IS THE FISH BUSINESS PROFITABLE IN KENYA?

I recently had an interesting conversation with a friend about how the job market is flooded because of the qualifications required for a particular role. The answer he gave was considered absurd by many. He said, ‘uzuri kuuza samaki hautaulizwa mambo mingi.’

As weird as it may sound fish business brings in a lot of profit.

For a long time Kenyans have always thought that starting a fish business belongs to the people of Kisumu only, they shunned the business completely. It has reached a time where every business-oriented human being in Kenya is shifting his energy to operating a food business, especially a fish business.

There are a number of Nairobi residents who have Doctors’ instructions restricting them from eating red meat. They have resorted to eating fish and chicken because there are not associated with cancer and related ailments. A large number of this class of people has pushed the demand for fish to the ceiling.

The fish business is booming in Nairobi and whoever started the business earlier is cashing in enough money to finance his projects. It’s not a secret anymore Kisumu has literary migrated to Nairobi. There are a number of business people who have joined the veterans in Nairobi in conducting business.

In Nairobi, the fish market is readily available. Fish is expensive. However, that does not hinder people from buying fish. Setting up a stall at City Market is advisable. The unavailability of a stall should not scare you because you can opt to rent a place.

There are areas in Nairobi where people generally don’t like eating fish but most estates are ideal for the business. According to our research, the areas which are ideal for the fish business include Kayole, Kibera, Langata, Embakasi, Westlands, Rongai, Ruiru, Donholm, Kawangware, and Ngara.

The business is also ideal in Nairobi city Centre, especially the city market and Muthurwa market

The capital required to start a fish business is not as high as most people think. Once you get a fridge of say Ksh.20,000, you only require Ksh.10,000 to start operating your business, but if you need a room/stall in Nairobi, you would require Ksh.50,000 to start the business besides a fridge.

You don’t need to travel to Kisumu to source for fish because they are readily available in Muthurwa market or City Market.

If you keep a clear track of your sales, you will notice that you can make Ksh.3,000 per day. This amount doubles during weekends and holidays.

Most business persons we have spoken with indicate that in a good day they make up to Ksh.3,000 but the profit goes up significantly during holidays and weekends.

Those who operate in the Nairobi town center make up to Ksh.7,000 per day, which guarantees one comfortable life in Nairobi.

Compared to other businesses like hawking and general shopping, this is surely a good business to do in Nairobi that could guarantee you a decent profit

The fish business might seem inferior. It is your creativity that will help you maneuver depending on the location you choose. You are not bounded to sell raw fish only. You will note that other sellers are cutting the fish into pieces, frying the pieces, and selling the pieces. In this situation, it means that the seller knows what his/her market desires.

When I first read the story of the fishmonger who has managed to build a 3 million home from that business, I was hooked.

Not every day, you read stories of people who have risen above the shackles of poverty to claim a seat in the millionaires club.

#Tujengane