Chips Mwitu Business
Type: Fast Food
Key Product: Chips Mwitu (Unregulated Street Chips)
Technology Considerations: Basic cooking equipment (e.g., electric deep fryer, potato chipper, potato peeling machine), branding materials (signage, branding for kiosk). POS systems (optional).
Market for the Product: Youthful population, institutions (schools, colleges), busy streets, bars, clubs, and areas with high foot traffic.
Key Inputs into the Business:
Raw Materials: Potatoes, cooking oil, spices, condiments (e.g., tomato sauce).
Labor: Skilled and customer-centric staff for efficient service.
Equipment: Electric deep fryer, potato chipper, potato peeling machine.
Licenses and Permits: Single business permit, food and health certificate, fire and safety certificate.
Product Preparation Process:
- Potato Preparation: Peel, slice, and dry potatoes.
- Frying: Deep fry the potato slices until crispy.
- Flavoring: Season the chips with spices or condiments.
- Serving: Package and serve the chips to customers.
Quality Considerations:
Hygiene: Maintain a clean cooking environment and adhere to food safety standards.
Quality Control: Ensure well-prepared, non-greasy chips to meet customer expectations.
Cost of Investment:
Starting cost: KSH. 70,000 (estimated)
Basic equipment: Chips cutter 2000 KSH , Deep Fryer 20,000, Cooking utensils 5,000, Gas Cylinder 5,000, Oil 5,000, Ketchup/Sauce 3,000,
Raw materials potatoes Variable depends on the supplier, spices for seasoning 1500,
Branding: including menu and posters/flyers 3,000- 15,000 The cost depends on the size of the business.
Licenses 20,000 KSH
Required Operational Infrastructure:
Cooking Area: Partitioned and branded space for chip preparation.
Seating Area (Optional): Provide seating for customers to enjoy their chips on-site.
Storage Area: Space for storing raw materials and finished products.
Packaging Area: Designated area for packaging chips for takeaway orders.
Most Suitable or Viable Location of the Business:
Densely Populated Areas: Near schools, colleges, clubs, bars, and busy streets.
Accessibility: Easily accessible to potential customers.
Potential Sources of Investment Capital:
Personal Savings
Small Business Loans
Partnerships
Requirements for Effective Management:
Financial Management: Budgeting, cost control, and cash flow management.
Human Resource Management: Staffing, training, and employee management.
Operations Management: Production scheduling, inventory management, and quality assurance.
Role of Mobile Phone and ICT in the Business:
Order Management: Accept orders via phone calls or messaging apps.
Communication: Coordinate with suppliers, staff, and customers.
Marketing: Utilize social media and messaging apps for advertising and promotions.
Statutory Regulations and Licenses:
Single Business Permit depending on the county Nairobi is 10,000 KSH
Food and Health Certificate 5,000 KSH
Fire and Safety Certificate 2000 KSH
Pricing:
Competitive pricing based on market analysis and production costs.
Considerations: Affordability for target customers while ensuring profitability.
Profitability:
Monitor sales and control costs to ensure profitability.
Reinvest profits for business expansion while managing cash flow diligently.
Profit can be 2000 – 5000 KSH per day
Next Steps to Take:
Obtain necessary licenses and permits from regulatory authorities.
Procure equipment and raw materials for chip production.
Set up operational infrastructure, including cooking and seating areas.
Develop marketing strategies to attract customers and promote the business.
Monitor operations closely and adapt strategies for growth and profitability.