that included decorations with chips stickers. Those cost me around KSh 15,000. For chairs, I bought second-hand chairs—five of them at KSh 10,000.
I then went and bought a double electric fryer after I consulted with my friend Derrick. He told me the double one is faster in case of many customers. It cost me KSh 8,500 from Kamkunji Juakali traders. I also bought a chips cutter and display at the same place, the one with a glass and electric coil at the bottom to warm the chips.
For the utensils—plates, spoons, and forks—I bought them at Gikomba and Kamkunji. They sell varieties at wholesale prices depending on your taste.
I then went to the shop and fixed everything. I called an electrician who helped me set up everything, and for the socket, he told me to buy an industrial socket. From there, I was ready to start.
Opening Shop and Chips Preparation
I never knew how to prepare chips, so I called another friend, Kevin, who I knew was from Kaloleni estate along Jogoo Road and had once run a chips business, so he had good knowledge about it. He directed me and took me to Muthurwa near Nairobi CBD and showed me where I could buy a whole gunia of potatoes, as it was cheaper than buying per bucket. A whole sack was going for KSh 4,500 to KSh 6,000 depending on the quality.
Kevin again went with me to the shop and taught me and the girl I had hired to help me. He taught us how to cut chips and how to prepare crunchy, tasty chips. He also taught us how to prepare cabbage salad. From there, I began operating my business.
I was selling one plate at KSh 100, and I thank God I could make a good profit that enabled me to pay rent and sustain myself. I gained a lot of experience in my kibandaski. Later, I grew and moved my shop to Nairobi CBD. From there, I could make around KSh 20,000 profit a day.
