Tea and Uji Kibanda Business in Kenya

How to Start a Tea and Uji Kibanda Business in Kenya

ByTujulishane

Introduction

Starting a tea and uji kibanda business in Kenya is one of the simplest ways to earn steady daily income with low startup capital. Tea and uji (porridge) are staples for workers, students, and commuters — especially in the mornings and evenings. With just a small kibanda (stall) and basic equipment, you can serve dozens of customers daily and build a reliable hustle that grows over time.

Startup Costs 💰

The capital required is modest compared to other food businesses.

  • Capital Needed: KES 5,000 – 15,000
  • Key Expenses:
    • Sufuria, jiko/charcoal stove, thermos flasks (KES 2,000 – 4,000)
    • Cups, mugs, spoons, and serving trays (KES 1,000 – 2,000)
    • Kibanda structure, table, and bench (KES 2,000 – 4,000)
    • Initial stock: milk, sugar, tea leaves, millet/sorghum flour for uji (KES 1,500 – 3,000)
    • Water storage containers and cleaning supplies (KES 1,000 – 2,000)

💡 Tip: Start with tea and one type of porridge (uji wa wimbi or sorghum) to reduce costs. Add more options like uji power (blended porridge) as profits grow.

Why This Business Works ✅

  1. Daily Routine: Most Kenyans drink tea or porridge in the morning and evening.
  2. Low Prices, High Volume: At KES 10–30 per cup, it’s affordable for everyone.
  3. Quick Turnover: Ready-to-serve drinks mean fast customer flow.
  4. Repeat Demand: Customers come daily, sometimes twice a day.
  5. Add-Ons Available: You can easily pair tea with chapati, mandazi, or boiled eggs.

Step-by-Step Setup 🛠️

1. Choose the Right Location

Best spots include:

  • Near bus stages or matatu stops (morning commuters).
  • Near schools and colleges (students love affordable tea).
  • Around construction sites or factories.
  • In estates with many workers leaving early.
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2. Get Basic Equipment

At minimum: a jiko, sufuria, thermos, and cups. A table and bench allow sit-in customers, but takeaway cups also work.

3. Source Ingredients

Buy tea leaves, sugar, milk, and uji flour in bulk from wholesale shops. You can grind millet or sorghum at posho mills for cheaper flour.

4. Prepare Fresh Tea & Uji

  • Tea: Boil milk and water, add tea leaves, sugar to taste.
  • Uji: Cook porridge thick but drinkable, serve hot.
  • Keep ready in thermos flasks for quick service.

5. Serve Customers

Offer both sit-in and takeaway. Provide options: plain uji, milk tea, black tea, or ginger tea for variety.

6. Set Prices

  • Tea (black): KES 10–15 per cup
  • Tea (milk): KES 20–30 per cup
  • Uji: KES 15–25 per cup

Profit Breakdown 📊

Let’s do some simple math:

  • Tea (Milk Tea Example)
    • 1 packet of milk (KES 60) makes ~5 cups.
    • Selling at KES 20 each = KES 100.
    • Profit after milk, sugar, and tea leaves = ~KES 30–40.
    • 50 cups per day → KES 1,500 sales, ~KES 400–500 profit.
  • Uji (Millet Porridge Example)
    • 1kg flour (KES 120) makes ~20 cups.
    • Selling at KES 20 each = KES 400.
    • Profit = ~KES 250 per kg.
    • 40 cups per day → KES 800 sales, ~KES 500 profit.

👉 Combined, a small kibanda can make KES 800–1,500 profit daily, depending on location.

Challenges & How to Overcome Them ⚠️

  1. Early Hours: Success requires opening very early.
    • Solution: Prepare stock the night before to save time.
  2. Hygiene: Dirty cups or thermos will chase away customers.
    • Solution: Maintain strict cleanliness.
  3. Competition: Many kiosks sell tea.
    • Solution: Add value with ginger tea, uji power, or bundle with mandazi.
  4. Milk Prices Fluctuate: Prices rise during shortages.
    • Solution: Balance with black tea and porridge to stabilize profits.

Tips to Grow 🚀

  • Add chapati, mandazi, or boiled eggs to increase order value.
  • Offer delivery to offices or boda boda riders.
  • Brand your kibanda with a unique name like “Mama Chai” or “Tea Corner”.
  • Reinvest profits in bigger equipment, seating, or a permanent structure.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ❓

Q: How much does it cost to start a tea and uji business in Kenya?
A: Between KES 5,000 – 15,000, depending on your setup and equipment.

Q: Where can I set up my tea and porridge kibanda?
A: Near bus stops, schools, estates, or busy markets with morning/evening traffic.

Q: Do I need a license to sell tea and porridge?
A: Most counties require a food handler’s certificate and a small business permit.

Q: How profitable is the tea and uji business?
A: A small kibanda can make KES 800–1,500 daily profit, with potential to earn more in prime locations.

Conclusion

The tea and uji kibanda business in Kenya is one of the easiest hustles to start with very little capital. With only KES 5,000 – 15,000, you can set up a small stall, attract loyal morning and evening customers, and build consistent profits. By focusing on hygiene, good location, and offering variety, you can grow your kibanda into a reliable and sustainable business.

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