
Selling boiled eggs is one of the simplest micro-businesses anyone can start in Kenya. It requires very little capital, minimal equipment, and the product sells almost everywhere, from bus stages and markets to schools and construction sites. Many street vendors across Kenyan towns survive entirely from selling boiled eggs and similar snacks like smokies. In fact, some vendors report making between KSh 600 and KSh 900 profit daily depending on sales volume and location. But can selling just two trays of eggs per day (60 eggs) make reasonable profit? Let’s break it down.
Assumptions:
2 trays × KSh 350 = KSh 700
60 eggs × KSh 20 = KSh 1,200
1,200 − 700 = KSh 500
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Charcoal or cooking fuel | 50 |
| Salt & spices | 10 |
| Packaging materials | 30 |
| Water & miscellaneous | 20 |
Total daily expenses ≈ KSh 110
500 − 110 = KSh 390 per day
390 × 30 days = KSh 11,700 per month
This is a realistic estimate for selling just two trays daily. If you increase sales to 4–6 trays per day, profits can grow significantly.
Starting this venture requires very basic equipment.
| Item | Estimated Cost (KSh) |
|---|---|
| Large cooking sufuria | 1,000 |
| Charcoal stove (jiko) | 1,500 |
| Plastic bucket for carrying eggs | 300 |
| Food container or cooler | 800 |
| Tray for displaying eggs | 300 |
| Knife for cutting eggs | 150 |
| Small containers for salt & chilli | 150 |
Estimated startup cost: KSh 4,000 – KSh 6,000You can start even cheaper if you already have some kitchen items.
Wash the eggs gently to remove dirt and bacteria before boiling.
Place the eggs carefully in a cooking pot so they do not crack.
Add enough water to completely cover the eggs.
Place the sufuria on a charcoal stove and bring to a boil.
Once boiling starts, cook for 10–12 minutes to get fully hard-boiled eggs.
Remove from hot water and place in cool water to stop further cooking.
Keep the eggs warm inside a container or insulated bucket.
Packaging matters because customers buy with their eyes.
1. Paper Wrapping
2. Plastic Containers
3. Mayai Pasua Style
Some vendors sell a boiled egg with kachumbari for around KSh 30 depending on location.
Location determines sales volume. Good selling spots include:
High foot traffic equals higher sales.
Morning (breakfast) and evening (after work) are the best times.
Selling eggs with onions, tomatoes and chilli increases the selling price.
Many vendors sell both because customers often buy them together.
Areas with heavy foot traffic guarantee faster sales.
Since eggs are food products, hygiene is very important.
Mobile vendors reach more customers than stationary sellers.
Like any business, this venture has a few challenges:
However, because eggs are affordable snacks, demand usually remains strong.
Yes. Selling boiled eggs is a low-capital, low-risk micro business suitable for many Kenyans. Even with just two trays per day, a vendor can earn around KSh 10,000 – 12,000 per month, and profits increase significantly with higher sales. Many successful street food vendors started with boiled eggs and later expanded to selling smokies, samosas, chapati, or operating small kiosks. If you are looking for a simple side hustle or entry-level business in Kenya, boiled eggs vending is definitely worth considering.