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How to Start a Chapati and Mandazi Business: Equipment, Costs, Pricing and Hygiene
- Gas cooker + stainless table
- Cost every piece
- Sell in bulk to institutions
- Food handler’s certificate
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Equipment You Need
4 burner(jiko) low pressureKSh 38,000
stainless commercial 4 burner high pressure cookerKSh 40,000
6 burner(cooker)KSh 50,000
2 by 4 stainlss steel working table without rackKSh 20,000
2 by 4 stainless steel working table with rackKSh 25,000
Double sink with tableKSh 68,000
50 liters stainless tankKSh 7,000| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| 4 burner(jiko) low pressure | KSh 38,000 |
| stainless commercial 4 burner high pressure cooker | KSh 40,000 |
| 6 burner(cooker) | KSh 50,000 |
| 2 by 4 stainlss steel working table without rack | KSh 20,000 |
| 2 by 4 stainless steel working table with rack | KSh 25,000 |
| Double sink with table | KSh 68,000 |
| 50 liters stainless tank | KSh 7,000 |
Current listed prices incl. VAT (updated 18 October 2026).
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Commercial gas cooker | Several pans at once; high-pressure burners for deep-frying mandazi |
| Stainless work table | Hygienic surface for kneading and rolling |
| Double sink with table | Washing utensils and hands |
| Flat pans and deep pans | Chapati and frying (buy from kitchenware suppliers) |
H-TECH does not sell flour, oil or cookware; we supply the cookers, tables and sinks. See commercial gas cookers and safe LPG installation.
How to Price a Chapati or Mandazi
- List ingredients for one batch (flour, oil, sugar, yeast or baking powder, salt).
- Add gas used per batch, packaging and a share of rent.
- Add labour per batch.
- Divide by pieces per batch for cost per piece.
- Set the price so each piece leaves a margin after waste (unsold pieces).
Track oil carefully: deep-frying oil is often the biggest cost after flour. Filter and reuse within safe limits, and replace when dark or smoking.
Where to Sell
- Schools and colleges (bulk morning orders).
- Offices and construction sites (tea break).
- Hotels, canteens and kiosks (see how to start a canteen).
- Events: weddings, funerals, church functions.
Licences and Hygiene
You will usually need a county business permit, a public health licence for food premises and food handler’s certificates for staff. See food handlers certificate and food licences. Keep flour off the floor, cover dough, and clean surfaces between batches.
Daily Production Plan
- Mix and rest dough the evening before for early orders.
- Fry mandazi first, while chapati dough rests.
- Cook chapati in batches on two or three pans.
- Pack in clean, covered containers; deliver while warm.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start a chapati business in Kenya?
It depends on scale; the main equipment is a gas cooker, a stainless work table and a sink, plus pans and first stock.
What equipment do I need for a mandazi business?
A high-pressure gas burner for frying, a work table, deep pans and a sink.
How do I price chapatis?
Work out ingredients, gas, packaging and labour per batch, divide by pieces and add a margin.
Do I need a licence to sell chapatis?
Usually a county business permit, a public health licence and food handler’s certificates.
Who buys chapatis in bulk?
Schools, offices, construction sites, hotels and event caterers.