How to Start a Smokies and Mayai Pasua Business in Kenya
Introduction
Starting a smokies and mayai pasua business in Kenya is one of the most popular ways to earn daily cash with little capital. These quick, filling street foods are loved across estates, campuses, and bus stages, especially in the evenings. With a simple cart and a small stock, you can attract loyal customers and make consistent profits.
Startup Costs 💰
The good news is that this hustle is affordable to begin.
- Capital Needed: KES 10,000 – 20,000
- Key Expenses:
- Smokies and eggs stock (KES 2,000 – 5,000)
- Charcoal jiko or small gas stove (KES 2,000 – 4,000)
- Cart, cooler box, or display unit (KES 4,000 – 6,000)
- Sauce bottles, serving sticks, serviettes (KES 1,000 – 2,000)
- Kachumbari ingredients (tomatoes, onions, chilies, coriander)
💡 Tip: Start with a cooler box if you can’t afford a cart yet. Upgrade as profits increase.
Why This Business Works ✅
- High Demand in the Evenings: Perfect for workers and students heading home.
- Cheap & Filling: Customers love the value — one smokie or egg keeps them full.
- Fast Turnover: Food is ready instantly; customers don’t wait long.
- Simple Setup: No cooking expertise required — just boiling and serving.
- Flexible Locations: Works near bus stops, estates, campuses, or even outside clubs.
Step-by-Step Setup 🛠️
1. Choose the Right Location
Pick a high-traffic evening or night spot: bus stages, estates, campuses, pubs, or markets.
2. Buy Equipment & Stock
Start small: a cooler box, smokies, boiled eggs, sauces, and kachumbari ingredients.
3. Cook & Prepare
- Boil smokies and eggs in batches.
- Slice eggs halfway (mayai pasua).
- Prepare fresh kachumbari and keep sauces ready.
4. Display & Serve
Arrange smokies and eggs neatly in your cart or cooler. Serve with kachumbari, chili, or tomato sauce.
5. Price Competitively
- Smokie: KES 30–40
- Mayai Pasua: KES 25–35
- Combo: Smokie + Egg = KES 60–70
Profit Breakdown 📊
Here’s what a day might look like:
- Smokies
- Wholesale price: ~KES 18 each
- Selling price: KES 35
- Profit: ~KES 17 each
- Sell 100 smokies → KES 1,700 profit
- Boiled Eggs (Mayai Pasua)
- Wholesale price: ~KES 12 each
- Selling price: KES 30
- Profit: ~KES 18 each
- Sell 100 eggs → KES 1,800 profit
👉 Combined = KES 3,000+ profit daily in a good location.
Challenges & How to Overcome Them ⚠️
- Competition: Many vendors sell smokies.
- Solution: Use fresh kachumbari and good hygiene to stand out.
- Perishability: Unsold eggs or smokies spoil fast.
- Solution: Start with small stock and scale as you learn demand.
- Licensing & County Officers: Some counties require a street vendor’s permit.
- Solution: Apply for a food handler’s certificate and small trade license.
- Late-Night Safety: If selling outside clubs, security can be a concern.
- Solution: Work in well-lit areas or pair with other vendors.
Tips to Grow 🚀
- Add bottled water, sodas, or juice to increase your average sale.
- Offer “combo deals” (smokie + egg + soda).
- Brand your cart with bold colors for visibility.
- Deliver to nearby hostels or offices for bulk orders.
- Reinvest profits to expand into a full kibanda (snack kiosk).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ❓
Q: How much do I need to start a smokies and mayai pasua business?
A: You can start with around KES 10,000 using a cooler box. With KES 20,000, you can get a proper cart and better equipment.
Q: Where is the best place to sell smokies and eggs?
A: Bus stages, estates, campuses, markets, and outside pubs — anywhere with high evening and night traffic.
Q: Do I need a license?
A: Many counties require a small trade license and food handler’s certificate. Check with your local county offices.
Q: How profitable is the smokies and mayai pasua business?
A: In a good location, you can make KES 2,000–3,000 profit per day, translating to over KES 60,000 a month.
Conclusion
The smokies and mayai pasua business in Kenya is one of the most practical evening hustles you can start with low capital. With only KES 10,000–20,000, you can set up a cart, attract steady customers, and build daily profits. By focusing on location, hygiene, and customer service, you can quickly turn this simple side hustle into a thriving business.
👉 Explore more hustler-friendly opportunities in the Business Ideas Hub—with over 50+ small businesses you can start today.
