street grill

How to Start a Street Grill Business in Kenya (Gizzard, Liver & Mutura)

ByTujulishane

Introduction

The street grill business in Kenya is one of the most popular and profitable hustles, especially in towns, estates, and near bus stages. Street foods like gizzard, liver, and mutura (African sausage) are loved by Kenyans as affordable, tasty snacks enjoyed in the evening or late at night. With simple equipment, low capital, and steady demand, you can start a street grill stall and earn daily profits while building loyal customers.

Startup Costs 💰

The capital needed is relatively low compared to other food businesses.

  • Capital Needed: KES 8,000 – 20,000
  • Key Expenses:
    • Charcoal jiko or grill — KES 2,000 – 4,000
    • Knives, trays, and tongs — KES 1,000 – 2,000
    • Charcoal and firewood — KES 500 – 1,000
    • Ingredients (gizzard, liver, mutura, spices, onions, tomatoes, coriander) — KES 3,000 – 6,000
    • Plastic chairs and tables (optional) — KES 2,000 – 5,000
    • Branding and signage — KES 500 – 1,000

💡 Tip: Start small with a grill stand and expand into a semi-permanent kibanda (food stall) as profits grow.

Why This Business Works ✅

  1. High Demand: Kenyans love street grills with ugali, chips, or just on their own.
  2. Evening/Night Sales: Busy traffic in the evenings guarantees customers.
  3. Affordable to Start: You can start with less than KES 10,000.
  4. Good Profit Margins: A single mutura or gizzard portion sells at double the preparation cost.
  5. Repeat Clients: Once people love your flavor, they come back daily.

Step-by-Step Setup 🛠️

1. Choose a Busy Location

Best spots include:

  • Near estates.
  • Around bus stages.
  • Along busy roadsides.
  • Near pubs and markets.
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2. Get Equipment & Supplies

  • A charcoal grill (jiko).
  • Sharp knives, trays, and chopping boards.
  • Meat supplies from reliable butcheries.
  • Charcoal and cooking oil.

3. Prepare the Recipes

  • Mutura: Stuff intestines with minced meat, onions, spices, and grill until crispy.
  • Gizzard & Liver: Marinate with onions, garlic, and spices, then roast or fry.
  • Serve with kachumbari (onion, tomato, and coriander salad) for extra flavor.

4. Pricing

  • Mutura piece: KES 10 – 30
  • Gizzard/liver portion: KES 100 – 200
  • Add-ons (kachumbari, ugali): KES 20 – 50

5. Market Your Grill

  • Use strong aromas to attract customers.
  • Display food neatly and hygienically.
  • Offer free samples when starting out.

Profit Breakdown 📊

Example:

  • Buy 1kg of liver at KES 400.
  • Sell 10 portions at KES 100 each = KES 1,000.
  • Profit = KES 600 per kg.

Mutura:

  • 1kg mixture costs ~KES 300.
  • Sell 30 pieces at KES 20 each = KES 600.
  • Profit = KES 300 per kg.

👉 A small grill stall can make KES 3,000 – 5,000 profit daily, depending on location.

Challenges & How to Overcome Them ⚠️

  1. Health & Hygiene Issues: Poorly prepared meat can scare away customers.
    • Solution: Keep the stall clean and use fresh meat only.
  2. County Licensing: Many councils require a food vendor license.
    • Solution: Register your business early to avoid fines.
  3. Competition: Many grill stalls in towns.
    • Solution: Differentiate with taste, spices, and neat presentation.
  4. Unreliable Supply: Meat shortages can affect sales.
    • Solution: Work with trusted butcheries for steady supply.

Tips to Grow 🚀

  • Add chips, ugali, and chapati to increase sales.
  • Sell soft drinks or soup alongside grilled meats.
  • Brand your stall with a catchy name like “Choma Point” or “Mutura Zone.”
  • Expand into a full kibanda or small restaurant.
  • Introduce mobile delivery for office workers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ❓

Q: How much capital do I need to start a street grill in Kenya?
A: With KES 8,000 – 20,000, you can buy a grill, meat, and basic equipment to begin.

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Q: How profitable is a street grill?
A: You can earn KES 3,000 – 5,000 profit daily depending on your location.

Q: What is the most popular item?
A: Mutura is the most loved, but gizzard and liver attract loyal buyers.

Q: Where can I sell street grill food?
A: Near estates, bus stages, markets, and pubs.

Conclusion

The street grill business in Kenya is a high-demand, low-capital hustle that guarantees daily cash flow. With KES 8,000 – 20,000, you can set up a grill stall selling mutura, gizzard, and liver to steady evening traffic. By focusing on taste, hygiene, and location, you can turn this into a profitable business that grows into a kibanda or even a full restaurant.

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