Profitable Food Business Ideas in Kenya

The food industry is one of the largest and most in-demand sectors in Kenya. It is usually in demand because the population is ever on the increase, thereby providing a ready market. People eat on a regular basis and there is always a demand for all types of food. There are many food business ideas in Kenya that you can turn into a great opportunity. They include the following:

1. Food Supply Chain

Hotels, schools, hospitals, and restaurants need a supply of fresh vegetables, grains, and animal products to keep their businesses running. This brings the need for someone to liaise them with farmers in the village. You can get tenders from schools, hotels, and government organizations to bring them fresh farm produce.

2. Popcorn Business

Popcorn is a popular snack in Kenya that is easy to make. To get started with this business, you can buy a cheap popcorn-making machine and start selling popcorn. If you have a business outlet like a retail shop that is strategically located, you can start a popcorn business alongside. Alternatively, you can hawk your popcorns or supply them to shops and kiosks in town or in your neighborhood. Alternatively, instead of making popcorn, you can choose to buy corn and package the grain for sale to people who can make their own popcorn.

3. Cake Business

The cake business is another great food business idea. You can choose to make cakes for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and other important occasions. It is best to do some research to find out the best places to sell your cakes. You can decide to sell them in your neighborhood, distribute them to shops, restaurants, and hotels or sell them online. Advertising your cake business will expose you to many potential clients.

Read also: How to start a bakery in Kenya.

4. Boiled Eggs, Smokies, and Sausages

The boiled eggs and smokies/sausage business is a very popular food business idea in Kenya. You will find people selling eggs and smokies everywhere especially in market centers and in town. To get started, you will need to buy a selling cart, get an eggs supplier from whom you’ll be buying your eggs, and where you will be buying your smokies from. You can also decide to rear your own poultry (layers).

5. A Food Café Business

A fast food café business is a perfect food business idea in Kenya. You can rent out space and have people come to your café to have drinks such as tea and coffee. If you want more customers coming in, you can offer drinks alongside snacks such as samosas, bread, biscuits, sandwiches, mandazi, chapati, etc. You may have customers who have no time to visit your café premises. In this case, you can offer food delivery services in homes, offices, and other businesses. You need to advertise your food delivery business like on social media handles to get many customers.

6. Fruit Business

Fruits are healthy and starting a fruit salad business or a fruit stall business or fruit juice business is a great idea. The good thing about this business is that you can run it alongside another business like a restaurant. When your customers come into your restaurant to eat, they can complement their meals with fruit salad. Alternatively, you can decide to hawk your fruit salad and sell it to people at their place of work such as Jua kali artisans or sell it in learning institutions and hospitals.

7. Yoghurt and Ice Cream Business

People love yoghurt and ice cream and it is an in-demand food business idea in Kenya. If you have the skills to prepare yoghurt and ice cream, you can make it in your kitchen and start by selling to your neighbours. If you do not know how to make them, you can learn from a friend or take lessons from one of the many colleges, or polytechnics. Alternatively, you can even take an online course.

8. Githeri and Boiled Beans Business

Many Kenyans have busy working schedules and they may not have the time to boil cereals that take too long to cook like githeri and beans. This presents a good food business idea where you can boil beans and githeri and when ready, sell to students or adults with busy schedules. To make the most of this business, it is best to find a strategic location to run your business. You can start selling boiled cereals near institutions like universities and colleges or near households.

9. Meat Businesses

There are many meat businesses you can start in Kenya. Roasted meat or nyama choma is a popular business. You can start a nyama nyoma joint near restaurants. People love to eat roasted meat while enjoying wine or beer. The demand for nyama choma is high making it an excellent food business idea to start.

You can also choose to sell roasted or boiled meat all together and customers can choose what to eat. Another excellent meat business is the butchery business. You can get meat in bulk from slaughterhouses to sell in your butchery. Alternatively, you can supply meat to butcheries and big institutions like schools.

10. Food Catering Services

Food catering is also a popular food business idea in Kenya, especially during festive seasons. If you want to make the most out of this business, you will need to network with event planners. People at parties such as birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and even burials will need someone to prepare meals for them. If you are new in the business and you lack networks, you can start small and make use of that friend, colleague, or family member. If they are hosting parties, offer your food catering services at a fee.

11. Mandazi, Chapati and Samosa Business

Chapati, mandazi, and samosa businesses are also great food business ideas in Kenya. Many people love taking breakfast tea or breaktime tea accompanied by either one of these in the morning. You can start any of these businesses with Ksh 5,000. You can make 50% profit in this business since the demand for mandazi, chapati, and samosa is high.

Summary of Food Business Ideas in Kenya

From vibandas, hotels, catering, and supply, to production, people are making millions in the food industry in Kenya. With the thriving agricultural sector in the country, food is readily available. Since many people are venturing into this business, you need to offer excellent customer service. Ultimately, you need to sell quality food and ensure that your business premises are clean and hygienic. From the above, find the best food business idea you start and invest in it.