Kenyan Graduate Who Makes Over KSh 100k Monthly Selling Eggs, Smokies Breaks Down His Daily Profit

• A Bachelor of Commerce graduate from African Nazarene University ventured into the smokies, eggs and potatoes business that now earns him over KSh 100,000 per month
• Bolton Bosire said he started the business with a capital of between KSh 25,000 to KSh 30,000 savings after school
• The 23-year-old entrepreneur revealed that he makes about KSh 3,800 after paying returns, including Nairobi city council fees

When you pass by the National Archives, near the Tom Mboya street sign post, you are likely to see people standing to take a smokie bite and boiled eggs.

A closer check would lead you to Bolton Bosire, the smokies and eggs vendor, as he chops tomatoes to prepare kachumbari flavour for his customers.

In an exclusive interview with TUKO.co.ke, Bosire said he sells eggs, smokies and irish potatoes (commonly known as waru) to pedestrians in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).

How Bosire started smokies and eggs business

Many Kenyan youth find it difficult to secure a job or start a business, especially thousands graduating from universities and colleges every year.

Many spent their time applying for white-collar and blue-collar jobs to no avail.

But for Bosire, a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting option) degree holder from Africa Nazarene University, self-employment has always been his thought.

"I finished my graduate studies at Africa Nazarene University in 2022. I was forced to go home, and I stayed there for almost a year. I had no option but to get an engagement that would keep me busy. You cannot stay in the countryside tending your parents' livestock, and in the evening you earn nothing. I reached out to my friend in the city to come and try my luck," said Bosire.

The 23-year-old said while at home, he planned to start a business that would engage him as he waited for a job.

He revealed having about KSh 25,000 to KSh 30,000, savings from his parents and side hustles, which he used capital for the eggs business.

"It was not easy coming to the city. If you leave the city, coming back is not easy. I looked for one of my friends, who welcomed me for two to three weeks. Then he pitched this business idea to me... he linked me with someone in the business to learn and get a place I can start from. That is how I started," he narrated.

Smokies and eggs business daily stock

Bosire shared about his daily operation cost for the business he started not more than two months ago.

He estimated his daily stock at KSh 5,000, which includes 50 chapatis, 6 packets of smokies, 50 pieces of potatoes, some tomatoes, onions and three trays of eggs.

"In a typical day, before I pay returns, I make between KSh 4,000 to KSh 5,000... Once I pay returns, the profit comes to between KSh 3,500 to KSh 3,800," said Bosire.

The young entrepreneur explained that part of the returns he has to pay include the city council fee for the space where he sets his trolley daily.

He said the rates vary depending on the number of hours you take carrying out your business.

"If you have worked from 2pm to the next day, you pay like KSh 300 to KSh 400. You also pay a dumping fee of KSh 200... You can get home with your KSh 3,000," he noted.

Prices of eggs, potatoes and smokies

The businessman said the prices of products, including eggs and potatoes, have been changing in the market.

He revealed how he manages to weather price changes and keep his business afloat, saying constant communication with suppliers is vital.

It depends on the weekly prices. You could buy Waru at a cheaper price this week... Then, the other week, it goes up. You have to communicate with the suppliers,... or you'll end up suffering losses in some cases because you cannot immediately change the market price. Like now, it is KSh 4,000 per sac.

"Prices of eggs also depend on the deal you strike with the suppliers. There are those who supply a tray at KSh 490 (on credit) and 450 (cash). There hasn't been a significant increase in prices of smokies," he explained.

Social media user buys Bosire's smokie and eggs worth KSh 6k

Bosire revealed that social media, especially X.com (formerly Twitter), has been significant in promoting his business.

He said most of his customers come from the online platform after he invites them through 'a call to a bite' tweet.

"I started the business in June 2023... I have been able to sustain my customers through good customer relationships. If you have two to three customers beside your trolley, it attracts many people. Language and communication is key.

"I also have been interacting with people on Twitter. So it has been helpful. I tell them to visit my stall in the city to enjoy a bite... It's a good language instead of telling people to support you... and they came in numbers," Bosire noted.

A Twitter Influencer, Eve Maina, left netizens touched when she used KSh 6,230 to buy smokie and eggs from the graduate's business.

The graduate revealed plans to set up another trolley of smokies and eggs, saying the business is doing well.

Bosire, who graduated in 2023, urged youth to engage themselves in an activity that can earn them a living, as they wait for their professional careers.

"For youth, before you get a job based on your profession, engage yourself, do something to connect with your friends and network, they might help... apart from engaging in unhealthy activities like drug abuse," he advised.