How to Start a Chapati and Mandazi Business in Kenya
Introduction
Starting a chapati and mandazi business in Kenya is one of the easiest ways to turn a small budget into a profitable hustle. These two foods are loved across the country, eaten daily for breakfast and snacks, which makes them a reliable business opportunity for anyone looking to start small and grow steadily. Because of this daily demand, a small food stand selling fresh chapati and mandazi can quickly turn into a reliable source of income.
This guide will show you exactly how to start the business, including startup costs, why it works, potential profits, common challenges, and practical tips to help you succeed.
Startup Costs 💰
The best part about this business is that you can start with very little capital.
- Capital Needed: KES 5,000 – 15,000
- Key Expenses:
- Wheat flour, sugar, cooking oil, yeast, and salt (KES 2,000 – 3,000)
- Jiko, sufuria/frying pan, and rolling pin (KES 2,000 – 5,000)
- A small table, utensils, and display covers (KES 1,500 – 3,000)
- Optional: thermos flask and cups if you want to add tea (KES 1,500 – 3,000)
💡 Tip: Start small with just chapati and mandazi. As profits grow, add tea, eggs, or smokies to increase your sales per customer.
Why This Business Works ✅
- Daily Demand: Chapati and mandazi are everyday foods — people rarely get tired of them.
- Affordable Price Point: At KES 10–20 per item, customers can buy easily without much thought.
- Quick Turnover: You don’t need to hold stock for long. Cook fresh, sell fast.
- Repeat Customers: Workers, students, and commuters often buy from the same vendor daily.
- Scalable: You can expand into a small kiosk or café once you’ve built loyal customers.
Step-by-Step Setup 🛠️
1. Choose the Right Location
The success of a chapati/mandazi stand depends heavily on location. Good spots include:
- Near estates with high foot traffic
- Close to bus stages or matatu termini
- Near schools, colleges, or offices
- Outside construction sites or factories where workers eat daily
2. Get Your Equipment
Start with the basics — a charcoal jiko, flat frying pan (sufuria or pan), rolling pin, knife, and a small table. Make sure you also have a clean cloth and cover for hygiene.
3. Source Ingredients in Bulk
Buy wheat flour, sugar, and oil from wholesale shops. Buying in bulk reduces costs and improves profit margins.
4. Prepare and Cook Fresh
Chapati and mandazi taste best when fresh. Cook in the morning and again in the evening to capture both markets.
5. Price Competitively
- Chapati: KES 15–20
- Mandazi: KES 10–15
- Combo (Chapati + Tea): KES 30–40
6. Market Yourself
Sometimes marketing is as simple as being visible. Place your stand where customers can see and smell the food. Use a bright umbrella or small signage to attract attention.
Profit Breakdown 📊
Let’s do some quick math:
- Example 1: Chapati Sales
- Cost per chapati: ~KES 7 (flour + oil + firewood/charcoal)
- Selling price: KES 15
- Profit per chapati: ~KES 8
- Sell 100 chapatis per day → KES 800 profit daily
- Example 2: Mandazi Sales
- Cost per mandazi: ~KES 4
- Selling price: KES 10
- Profit per mandazi: ~KES 6
- Sell 150 mandazi per day → KES 900 profit daily
👉 Combined, a small stand can make KES 1,500–2,000 profit per day depending on location and effort.
Challenges & How to Overcome Them ⚠️
- Competition: Many people sell chapati/mandazi. Solution: focus on hygiene, good taste, and friendly service.
- Rising Costs: Flour and cooking oil prices can change. Solution: buy in bulk from wholesalers or form a group to buy together.
- Licensing: Some counties require a food handler’s license. Solution: check local county requirements to avoid harassment.
- Perishability: Unsold chapatis can go stale. Solution: cook in smaller batches to reduce waste.
Tips to Grow 🚀
- Add tea, smokies, or boiled eggs to increase your average order.
- Deliver to offices nearby to secure repeat customers.
- Use social media (WhatsApp groups or Facebook marketplace) to announce daily offers.
- Reinvest profits into upgrading equipment or moving into a kiosk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ❓
Q: How much money do I need to start a chapati business in Kenya?
A: You can start with as little as KES 5,000 if you already have some utensils. With KES 15,000, you can set up a more professional stand.
Q: Do I need a license?
A: Some counties require a food handler’s certificate and a small trade license. Always check with your county offices.
Q: How profitable is the chapati and mandazi business?
A: Depending on your location, you can make between KES 800 – 2,000 profit per day. That’s KES 20,000 – 50,000 per month.
Q: Where is the best location?
A: High foot-traffic areas like bus stages, schools, offices, and estates with many residents.
Conclusion
The chapati and mandazi business is one of the most practical low-capital hustles in Kenya. With only KES 5,000 – 15,000 to start, you can build a steady daily income. By focusing on a good location, fresh preparation, and clean service, you can easily grow from a small stand into a thriving kiosk or café.
