butchery business plan in kenya

How to Start a Butchery Business in Kenya

To start and run a profitable butchery business in Kenya, you need to know what the idea is about. A butchery is a profitable venture since many people like eating meat, whether it is nyama choma , wet fry, meatballs, or mshikaki. The cost of starting a butchery in Kenya depends on the size of the business and its location.

A Guide to Starting a Butchery Business in Kenya

The first consideration before starting any business is to have a business plan . A butchery business plan should include startup costs, business location, target customers, projected revenue and suppliers. With a good business plan, you can manage your business and forecast how much it can generate monthly. 

Raise Startup Capital

The cost of starting and running a butchery business is a key factor in its success . The size of your business and its location will determine the startup capital . Ideally, you can start with Ksh 100,000 in semi-urban areas.

To start a medium butchery business in major towns like Nairobi , Nakuru, Mombasa, Eldoret and Kisumu, you will need at least Ksh 250,000.

Requirements for Opening a Butchery in Kenya

The following is a list of equipment needed to start a butchery business in a medium-sized town in Kenya.

• Display counter - Ksh 50,000
• Weighing scale - Ksh 5,000
• Fridge or freezer - Ksh 40,000
• Butchery hooks and Knives - Ksh 2,000
• Wooden lump - Ksh 2,000
• Monthly rent - Ksh 10,000
• Business licenses - Ksh 10,000
• Wrapping material - Ksh 2,000
• Butchery coat - Ksh 1,000
• Meat stock, 50 Kg - Ksh 15,000

Business Licenses and Permits

To operate a legal butchery business, you need licenses and permits . You will need a health certificate from health officials. The cost of a license varies from one County to the other, but it is roughly Ksh 5,000 annually. You will also need a single business permit that costs around Ksh 10,000 per year. 

You will also need a food handling certificate that costs Ksh 600 every six months. There are other licenses you will need, like advertising and signage licenses.

Identify a Good Business Location

The location of your butchery determines how many customers will visit. A good butchery should be located in a high-traffic area near residential areas. Look for a highly populated area and a place with many households.

Setting up your butchery business near another venture, like a supermarket, is a great business idea . You will get customers from the other businesses. Once you get a stall for your butchery, renovate and brand it.

Secure a Supplier

You need to find a reliable meat supplier near your business location. It is essential to minimize transportation costs. If you can secure a steady and cheap meat supply, then you are on the right track to making profits from your business. If you are within Nairobi, some of the best meat suppliers are in Kiamaiko and the Nairobi City Market.

Decide on the kind of meat you want to sell. It can be beef, pork or mutton. Their prices vary from one place to another. There are many slaughterhouses across the counties, like Kajiado, Murang'a and other areas.

Read also: How to start nyama choma business in Kenya.  

How to Price Your Meat

Meat prices vary from one place to another depending on supply, time of year, and meat availability. Normally, beef meat costs between Ksh 350 and Ksh 450, depending on the location. Consider your location, meat supply price and other expenses. You can set the meat price at a 20% profit margin.

However, if you are in a high-end town, you can price your meat at Ksh 500 per kilogram. A kilo of a goat can go for Ksh 600. However, consider your competitors' prices.

For business consultancy, strategic planning, organizational development, market research, financial management & accounting, risk management and business plan writing at an affordable fee, please reach out to us through a phone call 0728 621 138 , WhatsApp , or email: [email protected]

Is Butchery Business Profitable in Kenya?

Yes. Assuming you are buying meat from a supplier at Ksh 350 per kilo and selling it at Ksh 500, you will be making a profit of Ksh 150. If you can sell 100 kilograms in a day, you will have made a profit of Ksh 15,000. In a month, you will make a profit of Ksh 30,000.

You can increase your profits by selling bones for soup, mutura and cooked meat. This way, you can earn more than Ksh 40,000 profit in a month. 

To succeed, you need to know how to run a butchery business in Kenya. Maintain hygiene by ensuring that your coat is clean and that you wash your hands before serving a customer. The meat business in Kenya is one of the most profitable ventures . The demand for nyama choma makes it one of the best startups. I hope you now know how to start a butchery in Kenya. 

• How to start yougurt business in Kenya
• How to start a fast food business in Kenya
• How to start a potato chips business in Kenya
• How to start a green grocery store in Kenya

Get in touch

For business consultancy, business plan writing, market research, strategic planning, risk management, financial management & accounting at an affordable fee, please reach out to us through:

• [email protected]
• +254 728 621 138
• 1503 -01000, Thika KIBS Plaza, Thika

• Mega Menu Categories
• Business Ideas
• Business Idea Alerts
• All Categories

• Side Hustles

How to Start a Butchery Business in Kenya [Complete 2024 Guide]

This is a definitive guide to starting a profitable butchery business in Kenya. We will be going through the exact steps you need to start a butchery in Kenya. You will learn everything from requirements, profitability, cost, equipment, shop design, and supplier selection, to pricing.

We will also cover some tips you can use to improve your meat sales and the challenges you should expect to face.

By the end of this guide, you should be able to comfortably start and run a profitable meat business in Kenya.

Let me write your business plan...

Not sure where to start your business and need a detailed roadmap? Looking to take your business to the next level? Do you need a well-crafted business plan that can guide your growth and set you on the path to success?

We charge from:

Tap the button below to chat on WhatsApp or call 0713140158.

Let’s get started.

Let me write your butchery business plan…

Not sure where to start your butchery business and need a detailed roadmap? Looking to take your business to the next level? Do you need a well-crafted business plan that can guide your growth and set you on the path to success?

Contact us for more info.

Tap the button below to chat on WhatsApp (0741437763) or call 0713140158.

Overview of the Butchery Business in Kenya

Roughly 24 million people in Kenya consume meat products every year. The demand for meat products in the country has been estimated at 43 thousand metric tons annually. In fact, according to reports, the demand for meat products is higher than supply. 1

To put this into perspective, the average Kenyan consumes 15kgs of meat annually, with Nairobi residents eating two kilos more than the rest of the country, according to the Kenya Markets Trust. Other findings indicate that most Kenyan families eat meat once a week.efn_note]The Star, Most Kenyans eat meat once a week, says new report [/efn_note]

To meet this demand, Kenya’s meat production has been growing at an average rate of 3% since 1971. For instance, in 2020, Kenya produced 592,858 tons of beef.efn_note]Statista, Total production volume of meat in Kenya from 2010 to 2020 [/efn_note] That is almost 600 million kilograms of meat.

Given that the average price of 1kg of meat in Kenya is KSh500, it means that the country produced meat worth almost KSh 3 billion in 2020 alone.

This means that Kenya has the potential to become East Africa’s meat hub, particularly the Eastern region which produces beef from dairy cattle and goats that are reared in large numbers. All this proves that starting a butchery business can be a profitable venture if you have the right strategy.

Key Stats From Statista on Kenya’s Meat Market 2

• Revenue in the Meat market amounts to US$9,175.00m in 2023. The market is expected to grow annually by 10.59% (CAGR 2023-2028).
• In global comparison, most revenue is generated in China (US$260.40bn in 2023).
• In relation to total population figures, per person revenues of US$159.70 are generated in 2023.
• In the Meat market, volume is expected to amount to 1,457.00m kg by 2028. The Meat market is expected to show a volume growth of 6.0% in 2024.
• The average volume per person in the Meat market is expected to amount to 19.58kg in 2023.

Is a Butchery Business in Kenya Profitable?

Yes, the butchery business in Kenya is profitable. The industry has high profit margins, as it buys livestock cheaply from farmers and sells the end product at a higher price to customers.

This business does not require much capital to set up and you are likely to make a good profit if you have a reliable customer base and a good location .

However, due to low barriers to entry to the business, there is stiff competition from small and big players in the market.

As a result, smaller businesses are forced to improve their products and services to stay ahead of the competition.

What Do You Need to Start a Butchery Business in Kenya?

To start a butchery business, you need to have the necessary funding, equipment, permits, licenses, and a good location for your business. You also need access to capital for expansion and knowledge of how to run a successful business in an industry with stiff competition.

Butcheries are mostly run from informal settlements and, therefore, require little initial investment. However, they face the challenge of finding a stable source of raw materials and demand for their products.

For this reason, you need to find a location in a good area with an established market.

How Much Does it Cost to Start a Butchery Business in Kenya?

The cost of starting a butcher shop in Kenya can vary from as low as KSh 20,000 to as high as KSh 1,000,000. There is no standard amount to quote because startup cost varies depending on such factors as the size of your butchery business, location, and the equipment you buy.

Of course, this is a tricky question to answer given that everyone has different starting points. While some people prefer starting a fully-fledged butchery business in Kenya, others might not have the financial muscles to do so.

So, to get a good idea of how much you will need to start a butchery business in Kenya, you will need to do a detailed breakdown of everything you intend to buy.

You should also include the amount for your initial stock and other overheads such as marketing, paying employees if any, slaughterhouse fees, transportation, and so on.

That said, here is a rough estimate of the cost of starting a butcher shop in Kenya, based on the location:

• Low Income Areas – KSh20,000 -KSh100,00
• Middle Income Areas – KSh100,000 – KSh500,000
• High Income Areas – KSh500,000 – KSh1,000,000

Steps to Starting a Small Butchery Business in Kenya

• Get the required capital
• Find a suitable location
• Come up with a business name
• Draft a Business plan
• Register your Business
• Buy the Necessary Equipment
• Set up Your Butchery
• Get a Good Supplier
• Hire staff if required
• Develop a marketing strategy
• Start Selling

Step 1: Get the Required Capital

In order to start a butchery, you will need some capital. Start by determining the amount of money you will require for the business and how you plan to get it.

Your sources of funds may include:

• Personal savings
• Loans from family and friends
• Personal bank or credit line
• Family trust fund/business trust
• Savings and loan association
• Venture capital
• Business development funds
• Funds from a partner

The amount of capital you need will depend on how much money you can afford to invest in the business. The return on investment (ROI) will vary from one business to another.

For example, a butchery requires equipment and extra items such as refrigerators, freezers, and tables for cutting up meat products for sale. It also needs space to store raw materials and work with meat.

If you are looking to run a large-scale butchery, it is recommended that you have at least KSh100,000.

This will help you cater for the initial overhead costs such as buying equipment, location rental, and salaries for your employees.

Otherwise, if you just need a small local butchery, you can start with as low as KSh 20,000.

READ FULL GUIDE:

How To Calculate Realistic Business Startup Costs [For Beginners]

Step 2: Find a Suitable Location

The business location should be near your target market. We recommended that you first assess the potential consumer base by finding out where they live or mostly eat.

You can do this by asking your friends and family members where they usually go for meat products.

Based on the information you have gathered about your target market, choose a location that is accessible to them.

Other factors to consider when choosing a business location include:

• Proximity to schools
• Proximity to public transport
• Proximity to potential suppliers of raw materials
• Availability of low-cost labor (if your business will require it)
• Availability of other butchery businesses
• In a nutshell, a good location for your butchery business in Kenya should:
• Be easily accessible
• Be in a clean surrounding
• Have a majority of people consume meat
• Be close or in a town or city
• Be near a suburb or big institutions
• Not have many other competing butchery businesses
• Be close to entertainment joints such as clubs where meat is largely consumed

10 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Business Location in Kenya

Step 3: Come Up With a Business Name

Once you have purchased the correct equipment and located a suitable location, it is time to come up with a name for your Butchery business.

Start by creating a business name 3 that will be easy to remember. You can choose to name your business after yourself, a family member, the place it is located, or any other suitable name.

If you intend to set up shop in a rural area, it is advisable that you select a business name that will be easily pronounced by the locals. This will help customers identify and locate your butchery business.

Choosing a good brand name might sound simple, but it is actually quite a serious matter.

• Your business name should be:
• Short and easy to pronounce
• Appropriate for butchery business
• Different from your competitors’ names
• Descriptive of what you do in order to generate interest among customers
• Not offensive

13 Tips to Come Up With An Insanely Catchy Business Name [Real Examples]

Step 4: Draft a Butchery Business Plan

To come up with a successful butchery business plan in Kenya, you will need to define your objectives, strategies, and the steps to achieve them.

For example, if you have decided that your target market is the low-income market in Kenya, then one of your goals should be to provide the best possible products at affordable prices. Your marketing strategy should target this market.

Your business plan should include all these elements plus a SWOT analysis 4 , which is an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses in your business as well as opportunities and threats that you might face in the future.

However, don’t go overboard and include every single detail in your business plan. Identify the information that is important and leave out the rest. A business plan is a flexible document and you can improve and tweak it as your business grows.

In a nutshell, you should focus on the following points in your butchery business plan:

• Your goals and objectives
• Your strategies to achieve the desired results.
• The SWOT analysis which is an assessment of your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
• A detailed budget projection
• Your research findings if you did a research

Step 5: Register Your Butchery Business

Once you have come up with a business plan, you will need to register your new butchery business.

To do this, you will have to follow the steps listed below:

• Choose a suitable name for your business
• Obtain a certificate of incorporation from the Registrar of Companies. This confirms that you are allowed to own a limited liability company in Kenya
• Apply for an operating license from your local authority
• Get a Kenyan tax identification number. This will help you file and pay the correct taxes.

At this point, consider whether it is worthwhile to offer franchise opportunities to prospective business partners. Franchisees will benefit from your established brand name and customer base while you get their support in running your business.

While at it, make sure to obtain the necessary certificates for food safety. To start a butchery business in Kenya, you will need to have certain certificates, permits, and licenses.

Some of the most common butchery business requirements in Kenya include:

• Food handling certificate
• Fire safety certificate
• Single business permit
• Public Health certificate

You should acquire these before you can start selling meat in your butchery business.

How to Quickly Register a Business in Kenya [The Right Way]

Step 6: Buy the Necessary Butchery Equipment

Before you can start your business, you will need to get the necessary butchery equipment in place.

Complete List of Butchery Equipment in Kenya and Their Prices

The specific equipment you need may vary depending on the scale and type of butchery business you run. You might not need most of these equipment in your butchery. Only start with what you need and add more equipment as the need arises.

You can choose to buy or lease the equipment you require for your business. Leasing is a convenient option because it allows you to negotiate a good deal on the equipment you want and it can also be prorated over the leasing period.

On the other hand, if you decide to buy equipment, then make sure that they are of high quality so that they will last long.

Finally, set a budget for buying equipment and stick to it. You might have to spend more than anticipated due to unforeseen circumstances, but try your best to avoid this and stick with the budget you created in your business plan.

Step 7: Set Up Your Butchery Shop

After getting the necessary equipment and registering your business, you can go ahead and set up your butchery shop.

It is important that you provide a clean environment that follows health regulations for preparing meat products.

So before you can open your doors to customers:

• Make sure that all surfaces in your shop are restored with fresh paint
• Check the state of your equipment such as refrigerators and ovens
• Clean all hoods
• Ensure that there’s sufficient lighting.

One of the most important things you will need to do at this step step is to design your butchery shop. There are different butchery designs in Kenya depending on the scale and type of butchery you have.

However, there are some general butchery shop designs in Kenya that apply to most meat businesses. If you need to learn more, make sure to check out our complete guide on designing a butchery shop in Kenya.

Butchery Shop Design [Complete 2024 Guide]

Step 8: Get a Good Meat Supplier

There are two ways you can acquire meat for your butchery business in Kenya:

• Work with a supplier
• Buy the cows/sheep/goats from the local farmers and slaughter yourself (from a designated slaughterhouse)

Working with a meat supplier

If you decide to work with a supplier, you will have an easier time since you won’t be slaughtering or paying other people to slaughter the animals for you.

When working with suppliers, it is important that you have a good relationship with them because they are critical to the success of your business. So before signing any agreements, determine if you can trust them and hold long-term relations with them.

Looking for a good supplier is crucial to the success of your butchery business. You should be able to get reliable suppliers from asking family and friends or from a referral in your community. If not, then you could try checking out the local butcheries in your area and asking for their recommendation.

Benefits of working with a supplier

• You do not have to worry about the logistics involved in slaughtering and transporting meat.
• Suppliers will deliver your meat products to your shop on a regular basis.
• You can also negotiate good prices with them since you buy their goods wholesale
• You can save time by not looking for the animals to slaughter yourself
• You get only the amount of meat you need to sell in a day. This reduces the chances of meat going bad
• You get already examined meat so you don’t have to pay for that yourself

Drawbacks of working with a supplier

• If you do not maintain good relations with your supplier, then they may fail to deliver meat products on time, so make sure that you have established an effective communication system so that there are no misunderstandings.
• Your supplier might also fail to deliver the number of meat products you ordered, so it is important that you have set out a minimum weight requirement for your meat products.
• Working with a supplier might also reduce your profit margins because the supplier will also be looking to make something.

Buying cows/Sheep or goats and slaughtering them yourself

You can choose to buy cows, sheep, or goats from the local farmers so that you can slaughter them yourself. While this is a good way of ensuring that you have enough meat products on a regular basis, it can be expensive.

For instance, if you are buying one cow or goat a week to supply your shop, then you will be forced to pay for the entire animal and not just the meat products since the suppliers of animals usually do not separate them.

On the other hand, buying the animals yourself might improve your profit margins as compared to buying the meat from your supplier.

In this case, it is important that you know what to look for so that your final product meets the standards of quality. For instance, when buying cows/sheep/goats yourself, check that the animals are healthy and safe for consumption.

There are also rules and laws to keep in mind if you decide to slaughter the animals yourself.

For instance, you will have to slaughter from a designated slaughterhouse/abattoir and not your business premise. Usually, there are people in the slaughterhouses who know how to do it better. All you have to do is take your animal to the slaughterhouse then pay the person who is slaughtering for a small fee.

You might also have to pay the slaughterhouse fee.

Your meat will also have to be inspected and approved by a public health professional before you can transport it to the butchery. You will also have to pay for this. Generally, all the fees combined are not that huge and you should be able to afford them comfortably.

Benefits of slaughtering the animals yourself

• You will be able to save some money and keep more of your profits since you do not have to share them with your supplier.
• You choose the animals yourself so that you can be sure of their quality.
• If you are a good negotiator, you can get a good deal for the animals.

Drawbacks of slaughtering the animals yourself

• You have to pay for your own transportation, which might reduce your profit margins.   
• You need to hire a person to slaughter the animals and this will cost money as well.   
• You will pay for inspection and approval of the meat, which might reduce your profit margins.
• Slaughtering yourself means you have a lot of meat that might go to waste if you cannot sell it all quickly.  Usually, meat start to go bad after two days if it is not well-preserved.

Step 9 : Hire Staff if Required

The number of staff you hire will depend on the size of your business and how many customers you get per day.

Staffing can be expensive and a lot of responsibilities fall on your shoulders initially as you have to train them, pay their wages, etc.

You need to ensure that you work closely with them so that they learn your vision and the kind of standards and ethics you want them to adhere to.

It is also a good idea to have a mentor who has been in the business for a long and who is willing to guide you when you are stuck.

Your staff might try to take advantage of you if they think that you don’t know what you’re doing, so make sure that your procedures are clear.

It is also important to note that your customers might not like seeing other people prepare their meat because it affects the perception they have of your business, so this food preparation should be done away from where you are serving customers.

In a nutshell, good stuff for your butchery business in Kenya should be:

• Always neat
• Knows how to work with butchery equipment
• Friendly with customers
• Good with math and money. Should be able to do calculations quickly
• Serious about their work
• Follow set guidelines
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures for a butchery business in Kenya
• Understands fire safety measures
• Be free of any contagious illness (all staff should be tested and given health certificate before starting work.

Step 10 : Develop a Marketing Strategy

To ensure that your butchery business thrives, you need to invest in a good marketing strategy.

This means that you should spend time coming up with the right market segmentation as well as a good positioning statement that describes what makes your business unique.

Then, develop a comprehensive marketing plan and implement it. Marketing is important because it will help you to know how your business is performing as well as attract new customers.

However, you don’t need to understand all the marketing jargon to do this.

The kind of marketing plan you come up with will depend on:

• The size of your butchery business
• Your budget
• The location of your business. Some areas will require more aggressive campaigns than others
• Whether you will be franchising or not

Ideally, your marketing strategy should be clearly reflected in your business plan.

But if you don’t plan on writing a detailed plan, here are some quick tips you can steal:

Some good marketing strategies include:

• Using social media to target people in your locality
• Using Google My Business to put your business on the local map
• Offer free products such as soup in exchange of buying meat
• Offer discounts depending on the market conditions
• Use word of mouth to let people know about your new business
• Post on relevant Facebook groups. For instance, if your business is in Nairobi you can post in Marketing groups targeting Nairobi people
• Develop a good relationship with your customers and ask them to recommend your business to friends and family
• Create banners about your business and how it can be accessed

One last thing; be always clean!

This is not a marketing strategy per see, but it is no secret that people will most likely buy meat from clean butcheries.

If you are untidy with a lot of flies in your shop, customers will run away and you will soon be out of business.

Step 11 : Decide on Pricing and Start Selling

Congratulations! You have successfully set up your own butchery. You have made a great start in the right direction to becoming a successful businessperson in Kenya.

Selling your meat will be challenging. Your prices should be competitive and you must also ensure that you offer good customer service with a smile. If you are passionate about what you do, customers might soon come to know about it.

It is important to note that there are no official regulations about pricing in the butchering industry. It is, however, advised to conduct market research before setting your prices. You can choose to sell your meat on a per kilo basis or by individual cuts and even offer wholesale options for better business opportunities.

The good thing is, meat prices in Kenya are mostly standard. This means that if a kilo of meat costs KSh 400, everyone will be selling at that price.

So, you don’t need to lower your prices to have a competitive edge.

On the other hand, you can’t raise your prices above the market price. This is not a manufactured product so other butchers will most likely have the same quality for the normal price. Customers will go to them instead.

Pricing for cooked meat or nyama choma

Although the price for raw meat will mostly be the same in most shops, you can set your own prices when it comes to nyama choma or cooked meat. This is because you have the chance to improve your quality here and be better than competitors.

For instance, you can serve your nyama with spices, salad, and other stuff that your competitors are not doing.

Once you have decided on your prices, you must make a clear list of what services you are offering and also when these will be available to your clients. Ensure that customers understand your service delivery timelines so that they know what to expect from you.

Challenges Faced by Butchery Business in Kenya and How to Overcome Them

Starting a butchery requires a lot of time and patience. You must make sure you have enough funds to keep the business going until it starts making profits.

The costs involved in setting up this type of business can be high, especially for those planning to open their businesses in cities like Nairobi or Mombasa. Also in order to succeed in the butchery business, you must be ready to face competition from existing businesses.

You will have to deal with some challenges when running a butchery, especially if you are starting on your own. This can be very discouraging and may make you give up at this point.

Some of the biggest challenges you might face when starting a butchery business include:

• Customers’ preferences, where customers might prefer buying from your competitors than you
• Seasonal changes. There are certain times when meat consumption goes down
• Strict competition
• High costs of running the business

The most important thing is to remain strong in the face of challenges. There are always solutions to problems, so be sure to seek them and do not give up easily. You might have some difficulties when you first start out, but if you work hard enough, you will soon reap the rewards.

Tips to Be Successful with a Butchery Business in Kenya

• Do your market research . This will give you a clear-cut idea of how to price your products and what the current market trends are
• Be passionate about what you do . It has been proven that customers can sense the passion for what you do which drives their loyalty to your business
• Have good customer service skills . Treat your customers with respect and be very helpful when you are able to offer professional advice
• Ensure regular stock replenishment so as to avoid running out of the best cuts
• Be a responsible business owner by having a well-thought-out waste disposal system in place that does not pollute the environment
• Always be clean . This can be the difference between people buying from you or your competitors.

Selling meat is a promising business opportunity for anyone who is willing to put the extra work into it. But it does not come without its challenges which are mostly related to competition, pricing, and sales skills.

However, if you have a good strategy, no problem will be too big for you to handle.

That said, here is what you should do now to start a butchery business in Kenya, the right way:

• Assess the market need for the product that you are offering
• Choose a good location for your butchery
• Decide on pricing and budgeting
• Get the correct permits from all the relevant government departments
• Buy equipment that will suit your business needs. This includes equipment for cooking, refrigeration, storage of raw materials, washing facilities etc.
• Buy your first stock of meat
• Hire staff members to help manage the day-to-day operations of your business as you grow.
• Ensure that all employees are trained before opening the doors for business
• Start selling! Provide good customer service and aim to delight your customers with your quality products
• Keep a close track of all expenses throughout the whole process. Make sure that you are not spending more than you make and plan for any unforeseen circumstances in advance.

Share this:

• The Exchange, Demand overwhelming Kenya’s meat supply
• Statista, Meat – Kenya
• Forbes, 12 Tips For Naming Your Startup Business
• Community Tool Box, Section 14. SWOT Analysis: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats

L.K. Nathans

I am a personal finance enthusiast and digital marketer. My work here is to help you navigate your financial journey and achieve your main money goals. Through Omoka Digital, I provide practical tips, strategies, and insights on budgeting, saving, investing, and debt management. My aim is to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to make informed financial decisions and improve your financial well-being.

Related Articles

7 Most Profitable Businesses to Start With 100K in Kenya [2024 Ideas]

How to Start a Profitable Cereals Business in Kenya [2024 Guide]

10 Worst Businesses to Start in Kenya [2024]

Leave your thought here cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Sending login info,please wait...

Sending info,please wait...

Sending register info,please wait...

• LATEST NEWS

How to start a butchery in Kenya, cost and profits

The cost of starting a butchery in Kenya ranges between Ksh 50,000 and Ksh 300,000 and it depends on location and rental costs. Butchery business is the most profitable businesses in Kenya. A simple butchery in small towns will cost approximately Ksh 70,000 to set up, the amount being the cost of rent, equipment, licenses and products to sell.

In a normal butchery, you’ll sell the following products:

• Chicken meat

Requirements to start butchery business in Kenya.

You need a license from your county, it costs Ksh 10,000 to ksh20, 000 per year. You also need clearance from the Ministry of Health.in total, you’ll spend about Ksh20,000 for licenses.

Items to buy for the butchery:

1. Refrigerator and freezers.

2. Meat slicer.

3. Butcher knives and their sharpeners such as files.

4. Tables to place the meat

5. Counters.

6. Protective clothing, gloves and guard.

7. Clean water

9. MPESA Till number

Before you set up a butchery, survey the area, check security, availability of water, source of meat and economic status of the area. You should also consider the rent you’ll be pay.

Butchery profits

The profits earned through a butchery are determined by location, rent and the economic status of the area. If you set up a butchery in a place like Kileleshwa Nairobi, you’ll pay monthly rent of Ksh20, 000 to Ksh50, 000 and make profits of Ksh 30,000 to Ksh 100,000 per month. One disadvantage about this area is that it’s not densely populated. In addition, the price of meat is not so high as compared to price of meat in areas like Pipeline (the difference should be huge to cover rental costs). When it comes to butchery business, it’s better to set it up in areas like Pipeline than in leafy suburbs like Runda.Furthermore,those people in leafy suburbs are keen on their health, they avoid red meat. They even prefer buying meat from supermarkets.

A big butchery in Nairobi CBD will generate profits of Ksh 80,000 to Ksh 500,000 per month .Generally, in Nairobi you’ll not make less than Ksh 30,000 per month from a butchery.

In other cities like Nakuru, Mombasa and Kisumu, you’ll also make upwards of Ksh20,000 per month depending on the size of the butchery.

If a butchery sells 2cows and at least 5 goats per day,it will make Ksh 2,000 to Ksh10,000 per day in profits.

While running a butchery, one challenge you’ll get is that the meat can spoil, leading to losses—which is why you need a refrigerator.

Butchery business will never incur losses unless the meat you are selling is not good. Always go for the highest quality of meat.

The best thing about butchery business is that you’ll have your own customers, those ones you know that they must come to your shop. Once you create a huge clientele, you’ll be registering huge profits.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Most profitable businesses to start in naivasha, money market fund kenya minimum investment, most profitable businesses to start in malindi, best profitable business to start with ksh 5,000 in kenya, booming and most profitable small businesses in kenya 2024/2025, amount of money you can make from bolt in kenya, latest posts.

Britam Insurance Kenya Funeral Cover

Best Pet Insurance cover in Kenya

Best banks for Diaspora Account in Kenya and account opening requirements

Cost of building a 4 storey building in Kenya

POPULAR POSTS

Ena Coach fare prices for each route 2023

Mitumba Bales Price list in Nairobi Gikomba(2023)

Best Business to start in Nakuru 2022/2023

Cost of constructing a perimeter wall in Kenya

Best Mobile Loan Apps in UAE that give instant cash

Where to get urgent loan of Ksh 10,000 to Ksh 30,000 in Kenya

How to start wines and spirits business in Kenya

Top 20 Richest Kalenjins in Kenya 2023/2024

TOP 30 BEST SCHOOLS FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEED IN KENYA

TOP 20 RICHEST CHURCHES IN KENYA

Best profitable business to start in Kenya with Ksh 1 million to Ksh5 million...

Unaitas Sacco types of loans and application requirements

Popular category.

• BANKING 534
• BUSINESS 418
• LATEST NEWS 203
• INSURANCE 124
• REAL ESTATE 76
• MORTGAGE 28

• Forex & Crypto
• Resources & Tools

How to Start a Butchery Business in Kenya – Guidelines

Make ksh.2,500 per day translating to ksh.62,500 per month..

• Choose a good location
• Identify favourable rent
• Build your butchery counter and display
• Keep reading for more...

Looking for a profitable business opportunity in Kenya? A butchery can be an extremely lucrative venture with relatively low startup costs. With just Ksh120,000 in initial capital, you can launch your successful butchery and quickly generate daily profits of Ksh2,500, translating to Ksh62,500 per month. The butcher shop industry enjoys stable demand as meat remains an essential grocery item, providing entrepreneurs with a reliable source of income.

If you want to join the thriving business of meat vending in Kenya, this comprehensive guide will walk you through all the steps of establishing and operating a first-rate butchery.

You’ll learn insider tips on securing the necessary licenses, finding a strategic location, equipping your shop, sourcing quality meat supplies, managing operations, and marketing your butchery. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can start and scale a butcher business that delivers the rewards of satisfied customers and maximized profits each day.

Below are the requirements you must fulfil to kickstart and run your business;

1. Choose a good location for your butchery business in Kenya

Location is paramount in any business. Regarding the butchery enterprise, a good market is usually found in either urban centres or places close to residential areas. At a Ksh.120,000 capital point, starting your butchery in the city is out of topic. You will have to locate your business near residential areas as rent and other tenant fees are quite affordable.

Make sure that your location has a lot of people. The location should be situated adjacent to a road so that people walking by can easily see your set-up.

Over 90% of Kenyans consume meat and therefore, maximizing on location will ensure you attract the right number of customers daily.

Are you struggling with finances? Learn how to save money even within a low salary budget here

2. Identify favourable rent

After choosing a good location, the next thing is to look for a suitable building where you will rent and establish your business. In this case, you will be looking for a rent margin between Ksh.5,000 to Ksh.8,000. Any more than this will mean that you will struggle to start your business because of the limited capital.

Make sure you occupy ground-floor rooms that are easily visible from afar. Customers rarely follow butcheries that are above the first floor.

Remember to clarify to your landlord that you want to start a butchery on his property. Misinformation may lead to you being kicked out of the building.

For rent, you will need to pay 3 months in advance, giving a total of Ksh.24,000. This will prevent your business from being closed down if profits fail to stream in as fast as anticipated.

3. Build your butchery counter and display

Building an attractive counter and display for your butchery can be very expensive if you don’t plan your finances well.  You should only invest up to 30% of your capital into building a nice counter and display. In this case, Ksh.26,000 to Ksh.36,000 will suffice.

Having a good display will enable your customers to see what you are selling. The counter on the other hand will enable you to place weighing machines, and cashboxes, alongside giving you a suitable place to serve your customers.

4. Paint and brand the place

In case the room you just rented isn’t properly designed or painted, you will need to repaint it. Customers value hygiene and therefore, removing any stains from the walls is really important. No one wants to see charcoal stains from the previous business on a butchery wall.

For branding, you will need to come up with a suitable name for your business. Consequently, you will need an attractive design and good images of the products you will be selling i.e. meat.

An appealing visual outlook goes a long way toward attracting customers. Branding makes customers trust you and in no time, you may beat the competition.

Stickers that help you with branding cost around Ksh.1,800.

5. Buy all important equipment

For a butchery, you will need cutlery, weighing scales, wrapping papers etc. Below is a list of the materials you may need and the average prices.

Where can you get a bone-saw machine in Kenya?

If you are looking forward to purchasing a bone saw instead of using a hand saw, you may opt to visit a Jiji for an online purchase. However, if you don’t trust online products, you can find them in local supermarkets such as Naivas, Walmart, etc.

A bone saw is usually priced at Ksh.25,000. You may choose a more expensive device if your funds allow it.

6. Purchase licenses for your butchery operation in Kenya

Before setting up the butchery, you’ll need to acquire the appropriate licenses and permits for operating a butchery in Kenya. Depending on your local government, you may need to obtain a business permit, food establishment license, health department inspection clearance, or other necessary documents before selling meat in the country. Additionally, you may also be required to register with any applicable industry organizations such as the Butchers Association of Kenya.

The fees for the above licenses vary from place to place. You should visit the nearest huduma centre for any direction you need in matters of obtaining licenses.

7. Purchase stock from certified suppliers

Purchasing meat can be hectic if you don’t find the right suppliers. Knowing the location of your local abattoir (slaughterhouse) may prove beneficial to you. From here, it is easy to know which meat supplier you should talk to.

You may opt to ask other butchery owners where they purchase their stock. More often than not, these owners will lie to you because you are trying to compete with them.

Make sure you buy meat from certified and reliable suppliers who offer the best prices. In Nairobi, suppliers are located in Nairobi City market, Kajiado or Dagoretti slaughterhouses.

Have a variety of stock to attract different customers. You can also opt to sell chicken meat.

Where do you store meat at the end of the day?

Meat is a very perishable commodity and therefore, many butchers purchase just enough meat to meet sale requirements (no pun intended).

However, there is no perfect formula for knowing how much meat you can sell per day. Therefore, you may opt for refrigeration, to keep the meat fresh.

8. Research prices and sell meat WITHIN that range

After purchasing your stock, you need to set prices that are favourable to both your customers and your competitors. Setting prices that are too low may aggravate your competitors and this may impact your business security.

Starting a butchery is a great way of gaining financial stability. With the right strategy, you will expand and in the long haul, end up a millionaire. All you have to do is follow the guidelines listed in this article and you will be in the right direction.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Sign me up for the newsletter!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address

Remember Me

How To Start A Butchery Business In Kenya & Succeed Easily

Starting a butchery business in Kenya is one of the best business ideas that has brought more good to the society at large. Many people like meat thus making butchery business more marketable than any other business.

Besides, butchery business creates an employment opportunity for many people therefore reducing unemployment rate in the country.

Butchery designs in Kenya are always unique and specified only for butcheries for easy location by the customers.

Without further ado, let me show you how to start a butchery business in Kenya:

1.Have capital for the start up.

2.Write down a butchery business plan in Kenya.

3.Locate a strategic place that targets many customers.

4.Find yourself a butchery  license in Kenya and other related  permits.

5.Rent a space.

6.Hire people who will help you run your butchery.

7.Find a trusted meat supplier.

8..Buy the necessary items such as meat,fridge,among others.

Ensure your butchery business plan Kenya is tactical as this is the key for a successful butchery business.

Perhaps you are wondering how much do I need to start a butchery in Kenya. You need a minimum of Ksh.50,000 to start your butchery business in Kenya. This will cater for a lot of things for the start.

Profitability Of Butchery Business In Kenya

So, how profitable is a butchery business in Kenya? Butchery Business is highly profitable since they work in a “buy at a lower price and sell at a higher price” thus earning a higher percentage of profits.

Equipment Needed To Start A Butchery

Variety of things are needed to ensure smooth running of your butchery. They include:

1. Refrigerator and freezers.

2. Meat slicer.

3. Butcher knives and their sharpeners such as files.

5. Counters.

6. Protective clothing, gloves and guard.

7. Source of clean water.

In summary, butchery business is the best as it brings more advantages to both an individual and society. Also, to earn more profits continue investing more money in it.

Kenyans Consult

At Kenyans Consult, we are proud Kenyan writers. We write anything that pertains to Kenya and is worth sharing. We hope to share more about Kenya with the world through our writing. Check our articles to learn more about Kenya.

Recent Posts

Newcastle vs Arsenal: Clash of Titans - Live Stream, Team News, and More

In an electrifying face-off at St. James' Park, Newcastle United braces itself to challenge the unstoppable Arsenal this Saturday at 1:30pm ET. The Premier League battle promises intense action and...

Government Spokesman Office Finds New Home at the Presidency

In a groundbreaking move that heralds a new era for government communication, the office of the government spokesperson has been relocated from the Ministry of Information, Communication, and the...

How to Start a Butcher Business in Kenya

By Bizhack Editorial

Last updated on March 2nd, 2024 at 05:44 pm

So you want to start a butcher business in Kenya, right?

Starting a business is just not that easy, and it’s especially difficult to start a business in a new industry you no clue about.

But with the right planning and execution, you can make your butcher business a success.

There are a few things you need to do in order to get started.

First, you need to research the industry and figure out what the competition is like.

Then, you need to come up with a business plan and funding strategy. Once that’s done, you need to get the necessary licenses and permits from the government.

And finally, you need to find a location and set up your shop.

If you can do all that, then you’re ready to start your butcher business in Kenya!

What Is a Butcher Business?

A butcher business is a retail store that sells meat and meat products. The most common type of butcher business is a grocery store that specializes in fresh meat.

Butchers may also sell frozen meat, deli meats, and processed meat products.

So if you’re thinking of starting a butcher business in Kenya, there are a few things you need to know.

You’ll need to decide what type of butcher business you want to operate, and you’ll need to get the necessary licenses and permits from the government.

You’ll also need to stock your store with enough meat to meet the needs of your customers.

Requirements for Setting Up the Business in Kenya

You will need the following to set up a butcher business in Kenya:

• A valid trade license
• Registration with the Kenya Meat Commission
• Membership with a relevant trade association
• Premises with a slaughter area and cold room
• Slaughter equipment
• A meat cutting machine
• Refrigeration units
• Warehousing and storage facilities
• Transport for your meat products
• Weighing machine

Cost of the Butcher Business in Kenya

Starting a butcher business isn’t going to be cheap. You’ll need to invest in a good quality meat slicer, scales, knives and other basic equipment. You’ll also need to find a good supplier of meat and poultry who can offer you a good price on wholesale goods.

Another important cost is that of premises. You’ll need a shopfront where customers can come to buy meat, and you’ll also need space to store supplies and prepare the meat for sale. Rent for commercial premises in Kenya can be expensive, so make sure you have a solid business plan in place before you commit to any rental agreements.

Key Considerations When Starting a Butcher Business in Kenya

Once you have your business plan in place and you’re ready to take the plunge, there are a few key considerations that you should keep in mind.

Firstly, consider the cost of setting up a butcher business in Kenya. You’ll need to invest in some essential equipment such as scales, knives, saws and refrigeration units.

You may also need to apply for a license from the Kenya Meat Commission, which regulates slaughterhouses and meat production.

Secondly, think about the location for your business. It’s important to select a spot that is easily accessible for customers and makes sense based on the size of your operation.

Some other factors to consider include parking availability and potential competitors in the vicinity.

Thirdly, consider how you will source your products. Investigate local suppliers who can provide you with quality ingredients at competitive prices.

Because a reliable supply chain will ensure that you don’t lose out on sales due to stock shortages or poor quality control.

Finally, it’s essential that you practice good hygiene standards when operating a butcher shop.

This means regularly sanitizing equipment, wearing suitable protective clothing such as gloves or aprons and following food safety regulations at all times.

Doing so will help protect both your own health and the health of your customers.

Different Types of Meat Available for Sale

Now that you understand the basics of starting a butcher business in Kenya, you need to familiarize yourself with the different kinds of meat that are available for sale.

There are different cuts and options, including beef, lamb, pork, and chicken. Depending on where you live in Kenya, there are also specialty meats like game and fish available for purchase.

Beef is usually sold in parts from the cow such as ribs, round cuts, brisket, stew meat and sirloin steaks.

Lamb is usually sold as chops (shoulder or loin), shanks and leg roasts. Pork is usually sold as chops (thick or thin), shoulders and especially bacon.

Chicken is normally sold whole or in parts such as wings and drumsticks.

Lastly if you have access to game meats such as antelope and crocodile these can be included on your menu.

No matter what kind of meat selection you offer to your customers, be sure to get your products from reputable vendors who have a track record of quality meat products.

This will ensure that your customers will always be satisfied with the quality of the products they receive from your business.

Tips on Success for a Butcher Business in Kenya

When you’re starting a butcher business in Kenya, there are a few tips to consider to help ensure your success.

First, make sure you have the right licensing and permits. This is essential for any business, but especially if you’re handling meat.

The laws and regulations will vary by region, so make sure you understand what is required for operation in your area before getting started.

Second, find reliable suppliers of good quality meat. This will help ensure the quality of your products and provide customers with an enjoyable experience when they visit your business.

Third, always strive to exceed customer expectations. Quality service and excellent customer support can go a long way in building a loyal following among your customers.

Be sure to take their feedback into account and strive to provide the best possible experience for them each time they visit.

Lastly, keep your costs down by investing in efficient equipment like scale systems and refrigerators for storing meat products properly.

This will help you run a more efficient business, which can increase profits overall.

Starting a butcher business in Kenya is not as hard as it seems, but there are a few things you need to do in order to make sure your business is a success.

Following these tips we’ve outlined in this article and you’ll be on start and run a successful butcher business in Kenya.

READ ALSO ;

How to start nyama choma business

Don't Miss

How can the kenyan government help smes, how to start a real estate business in uganda, how to start an electronics business in uganda, simple ways to increase fuliza limit, list of linda mama hospitals in marsabit county, list of linda mama hospitals in nairobi county, list of linda mama hospitals in nyamira county.

How To Start A Successful Butchery Business In Kenya

Butchery is a business that involves the sale of meat. It can be done in many forms, from a small butcher shop to a large-scale operation. In Kenya, there are many butchers who sell their products at local markets and also online. If you intent to start this business, then this article will guide you on how to start a successful butchery business in Kenya.

There are six major steps that you should follow when starting a butchery business in Kenya that we shall look at. Here they are:

Step 1: Identify the Equipment You Will Need To Start A Butchery Business

Step 2: Identify the location you intent to start your business

Step 3: Come up with the budget estimates for your business

Step 4: Establish your supplier

Step 5: Get the necessary licenses and permits

Step 6: Determine the pricing of your meat

In Kenya, butchery is considered one of the most important businesses because it provides employment opportunities for many people in the country. Butchers are also trained to provide quality services to their customers since they know how to cut meat into different shapes and sizes.

Many people prefer buying meat from butchers than supermarkets because it is fresh and tastes better than what they can get at supermarkets. Moreover, butchers are cheaper than supermarkets and they offer affordable prices for their products.

Equipment You Will Need To Start A Butchery Business

The equipment you need to start a butchery business will depend on the type of products you intend to sell. If you plan on selling only beef, pork and chicken meat then you will not need any fancy tools. However, if you want to expand your business by selling other types of meat such as lamb or goat then additional equipment is required. The following are some of the basic tools needed for starting a butchery business:

Meat saw: You can use this tool to cut through bones and connective tissue in order to separate different cuts of meat from each other. Meat saws are available in different sizes, so make sure you choose the one that is suitable for your business. They are typically made from large wooden blocks.

Chopping Board: This is a must-have tool for any butcher shop. A chopping board can help you cut meat more efficiently and safely into small pieces.

Meat Hook: This is another important tool that helps butchers hang carcasses and pieces of meat from the ceiling or hooks in their shops. Meat hooks are available in different sizes so make sure you choose one that suits your purpose.

Weighing Scale: This is a tool that will help you determine the weight of your products and make sure that they are priced correctly. A weighing scale can be used to weigh different cuts of meat as well as other ingredients such as spices, vegetables, etc.

Cooling Equipment: Cooling equipment is a must-have if you want to sell fresh meat. It is important that the meat is kept at a temperature that will prevent it from spoiling. You can use cooling equipment like refrigerators, freezers or even ice baths to keep your products cool until they are sold.

Visible Counter: Visible Counter allow your customers to see what you have available for sale. It is important to have a visible counter so people can see the variety of products that you offer. If you don’t have one, customers may think that the products are limited and avoid buying from you.

Knives: Knives are one of the most important tools to have in a butcher shop. To cut meat and other ingredients, you will need at least one good sharp knife. It is important to keep your knives clean and dry so that they don’t rust or get damaged.

White Coat: A white coat is a good way to show that you are a professional butcher. It can also help you keep your clothes clean while working. Apron: An apron is another type of clothing that is essential in a butcher shop. It protects your clothes from getting stained with blood and other ingredients while cutting meat or vegetables.

Wrapping Material: Wrapping material is an item that you will need to wrap the meat after cutting it. The wrapping material can be plastic paper or even old newspapers. It depends on what type of butcher shop you are running and what type of customers you have.

Cleaning Material: Cleaning material is another essential item that you need to have in a butcher shop. It will help you clean the meat and other items that get stained with blood or other ingredients during cutting. You can use soap, water and other cleaning materials to keep your butcher shop clean.

Location of the Butchery Business

It is important to consider the location of your butchery business. It should be located in a place where there is a high concentration of people who are likely to buy meat products. The location can also be near residential areas to ensure that you have a steady supply of customers.

The location should be easily accessible by customers who can get there on foot or by public transport. If you are starting your butchery business from home, then you should make sure that it is close to major roads so that customers can easily find it.

The location should also be free from noise and air pollution and other distractions so that your customers can focus on their shopping experience without any distractions.

How Much Will You Need To Start A Butchery Business In Kenya?

The first thing to consider is your startup costs. This includes fees for licenses and permits, as well as equipment and supplies. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of the stock, which will vary depending on what kind of meat you plan to sell.

If you have all that squared away, it’s time to think about operating costs including labor, utilities, and rent payments. You’ll also have to estimate how much you’ll spend on advertising and promotion each month if you are planning to do so, as well as how much profit margin you want from each sale.

I went ahead and talked to various butchers concerning their initial capital. I talked to both small butchers as well as big butchers. on average for a small butcher shop you will need between Ksh.150,000 to Ksh,200,000 . On the other hand, you will need anything between Ksh.400,000 to Ksh 1 Million for a large scale butchery business as the initial capital.

Establish Your Supplier

The first step to starting a business is to establish your supplier. A butcher needs to make sure that he or she has a good stock of meat available at all times. In Kenya, the best place to get meat is from the slaughter house. This is where the slaughtering happens and where you will find the best quality meat. Alternatively there are various meet suppliers you can partner with who will ensure steady supply of meat to your butcher.

Get The Necessary Licenses And Permits

Before you get started, make sure you’re in compliance with all local and state regulations. You’ll need to get a permit for your business, as well as an establishment license. In addition, make sure you have the appropriate health permits for your products and premises.

In Kenya, butchery is a licensed business. You can’t just go around opening up shop without the proper licenses and permits.

Here’s what you need in order to start your own butcher shop:

1. A license from your local municipality

2. A health permit from the Ministry of Health for you and your employees

3. A trade license from the Kenya Revenue Authority

Pricing Of Your Meat

The market dictates the price of the meat per KG. To get pricing estimates for your butchery, visit butcheries around the place you are interested in setting up a butchery business. This will help you determine the cost of meat you intent to sell. In most parts of Kenya like Nairobi, Nakuru, Mombasa, Kakamega, Eldoret and Kisumu, a kilo of beef retails from Kshs.360- Kshs.450 while goat meat rages from Ksh.400- Kshs.500.

If you sell cooked meat whether, boiled, fried or roasted meat, you will make more profits when served with ugali, rice, chapatis or boiled potatoes. In most cases, most butcheries sell the meat in smaller portions of ¼, ½ or ¾.

If you are interested in starting a butcher shop, it is important to have the right business plan. The meat business is not an easy one but if you follow all the tips above, you will definitely succeed. The butchery business can be a profitable venture if you do the research, plan well and have the right mindset. It is also important to note that this business does not require any specific qualification or experience.

• How to Start a Successful Eatery or Hotel Business in Kenya
• How To Run a Successful Fruit Vending Business in Kenya

20 Most Profitable Businesses To Start In Kenya

• Agribusiness: Watermelon Farming In Kenya
• Where to find rabbit meat market in Kenya

Buy and sell anything for free on the biggest free online marketplace in Kenya.Visit SokoPlus.co.ke

• How Bloggers Have Found Ways To Generate More Income
• How to Start a Popcorn Business in Kenya The Right Way

You May Also Like

10 Best Banks In Australia

Bobi wine forced to end interview with jeff kionange prematurely as soldiers storm his compound.

How To Start A Profitable Butchery Business In Kenya – Butchery Business Ideas

Meat consumption in Kenya has seen a high increase over the years and in today’s guide, we shall show you how to start a profitable butchery business in Kenya.

Looking at the rate at which people eat meat every day, there is a huge potential in selling meat to make a profit.

For that reason, if you need good business ideas in Kenya, you must consider the butchery business.

in today’s episode of business ideas in Africa, we shall show you how to start a profitable butchery business in Kenya.

Table of Contents

Factors To Consider Before Opening A Butchery Enterprise

The location of the business – The location of a business is a very important factor. The location of a butchery business where there is a high population, it is easier to make profits out of it. Your business location should be areas with traffic, near shopping centers, or outside malls and supermarkets.

Have a supplier – Ensure to have a regular supplier to maintain the quality of your meat.

Pricing of the meat – The pricing of the meat will depend on the location of the business, size, and standard of your business.

Enough capital for the butchery business – The capital of the butchery business will depend on the size and standard of the business.

Get a legal license for the butchery business – You must ensure you have legal approval to operate your butchery business.

Types Of Licenses You Need Before Starting Butchery Business In Kenya

Below are the licenses needed to operate a butchery business in kenya:.

• The food-handling certificate, which goes for around Ksh 600 valid for six (6) months.
• Fire safety certificate, which is Ksh 3000 paid yearly.
• Single business permit. The amount varies with the area you operate your business. It varies from county to county.

Things You Need To Start A Profitable Butchery Business In Kenya

The following are the equipment you need to start a profitable butchery business in Kenya:

• Sharp knives
• Butchery hooks
• Cleaning materials
• Wrapping materials
• Butchery coat
• Initial stock
• Cutting block
• Weighing scale
• Display counter
• Business license

How Much Does Cost To Start A Butchery Business In Kenya

A butchery business will cost a person Ksh ranging from Ksh 50,000 to one million shillings.

It all mainly depends on your location and the size of the butchery business you want to start.

How Do I Start A Small Butchery Business In Kenya

1. Do market research from the available butchery business in the market

2. Make sure to have a solid business plan

3. Locate a place or premise where there is a gap or traffic

4. Look for the equipment required for starting the business butchery

5. Only have one supplier

6. Have the operating licenses

Is The Butchery Enterprise Profitable

A butchery business is highly profitable in Kenya. Butchery business has become one of the businesses that have helped lots of people earn a living through it.

How Do I Make The Business A Success

Maintain proper hygiene always – Cleanliness matters to a bunch of Kenyan. Something clean is always pleasing and attractive.

Ensure good pricing at all costs – The pricing of your meat will always bring customers to the premises.

Diversify on the kinds of meat if possible – Diversification will give customers a variety to choose from.

Have one supplier to ensure the continuous quality of meat.

Work towards ensuring customer satisfaction

That is all we have for you today in this guide.

[display-posts]

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• CELEBRITY GOSSIP
• CUSTOMER SERVICE CONTACTS

How To Start Butchery Business in Kenya Guide

It’s no longer a big puzzle that butchery business is quite valuable. But, is butchery business for you? How much do you need to start a butchery venture? What paperwork, licensing, and equipment do you need for your butchery business in Kenya?

According to a recent study, the cost of starting a butchery business in Kenya varies depending on the size of the butchery and the location you choose. Either way, experts recommend that you situate your butchery in a strategic location with high foot traffic and many potential customers.

Continue reading this guide to get the lowdown on how to start a butchery business in Kenya.

Budget: How Much Do I Need To Start A Butchery Business In Kenya?

Again, two factors will help you determine how much capital you’ll need to get your butchery off the ground. The first is the location of your butchery. And the second is the size and space of your shop/site. Ideally, a small butchery should cost as little as KES 30,000 to start.

However, a small to medium size butchery business located in a low-income area like Mathare, Kibera, or rural areas should set you back around KES 100,000. Remember this is a ballpark figure, and the actual amount can be higher or lower depending on your customer base.

For a medium butchery in a middle-income area, you will need between KES 200,000 and KES 500,000 to start the business. Here, we are talking about a butchery located in so-so towns like Nakuru, Eldoret, Kisumu, and Nyeri, as well as middle-class neighborhoods and estates like Buru Buru, Donholm, Embakasi, Ngong Road, Huruma, Pipeline, Syokimau, Kitengela, and Langáta, just to mention a few.

A butchery business nestled in an affluent neighborhood or high-income areas will require even more capital, in the region of KES 500,000 to KES 1 million. As you might expect, this applies to butcheries located in Hurlingham, Kileleshwa, Kilimani, Karen, Kitisuru , and other affluent suburbs, malls, and high-end shopping centers.

Getting the Location Right

Where you install your butchery can make or break your business venture. Generally, you want your butchery to be situated in a busy, densely populated area. Your shop should be easy to see and walk to. For drive-in customers, ensure that your shop area has ample, secure parking. Whatever the case, make sure that you stay away from dirty sites.

The best places to set up your butchery shop should be in a residential area center or close to a supermarket, bus stop, market, or other areas that experience high foot traffic. As soon as you pinpoint the perfect location, be ready to swoop in, renovate, and brand the space.

ALSO, READ – Fuliza Loan Charges

What do I Need to Start a Butchery Business in Kenya?

To get your butchery business off the ground, you will need to invest, rent, or buy the following:

• Display Counter: Bring in a good contractor to install a display counter for your meat. This way, customers can catch a glimpse of your awesome meats from afar. It should be made from easy-to-clean materials, including window glass, aluminum top, and perhaps wood.
• Weighing Scale (and Weights): It’s now trendy and fashionable to have a digital weight scale for your butchery. If you don’t have a big budget, you can still go for a manual weighing scale which can set you back around KES 5,000. A digital scale, on the other hand, will cost between KES 15,000 and KES 30,000.
• Fridge or Deep Freezer: Meat is perishable. That’s why you need to have a sizeable freezer or fridge to keep your stock fresh overnight. The last thing is to have over 100 kgs of meat spoiled.
• Knives and Meat Cleavers: Ordinary knives will not do well in your butchery. Invest in quality butcher knives and meat cleavers to make your work easier.
• Wrapping Material: You’ll need to buy plenty of wrapping paper
• Others: If you can’t afford a meat cleaver, buy a panga, as well as cleaning equipment, detergents, and white butcher’s coat.

Meat Supply: Where can I get Meat for my Butchery Business in Kenya?

If you intend to set up your butchery in or around the Nairobi area, you have several options for sourcing quality meat. Most butchery owners get their meat from City Market, especially those located within CBD. Other Nairobi-based butcheries get their meat supply from slaughterhouses in Kajiado, Njiru, and Dagoretti. Just do a little research, and find the nearest slaughterhouse to your butchery.

A kg of beef in Nairobi slaughterhouses go for between KES 250 and KES 320 depending on their location, season, and type of meat. Goat meat is usually supplied at no less than KES 320 per kilo.

What Licenses Do I Need for my Butchery Business in Kenya?

Food and Hygiene license:  like all other businesses that deal with food and drinks in Kenya, a butchery requires food and hygiene licenses from your county government. It is often issued by the Public Health Department of the respective county.

County Business Permit:  This is a mandatory license that permits you to operate a business within your given county. Expect to pay between KES 5,000 and KES 20,000 for the permit depending on your location.

How to Price your Meat

The selling price of your meat depends on your location, size, and standard. If you’re a high-end butchery, you can expect to charge customers up to KES 2,000 per kg. Most butchery, however, price their meat per grams. You can also sell at different price points like KES 100, 200, 300, 500, 1,000, etc.

For most butchery owners, it’s all about value addition. You can sell your meat on-site as nyama choma, boiled or fried with rice, ugali, matoke, or other side dishes. This way, you can fetch better prices and sell more meat per day.

When all’s said and done, butchery business in Kenya is all about strategic location, being smart, and maintaining a high standard of hygiene.

Related Posts

Related articles more from author.

SEE the reason why most gambling companies are losing millions. Here are the trick gamblers have discovered on how to win everyday.

MTN sees decline in internet subscription over NIN-SIM compliance

👨🏿‍🚀TechCabal Daily – Mono’s master cards

Mono bids to reach profitability with new Mastercard partnership

Bybit, Kucoin energe winners after Binance restriction in Nigeria

YC selects Kenyan fintech startup, Triply as its latest African pick

Leave a reply cancel reply.

• PRIVACY POLICY
• Content Removal (DMCA)

Professor Luvisia Digital

Business Plan: Starting a Butchery Business in Kenya

In the heart of Kenya’s semi-rural setting, enterprising entrepreneurs can venture into the bustling business of butchery. This comprehensive business plan lays the groundwork for a successful venture with a small capital of Ksh 150,000. Every element has been thoroughly considered, from obtaining the appropriate permits and licenses to sourcing quality goods and outfitting your kiosk.

• Business Name: [Your Butchery Business Name]
• Location: [Specific Location]
• Capital: Ksh 150,000

Business Description

The butchery business aims to provide quality raw beef to residents in the semi-rural area. With a starting capital of Ksh 100,000, the business will focus on efficient operations and strategic sourcing to maximize profitability.

Business Objectives

• Provide fresh and quality beef to the community.
• Build a loyal customer base through exceptional service.
• Achieve profitability within the first year of operation.

Capital Breakdown

• Single User Business Permit – 10,000
• Public Health License – 3,000.
• Signboard License – 2, 500.
• Medical Certificate – 500.
• Knives, Axes, Chopping boards/logs, Hooks, Aprons – 5,000.
• Digital Weighing Scale – 10,000.
• Display – 7,000.
• Signboard 3,000
• Stock 25 kilograms at Ksh. 350 per kilogram – Ksh10,500
• Rent 2 months deposit + 1-month rent – Ksh 30,000
• Counter – 5,000
• Renovation and Remodeling Repainting and any branding – 15,000
• Salary 3 months at Ksh12,000 per month for one worker 36,000
• Electricity 3 months at Ksh.1500 per month 4,500.
• Miscellaneous 5,000.

Optional Mincer -15,000. Freezer – 40,000.

Choosing the Location

Selecting a strategic location is critical for the success of your butchery business. Consider factors like proximity to residential areas, accessibility, and visibility to attract potential customers.

Financial Projections

Profitability per kilogram.

Average Purchase Price: Ksh 350/kg

Selling Price: Ksh 550/kg

Profit per Kilogram: Ksh 200/kg

Daily Sales Estimate – Sales Target: 50 kg

Daily Profit: 50 kg * Ksh 200/kg = Ksh 10,000

Monthly and Yearly Projections

Monthly Profit (30 days): Ksh 10,000/day * 30 days = Ksh 300,000

Yearly Profit (365 days): Ksh 10,000/day * 365 days = Ksh 3,650,000

How to Improving Profits

• Diversify Products – Introduce value-added products like sausages or marinated cuts to increase sales and profit margins.
• Customer Loyalty Programs – Offer discounts or loyalty cards to retain and reward regular customers.
• Supplier Negotiation – Build strong relationships with suppliers to secure better prices and terms.
• Effective Marketing – Utilize social media, local advertising, and promotions to attract a wider customer base.

1. Steady Demand – Meat is a staple in most households, ensuring a consistent customer base.

2. Low Entry Barriers – Can start with modest capital and scale up as profits grow.

3. Community Integration – Build strong relationships with local residents, enhancing customer loyalty.

• Seasonal Demand -Address fluctuating demand by diversifying product offerings or adjusting stock levels accordingly.
• Competition – Stay competitive by offering quality products, excellent service, and competitive pricing.
• Regulatory Compliance – Keep up-to-date with health and safety regulations to avoid fines or closure.

Do you have any business ideas in mind and you would like to get a personalized business plan? Kindly email me at profluvisiadigital.co.ke/ [email protected] or WhatsApp +254792642469. I charge Ksh 10,000 for a business plan.

Share this:

Leave a reply cancel reply, discover more from professor luvisia digital.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

How to Start a Butchery Business in Kenya

So you want to start a butchery business in Kenya? Well, you have a wonderful plan since butchery is one of the profitable business ideas in Kenya . However, you must know what it takes to be a successful butchery businessperson. As a result, we have compiled this guide on how to start a butchery business in Kenya to make your work easy.

To start a butchery business in Kenya, you need enough starting capital, a butchery business plan, a suitable location, and the necessary licenses and permits. With these necessities at hand, you’re ready to go as no one will come to disturb you.

In the rest of this article, I’ll guide you through everything you need to start a butchery business in Kenya, including the capital. I’ll also talk about how to choose the right location for the business. Keep reading to learn all these!

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Start a Butchery Business in Kenya

To start and run a successful butchery business in Kenya, you must follow the following steps.

Raise Capital 

The start-up cost of this venture is based on the site and size of your butchery. These two factors will determine the amount of money you’ll need to get your butchery off the ground.  

A small seized butchery in a low-income area will cost you between Ksh. 25,000 and Ksh. 50,000 . A medium-sized butchery in a middle-sized area will cost you between Ksh. 75000 and Ksh. 100,000, and a large butchery in a high-income area will cost you Ksh. 200,000 and above.

Butcheries in affluent places will demand you to spend a lot of money on decor and other amenities to attract more customers. While in a low-income location, you only require the necessities. 

Also, you can cut down the budget by not having a freezer if you reduce your stock to only what customers demand.

Related: Profitable Businesses to Start in Rural Areas in Kenya

Write a Butchery Business Plan

To start a successful butchery business, you should define your strategies, goals, and steps to accomplish them. For instance, if you choose a low-income area, one of your objectives should be to offer the best products at reasonable costs. Your marketing strategies should focus on this market.

Your business plan should comprise all these factors and a SWOT analysis, which is an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses in your business and the opportunities and threats you may encounter in the future. 

However, you should not overdo it and include every detail in your business plan. Identify the essential details and leave the rest. A business plan is a flexible document you can update and modify as your business expands.  

Identify a Suitable Location

You can’t start a business anywhere simply because you’ve got a business idea. Where you set up your butchery can make or break your business venture. Knowing the kind of people in a certain area will help you understand what they want.

For instance, you can’t set up a pork butchery business in a location where more than half of the population is Muslim. You should locate your butchery business in a high populated and busy area.

Your butchery should be easy to see and access. A suitable place to set up a butchery business should be along a market, near supermarkets or shopping centers, on busy streets, or in any other area with significant pedestrian traffic.

You should have enough parking areas and a clean environment for a large butchery to attract more customers.  

Create a Business Name 

Once you’ve identified a suitable location, it’s time to develop a business name for your butchery.  Create a name that will be easy to remember. You may opt to name it after yourself, a family member, the location where it’s situated, or any other appropriate name. 

If you want to open a shop in a rural area, it’s recommendable to choose a name that the locals can easily pronounce. This will enable customers to identify and locate your butchery with ease. Selecting a brand name may sound simple, but it’s quite a serious matter. Your business name should be:

• Different from your competitor’s name
• Suitable for butchery business
• Short and easy to pronounce
• Memorable 
• Not offensive
• Clarifying what you do to attract customers.    

Acquire Necessary Licence and Permits 

To run a butchery business legally in Kenya; you must have a business permit. You’ll need to apply for a single business permit . The cost differs depending on your county. To apply, visit the e-citizen portal . The application costs Ksh. 200.

The permit also varies depending on the number of employees you intend to have. For a medium-sized business, the permit costs Ksh. 10,000 and caters to 5-20 employees. While for a large-sized business, the permit costs Ksh. 20,000 and caters to 21-50 employees.

Besides the single business permit, you’ll also require the following licenses;

Food Handling Certificate.

The certificate costs Ksh. 600, and you should renew it after six months.

Health Certificate/Public Health License

You can obtain the license from your local public health offices. Individuals handling meat must have a medical certificate. The medical certificate costs around Ksh. 500, and you can get it from your local hospitals.  

Fire Safety Certificate 

The certificate costs Ksh.3,000, and it’s renewed annually.

Identify a Reliable Meat Supplier

There are two ways you can get meat for your butchery. 

• Get a supplier
• Buy sheep, goats, or cows and slaughter them yourself( from an authorized slaughterhouse). 

Identifying a supplier.

If you opt to get a supplier, you’ll have an easy time as you won’t be slaughtering or hiring people to slaughter the animal for you. Working with a supplier requires you to have good relations with them since they are essential to your business’s success.

Therefore before signing any contract, consider whether you can trust them and maintain a long-term relationship with them.  Getting a good supplier is very critical to your butchery business success. Hence you should look for a reputable supplier.

Shop around before settling for any supplier, ask your friends and relatives or get referrals from your community. If not, you can try asking local butcheries for recommendations.

Advantages of a supplier

• Supplier will always deliver meat to your butchery regularly.
• You can negotiate prices with them since you purchase their goods wholesale.
• You only get the amount of meat you need to sell in a day, reducing the chances of meat going bad.
• You won’t have to worry about the practicalities of slaughtering the meat.
• You save time by not having to look for animals to slaughter.
• You receive already checked meat; therefore, you won’t incur the cost for that.

Disadvantages of a Supplier

• If you fail to maintain a good relationship with your supplier, they may not supply the meat on time, so ensure you have a proper communication system to avoid  misunderstanding. 
• Working with a supplier may lower your returns since they’ll also be looking to earn something.
• Your supplier may not supply the quantity you ordered;  hence setting a minimum weight requirement for your meat is essential. 

Buying Sheep, Goats, or Cows and Slaughtering for Yourself   

You may opt to purchase the animals from local farmers and slaughter them for yourself. Although it’s an ideal way of ensuring you’ve adequate meat regularly, it can be costly.

For example, if you’re purchasing one goat weekly to supply your butchery, you’ll be required to pay for the whole animal, not just the meat, as the animal supplier normally doesn’t separate them.

In such a situation, knowing what to look for is essential to ensuring your final products meet the quality standards. For example, confirm the animals are safe and healthy for human consumption when purchasing.

Additionally, there are rules and regulations to bear in mind if you opt to slaughter the animals for yourself. For example, you’ll have to slaughter from an authorized slaughterhouse, not your business premises.

Normally there are people in the slaughterhouse who knows how to do it better. You only need to take your animal to the slaughterhouse and pay a person who will do it a small fee. Also, you may be required to pay the slaughterhouse fee.

A public health professional will also inspect and approve your meat before you take it to the butchery. You’ll also be required to pay for it. However, the total cost combined isn’t that high, and you can manage to pay them comfortably.

Advantages of Slaughtering For Yourself

• Since you select the animal yourself, you are sure of its quality.
• Since you won’t have to share your profits with suppliers, you’ll be able to save more money. 
• If you’re a good negotiator, you may obtain a reasonable price for the animals.

Disadvantages Of Slaughtering For Yourself

• You’ll be required to pay someone to slaughter the animal, which is an extra cost.
• You’ll pay transportation costs, which may lower your returns
• Slaughtering for yourself implies you’ll have a lot of meat that may go to waste if you don’t sell it immediately. If not properly kept, meat goes bad in two days. 
• You’ll have to pay for meat inspection and approval, which may reduce your returns.

Get the Necessary Butchery Equipment

Before starting the butchery business; you must have the necessary equipment. You may opt to buy or lease the required equipment. Leasing is an ideal alternative since it allows you to bargain for a fair price on the equipment you need, and you can also prorate the cost over the leasing duration. 

If you opt to purchase equipment, ensure they are of high quality so they will last longer. 

Equipment Needed to Start Butchery Business

The following are equipment that you must have while opening a butchery business in Kenya.

Butchery Design In Kenya

Butchery designs in Kenya are always unique and designed solely for butcheries for convenient locations by the customer.

Meat Pricing 

Meat prices differ from one place to the other depending on the time of the year, supply price, and meat availability. The beef meat usually costs from Ksh.350 to Ksh.450, depending on the location.

While pricing, consider the meat supply price, your location, and other miscellaneous. You can set the meat price to make a 20% profit.  You can sell your meat at Ksh 500 per kg if your butchery is in a high-end town. One kg of goat meat can go upto Ksh 600. However, you should consider the price of your competitors.   

Bottom Line 

A Butchery business is among the most lucrative ventures in Kenya. The high demand for Nyama choma places it among the top startups. To be successful in this venture, you must learn how to operate a butchery business.

I hope this guide on how to start a butchery business in Kenya has come in handy to help you get started.

Latest posts

4 Reasons Men Boycott Valentine’s Day Celebrations in Kenya

Akil the MC Biography, Age, Real Name, Wife, and Family in 2024

10 Affordable Places to Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Nairobi 2024

How to Choose the Right Vehicle for Your Kenyan Safari in 2024

Two Rivers Cinema: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting

List Of Deserts in Kenya in 2024

Join the email club.

Advertisement

About Prolatest

Prolatest is a multi-niche blog and one of the leading publications in Kenya. Our mission is to share authentic and verified Kenyan news as well as informational content on health, travel, finance, and more.

Let’s keep in touch, pick your favorite social platform!

• JOIN BIZNA CLUB
• AGRIBUSINESS
• SAVINGS & INVESTMENT
• REAL ESTATE
• PAID CONTENT

6 steps to opening a butchery in Kenya

BY ELLY GITAU 

Like with any other business, you’ll need some money to set up a butchery. According to Paul Mwangi, the owner and proprietor of Kwality Hotel & Butchery, for a basic outlet, you will need a minimum of Sh50,000. “Going by how you want your premises to look like when starting, make sure you have enough money to cater for the basic needs of your business. At least make sure you have Sh50,000 when starting,” he says. To get off the ground, Timothy Rotich of Tim’s Meat Point says your business just needs a meat cabinet, cutting block and butchers’ knives. You can get away with not having a freezer if you minimise your stock to just what customers demand.

2. Good location

The location of a butchery matters a lot, and this will in part be dictated by the type of meat you want to sell. There are areas that are predominantly inhabited by people who don’t consume certain types of meat. Also, make sure you are near a large pool of customers, and have access to sufficient water and power to minimise losses from spoilage. Frank Anatwa, who runs a butchery in Nairobi’s South B estate, says in the right location, a small outlet can bring in Sh20,000 a day.

3. Operating licences

You will require business, food handling and fire safety certificates from county authorities. This will cost you a minimum of Sh26,000.

4. A trusted supplier

You will need to identify an abattoir to be buying meat for resale from. Mwangi says you must ensure the places you work with are certified and stick to strict hygiene standards to protect your customers. Ensure you own or can hire good transport to keep the meat fresh when it’s in transit.

What you don’t need

5. a variety of meats.

A butchery can stock all sorts of meat, but if you’re just starting out, you don’t need to give customers a whole lot of variety. Go with the most popular meats, including beef and chicken, and slowly build up the options as the business grows.

6. Employees

A butchery business can be staffed by just the owner. Guchu Mbuthia, who runs Nyama Safi Butchery, adds that you can hire a casual labourer to help out with chores.

Connect With Us

Latest stories, joyce nyambura: how i started my business in nairobi with sh. 200,000 capital, kua ventures, startup savanna partner to support smes in east africa , phil muhia: my business broke even when i created a team that aligned with my vision, the right time that you must step down as the leader of your business, government launches safer project to fund small businesses, rethread africa to represent kenya at the global entrepreneurship congress in cape town, move to a cheaper house, use matatus instead of living on debts to please people, millionaire ndindi nyoro: only entrepreneurship will make you wealthy, i left my top-paying it banking job to be my own boss, broke even in tough 2020 year, related stories.

Bizna Digital Services is a Business Enterprise Development portal that supports access to better goods and services by marketing and promoting businesses.

• Our Profile
• Privacy Policy

Latest from Bizna

Florence nyokabi leaves stanchart; joins safaricom as new chief hr officer, virtual reality slots: the next dimension of online gambling, a look at the high tech device set to be installed in all school buses.

© 2023 Bizna Digital Services. All Rights Reserved.

Last Updated on July 3, 2020

Home » Business » Everything about butchery business in Kenya

Everything about butchery business in Kenya

Kenyans love meat so much that finding a vegan among its people is a true rarity in of itself. Even those who consider themselves vegans can’t help but partake in the occasional nyama choma indulgence once in a while. So, as the country’s meat culture is undoubtedly a strong part of its heritage and charm, plus, Kenyan beer goes down SO well with it! Because of this, the butchery business is a highly valued enterprise in Kenya. Also, providing fine cuts of meat and expert service. And while supermarkets are slowly entering the local meat market in recent years.

Visiting a butchery business in Kenya is still popular among loyal customers that value the traditional experience.

While the butchery business in Kenya can often be seen to be done by people who did not make it in school.

It has been well establishing to be very profitable.

Moreover, a survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics ( KNBS) revealed that 7 million Kenyans are unemployed, with over 1.4 million actively looking for employment.

With these figures, it is easy to see why more and more people are looking for alternatives.

And the butchery business is the perfect choice to start with.

A general overview of the meat industry

Generally speaking, beef, mutton, goat, and camel meat, i.e., red meat, cover pretty much 80% of all the meat consumed.

Meanwhile, meat from poultry and pork, i.e., white meat, covers about 19% of the market consumption.

About 65-70% of the country’s red meat supply comes from local pastoralists, while the remaining 20-25% comes from informal cross border trade with neighboring counties.

Moreover, private ranches contribute 2–3% of total production in the country, principally for the high-end market.

Meat market segmentation

Beef consumption among the households in Nairobi varies with the income category as those in the highest quintile consume nearly three times more beef than those in the lower quintile.

What this proves is that income is the primary determinant of the type of beef products the consumer can buy as the consumers from the high-end market are willing to pay a premium for quality.

Meanwhile, most of the butcheries in the low-end market offer little product differentiation, but the high-end butcheries offer meat cuts that are of a significantly higher quality.

In the lower-tier market, consumers tend to be low-to-medium income earners who purchase from butchers whose meat is openly display without refrigeration.

They also buy meat at point of sale eatery in the form of Choma, boiled or fried as take away.

These meat eateries are primarily located in the medium-income residential estates.

The high-end segment comes down to high-income consumers who like to buy from supermarkets and high-end butcheries.

They tend to value the product presentation as a sign of quality.

These customers rarely utilize point of sale eateries, so make sure research on the different butchery designs in Kenya to get layout ideas when picking out the location.

Start the butchery business in Kenya

Passion and knowledge are key to being a successful butcher, sound business sense, and dedication to creating a brand based on fundamental principles.

Also, considering the fact that the meat business involves highly perishable goods, it requires a good butchery business plan in Kenya.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Start-up costs:

Start-up costs can be huge due to the need for expensive equipment, including chilled counters, deep freezers, carving machines, etc.

Not to mention, rent for decent premises can be high, depending on the area.

Something to consider would be to look for a butchery for sale in Kenya, but then you’ll also have to renovate the place, which in total will still be expensive.

RELATED: WHAT ARE THE BEST INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN KENYA?

If you opt to start your butchery, you could probably open one for between 500,000 KES to 1,000,000 KES.

However, this primarily applies to butcheries located in Hurlingham, Kileleshwa, Kilimani, Karen, Kitisuru, and other affluent suburbs, malls, and high-end shopping centers.

Meanwhile, setting up a butchery business in Kenya’s counties like Eldoret, Kisumu, Nakuru, Nyeri, and cities like BuruBuru, Donholm, Embakasi, Huruma, Kitengela, Langata, Ngong Road, Pipeline.

And also Syokimau would set you back 200,000 KES to 500,000 KES and maybe even more.

If you are on a budget, then to build a meat brand and promote your services.

Then starting a small butchery business in Kenya is your best option.

These could cost as low as 30,000 KES to 35,000 KES.

Meanwhile, a medium-size butchery located in a low-income area like Mathare, Kibera, or rural areas would set you back around KES 100,000 to 150,000 KES.

These are only estimates, but the point is that the budgets for butcheries tend to differ strongly based on the location of choice.

Also, keep in mind there will still be on-going costs to start butchery business such as:

• Purchase of stock
• And purchase of Materials, e.g., butcher’s knives, weighing scales, etc.
• Purchase of cleaning equipment
• Electricity and gas
• Wrapping Material and Packaging
• Promotional expenses
• Staff salaries and uniforms

Securing a supplier:

The success of your butchery business in Kenya is primarily dependent on your ability to secure a steady supply of meat.

Those intending to open up one can purchase from Nairobi City Market, especially those within the Central Business District (CBD).

You can also purchase from any of the slaughterhouses located in Dagoretti, Kajiado, or Njiru counties.

1 kilogram of beef in these slaughterhouses is normally between 250 KES and 320 KES depending on the area, season, and type of meat.

For instance, goat meat tends to be at no less than 320 KES per kg.

Licensing and Compliance:

Food hygiene and safety when start butchery business in Kenya is an important issue as raw meats can harbor pathogens.

Hence, it’s also important you’re fully permitted to sell and are licensed before you start selling to the public.

A business permit is necessary and will cost you between KES 5,000 and KES 20,000, depending on your location.

You can then acquire the Food and Hygiene license from the Public Health Department of the respective county.

How much should you charge for your meat?

When determining your retail price, you need to know your overhead costs, consider the area you’re based in, your business’ current scale, and quality standards.

Most butcheries price their cuts in grams, but generally speaking, a high-end butchery can price its cuts at about 2,000 KES per kilogram.

Other prices can even be from as low as 100 KES, 300 KES, 800 KES, etc.

The real estimate comes mostly down to value addition.

If you offer different varieties, whether it’s boiled or fried meat with rice, ugali, matoke, or other side dishes.

This increases sales numbers and also allows you to create custom prices.

Is there currently a good opportunity to enter the butchery business in Kenya?

There are a number of opportunities in the butchery business that can enhance the meat sector’s growth and competitiveness.

Such opportunities in order to be running a successful butchery include:

• Fifth quarter value: The butchery business in Kenya is yet to generate significant value from the fifth quarter. Value addition would prolong their shelf life to allow products to be moved from one urban town to another depending on the demand. Also, clean well prepared fifth quarter products are a delicacy for high- and middle-income segments.
• Utilization of a cold refrigeration chain during the supply process: This ensures quality by reducing bacterial loads on meat. Which often comes with hot chain meat. This ultimately encourages consumer confidence & consumption in your product.
• Processed and value-added products in the formal and informal channels, re spectively: Meat consumption can increase by making available. The value-added products that mainly sold in the informal markets to formal outlets like sausages. This will address both the needs of middle and high-end consumers. Similarly, more processors can come up with products that are appropriate for low-income segments.
• Home delivery services: There is a proportion of people who do not prefer going out to eat meat. This segment can easily be an online butchery Kenya which offers well-packaged products that are home delivered through a model similar to the chicken delivery by the fast foods.
• The expanding nyama choma culture: most consumers above 19 years of age prefer nyama choma. More value can be extracted from nyama choma outlets through the development of products for home delivery services and also including other dishes.

In short, will you make profits?

Absolutely! The meat industry in Kenya has it’s prices well regulated so that entrepreneurs can make some good income.

This can further increase if you choose to cook the meat and serve it with other dishes.

So, there’s no concern about losing money as one can make as much as they want.

It all depends on how creative they are with the butchery’s execution.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Related Posts:

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

How to start a butchery business in Kenya

Meat is something that is rarely missed in most of the dishes prepared in Kenyan households. As a result, selling meat is seen as a lucrative venture as there is a ready market.

But how do you go about this venture? How much capital do you need? Which equipment is required? Does a butchery business require a permit?

Worry not, this article will guide you with all the information you need to start a butchery business in Kenya.

The amount of capital required to start this venture depends on two things: the size and site of your butchery. These two factors will determine how much money you will require to get your butchery off the ground.

A small-sized butchery in a low-income area will cost you Ksh 25,000 – Ksh 50,000. A medium-sized butchery in a middle-income area will cost you Ksh 75,000 – Ksh 100,000 and a large butchery in a high-income area will cost you Ksh 200,000 and onwards.

Butcheries in high-income areas will require you to spend so much on décor and other intricacies to attract other customers. Whereas in low-income areas you only need the basic necessities.

You can get away with not having a freezer if you minimize your stock to just what customers demand. This is why the capital will differ according to its site and size.

Business permit

As with any other business, you will need a permit to operate a butchery. You will need to apply for a single business permit. The price varies depending on which county you reside in. To apply, go to ecitizen.go.ke. The application will cost you Ksh 200.

Also, the permit differs on the number of employees you are planning to have. A medium trader business permit costs Ksh 10,000 and caters for 5-20 employees. A large trader business permit costs Ksh 20,000 and caters to 21-50 employees.

Apart from a single business permit, you will also need these other licenses:

• Trading License: Valid for a year. It costs Ksh 10,000
• Fire Safety and Clearance License: Valid for a year. It costs Ksh 3,000
• Food Hygiene and Handling Certificate: Valid for 6 months. It costs Ksh 600

Where you install your butchery can make or break your business venture. Generally, you want your butchery to be situated in a busy, densely populated area.

Your butchery should be easy to see and walk to. The best places to set up your butchery should be in a residential area center or close to a supermarket, bus stop, market, or other areas that experience high pedestrian traffic.

The location should also be conversant with the type of meat you are selling. You cannot set up a pork butchery in an area where Muslims live because you will not make any sales. For a large butchery, you should be able to have ample parking space and clean surroundings to attract more customers.

To run a butchery, you will require basic equipment. This will range from a coat to a display counter. The following are the items you need to start a butchery:

• Display counter
• Meat slicer
• Bone saw machine
• Bone saw blade
• Meat mincer
• Analog weighing scale
• Butcher weighing scale
• Steel sharpener
• Meat cleaver
• Stainless steel hook
• Hanging scale
• Wrapping material

Depending on the market, the lowest amount all these tools should cost you is about Ksh 25,000. With the tools mentioned above, you will be able to operate a butchery efficiently.

Where to get a meat supply

Meat can be outsourced from a variety of places regardless of which county you are residing in. However, meat supplied by licensed slaughterhouses should be your first choice. This is because they’ve been vetted by the Health Ministry thus their meat has been inspected and is fit for sale and consumption.

If you are starting, you don’t need to stock a wide variety of meat, focus on beef and chicken, then grow to other varieties gradually. Also, if you are intending to open a butchery around a Muslim community, the slaughterhouse you get your meat from should have a Halal Certification.

The following are licensed slaughterhouses where you can get your meat:

• City Market
• Huruma slaughterhouse
• Njiru slaughterhouse
• Goldox slaughterhouse
• Nanyuki slaughterhouse
• Lomidat slaughterhouse

You should also know that the price of meat varies depending on its type. Beef is the cheapest whereas seafood is expensive.

To retain and keep your customers coming back, always get good quality meat, even if it means paying a little more for the supplies.

Don’t just sell hard meat, especially to those buying raw to cook for themselves. Mix with some soft ones too. If you follow these parameters, you will be able to start a profitable butchery business.

How to Price your Meat

The selling price of your meat depends on your location, size, and standard. If you’re a high-end butchery, you can expect to charge customers up to KES 2,000 per kg. Most butchery, however, price their meat per gram. You can also sell at different price points like KES 100, 200, 300, 500, 1,000 etc.

For most butchery owners, it’s all about value addition. You can sell your meat on-site as nyama choma, boiled or fried with rice, ugali, matoke, or other side dishes. This way, you can fetch better prices and sell more meat per day.

When all’s said and done, butchery business in Kenya is all about strategic location, being smart, and maintaining a high standard of hygiene.

Contact Form

• Lamborghini
• Madhya Pradesh
• Maharashtra
• Rolls Royce
• Social media
• Uncategorized
• Uttar Pradesh

Guide to Starting a Butchery business in Kenya

Butchery is the work of savaging large numbers of animals to prepare them for sale as meat products. It is an enticing business that can earn you a lot of money.

Much potential exist in meat products in Kenya, but many investors find it wrong and therefore fail to thrive before reaching their second years of investment. The marketability and viability of the business are of great importance. This article will explain what you must do to ensure a functioning butchery business in Kenya.

The Butchery Business

Like any other business, the butchery business in Kenya is not an exception to having a license. This can be used to prove that the business you have set up is okay and cannot cause danger to your customers. Public health licenses are preferred as they are used to ensure that the premises are okay for handling food.

Public health officials are, therefore, strict as they check on environmental conditions like water, sanitation, and the condition of the building.

• Certificates

Those who handle meat are required to have medical certificates which can prove that they have the necessary skills required. This help to prevent the spread of communicable diseases that can be transmitted to consumers. The certificates are obtained from the local government hospitals after you have undergone the necessary tests.

Being like an industry, it has to have its equipment for use. Equipment like knives, axes, chopping boards, aprons, and digital meat weighing scale machines should be used. Advanced tools like bone-cutting machines should also be preferred.

The necessary stock should be available depending on the number of customers you have. Though getting regular clients is a problem for starting butcheries, you should ensure you do not run out of stock. The stock should always be available when dealing with foot traffic and higher-income areas.

Factors to consider when starting a butchery

For any other business to thrive, it must have a good place of allocation. Butchers located in areas enjoying good economies can attract many customers as possible. They should be near the bus stages, homes, and paths to ensure they are more convenient. This can help attract more revenue.

Butchers who keep everything at quality always get more revenue from the clients. Quality proves loyalty from customers who like bargaining and reduces word of mouth. That meat consumption in Kenya is based on lifestyle; the higher the quality, the more you sell.

The basics like good grooming, cleaning the floor and tables, a clean environment, and wearing clean aprons can be appealing to customers.

• Reliable supplies

Always ensure you have reliable suppliers, as they can make or break your business. They can ensure frequent and continuous delivery.

• Process of establishing a butchery

All businesses follow specific procedures, and butchery businesses in Kenya being one must also follow the same. Some required procedures are location identification, target market, reliable suppliers, and license acquisition.

In summary, the requirements mentioned earlier and qualities are to be considered great to ensure the desired outcome.

Related Posts

The ultimate guide to pocket coffee: a delicious pick-me-up on-the-go, impact of technology on the modification of indian railways, exploring gender differences in online color prediction participation, the future of entertainment: online color prediction in virtual reality, an ultimate guide for selecting the wrongful death attorney, elevate your stadium game: why premium seating in queensland spells success, leave a reply cancel reply.

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

butchery business in kenya

Butchery business in Kenya is a thriving industry due to the increasing demand for meat products in the country. Kenya has a large population of cattle, sheep, and goats, which provides a constant supply of meat for the local market. This has led to the growth of small to large-scale butchery businesses that cater to the needs of consumers.

Most of the butchery businesses in Kenya are located in urban areas, such as Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu. These businesses range from traditional butchers to modern supermarkets that sell processed meat products. The traditional butchers usually operate in open-air markets and sell fresh meat cuts, while the supermarkets offer a wider range of products, including sausages, burgers, and other processed meat products.

The butchery in Kenya faces several challenges, including competition, high cost of production, and lack of adequate storage facilities. To overcome these challenges, many butchers have embraced modern technologies, such as refrigeration and meat processing, to enhance their operations. In addition, the government has implemented policies aimed at improving the standards of the meat industry, such as implementing mandatory health inspections and providing subsidies for small-scale farmers.

Despite these challenges, it has continued to grow and provide employment opportunities for many people. It also contributes significantly to the country’s economy by providing a source of food for the population and generating income for farmers, butchers, and other related businesses.

In conclusion, the butchery business in Kenya is a vital industry that plays a significant role in the country’s economy. With the continued growth of the population and urbanization, the demand for meat products is expected to increase, providing opportunities for growth and expansion.

• Beef Butchery Business Plan
• Chicken Butchery Business Plan
• Chips and Chicken Business Plan
• Cosmetics Retail Business Plan
• Courier Business Plan

Global site navigation

• Celebrity biographies
• Messages - Wishes - Quotes
• TV and Movies
• Fashion and style
• Music and singers
• Capital Market
• Celebrities
• Relationships

Local editions

• Habari za Kenya Swahili

Butchery Business in Kenya- Earn Easy Money in Kenya by Selling Meat

Before you rush to buy any meat shop just because you saw the sign butchery for sale in Kenya, it’s essential that you begin with learning the trade. It is what all smart business people do. The temptation may high as Kenyans are well known for being meat lovers. However, all business decisions have to be made with a sober mind no matter how lucrative they look. Know the basics, learn the secrets then toss yourself into it.

What you need to start a butchery in Nairobi – How to tap into the profits successfully

Starting your own butcher shop is the easiest thing to do. All you need is to get a permit to sell meat, know where to find the meat and then get the right people to do the work. This can be one of the most devastating business ventures if you do not get things right from the beginning. Meat supply business in Kenya is a booming business because of the lifestyle that Kenyans have chosen to lead.

How to start a water bottling company in Kenya

Entertainment joints would not be what they are today without meat. Hotels and households all depend on the butchery to make sumptuous meals. So, finding a market for your products is never the problem. Even so, there are things you must understand if you are to make anything out of this business.

• First, you must understand that traffic is key to a thriving butchery shop. Set your business in a location that is favorable
• Second, you need to be prepared for the cost of starting this kind of shop. Investigate the cost of starting a butcher shop which is not cheap but may vary depending on your shop’s size.
• Know your source of meat. It has to be trustworthy. Nairobi residents are skeptical about buying meat from strange sources
• Have an operating license

READ ALSO : Ugandan butchers preserving meat with chemical used in mortuaries

Butchers profit margins will depend on how well the setup is. Work on a good shop and the profits will be equivalent to your efforts.

How to start a tour company successfully in Kenya

Butchery equipment Kenya – now what you need

Having a shop, license and meat to sell is not all you need. There are other essential equipment that will make your meat shop run effectively. Ensure that you have chopping boards, updated weighing scales, display counters (visible), freezer, knives and wrapping materials. You also need to have cleaning equipment and white coats. These items will give customers confidence in the meat products.

How much would it cost to start a butchery in Kenya?

A butchery in Kenya will cost you anything from 50,000 to one million shillings. The secret is its location. Urban center butcheries will obviously cost more to start compared to those in the rural areas. Either way, having enough money to set up a butchery is necessary considering that the license alone costs 26,000 shillings.

Butchery business in Kenya – guaranteed success

This is the kind of business that you start knowing that you will get money for it as long as you get the location right. Kenyans love meat. If you can supply the best quality, then you are assured of long-term business. Get your house in order; hire people you can trust because the only way your butchery can fail to perform when all other factors are right is if someone is stealing from you.

30 profitable businesses to start with 50k in Kenya (top ideas)

Many people have asked ‘are meat markets profitable?’ The fear of making loses is real. However, with a good butcher shop book keeping practice, all your records will guide you on your profit-loss ratios.

Butcher shop revenue – what to expect

You are sure to make profits. The meat prices are regulated in such a way that the owner will earn some good money. This can increase if you choose to cook the meat and serve with other dishes in addition to selling raw meat. You should thus stop wondering how much does a butcher shop owner make does. You can make as much as you want if you are creative. The truth is that you are hardly ever going to make loses unless there is theft.

Butchery business plan – planning is succeeding

A smart person starts a business which they understand. Have a breakdown of your potential expenditure which should include labor, equipment, rental costs, capital for product and any other miscellaneous costs expected. The next move should be to calculate potential sales with high and low expectations. This will help you estimate the possible profit margins, loses and break-even points. With such information, you can venture into the business with your mind settled and mentally prepared for the outcome as you hope for the best.

Butternut Farming in Kenya- Growing Pumpkins Made Easier

With meat loving Kenyans though, success in a butchery business is almost always given.

Source: TUKO.co.ke