How to Start a Food Delivery Business from Home in Kenya

The food delivery scene in Kenya is booming — and the great news is you don’t need a big restaurant to get started. This easy, step-by-step guide covers what you need to launch a successful home-based food delivery business in Kenya: permits, kitchen setup, menu planning, delivery options, marketing, and tips that actually work.

Why start a home-based food delivery business?

• Lower startup costs: no large rent or dining space to maintain.
• Flexible hours: cook around your schedule — mornings, lunch or dinner rush.
• Strong demand: offices, students and busy families are ordering more.

Step-by-step: Getting started

1. Choose a clear niche

Start focused. Popular niches include:

• Home-cooked Kenyan meals (ugali, stews, chapati)
• Healthy bowls & salads
• Office lunch packs
• Baked goods and snacks (mandazi, cakes, samosas)

2. Research your market

Ask who your customers are, where they live/work, and how much they’ll pay. Quick surveys in WhatsApp groups, local Facebook pages or to neighbours give useful intel.

3. Licences & hygiene

Even from home, do the right thing: apply for a Single Business Permit from your county, get a food handler’s certificate and book a public health inspection. Displaying certificates builds trust and avoids fines.

4. Set up your kitchen

Keep it clean and organised. Use food-grade containers and invest in reliable packaging that keeps food hot/fresh. Consider eco-friendly boxes to appeal to conscious buyers.

5. Create a simple menu & pricing

Keep prices competitive and your menu tight at first. Example starter prices (adjust to your area and costs):

• Chapati + beans — KSh 150
• Chicken + ugali + greens — KSh 300
• Office lunch pack — KSh 250

6. Delivery options

Decide how you’ll reach customers:

• Self-delivery: Good for a small radius and low orders.
• Hire boda boda riders: Fast and common in Kenya.
• Partner with delivery platforms: Glovo, Uber Eats or local apps (where available).

7. Market your business

Marketing doesn’t need a big budget:

• Use WhatsApp Status, Instagram & Facebook to share daily menus and photos.
• Create a WhatsApp business catalogue and quick-order buttons.
• Offer first-order discounts and loyalty packages.

Pro tip: High-quality food photos and short videos of your packing process build trust — people want to see what they’re buying.

Common challenges and how to handle them

• Competition: Differentiate with excellent service, consistent portions and tasty food.
• Delivery reliability: Use trusted riders, build buffer time into ETAs and consider simple insulated carriers.
• Rising ingredient costs: Adjust menu seasonally and build small price cushions into your pricing.

Quick checklist before launch

• Register for Single Business Permit
• Food handler’s certificate
• Basic public health inspection
• Clean, organised kitchen
• Packaging and insulated delivery carrier
• WhatsApp Business profile and social pages

FAQs

Do I need a license to sell food from home?

Yes — a Single Business Permit and food handler’s certificates are recommended. Public health requirements may vary by county.

How much can I charge for delivery?

Delivery fees depend on distance and method — KSh 50–200 is common for short urban trips. Consider offering free delivery above a minimum order value.

Can I use WhatsApp only, or do I need a website?

WhatsApp Business is fine for starters. A simple website or Instagram shop helps with visibility as you grow.

Final thoughts

Starting a home-based food delivery business in Kenya is achievable with a small budget and a smart plan. Focus on food quality, cleanliness and delivering on time. Start small, learn fast from customer feedback, and scale when demand grows.

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check How to Start a Door-to-Door Delivery Business in Kenya: A Step-by-Step Guide