Biz Lounge: Inside Nakuru businesses that thrive on Sundays

Every Sunday, the space outside Kingdom Seekers Fellowship Church, transforms into a mini-market. 

Many sellers appear to come from different parts of town, creating a vibrant, fast-paced atmosphere where even our interview is paused so vendors can attend to eager customers.

Samuel Kamau, who has been selling eggs and sausages since 2017, says Sundays are particularly rewarding. “This work is much better than being employed,” he explains. “Sometimes I make up to KSh 5,000 in profit on a Sunday.” 

He breaks down his earnings: four trays of eggs each with 30 pieces earn him Sh 2,000 in total; smokies, bought at Sh 500 per pack of 22, yield Sh 300 profit; sausages bring in Sh 330 profit from the same count; and kebabs, which he buys at Sh 25 apiece, bring in around Sh 1,500 profit from 62 pieces. 

Kamau operates near the Nairobi matatu stage on other days but prefers the church crowd on Sundays because “church has kids and people who love snacks like smokies, sausages, and kebabs. It’s the day I make the biggest profit,” he says. 

His day begins as early as 6:00 a.m. with trolley washing and preparation. By 8:30 a.m., he’s already selling elsewhere before relocating to the church at 9:30 a.m., and he wraps up around 3:30 p.m., though on other days he works until 9:00 p.m.

Gladys Wangechi, an ice cream vendor, joined the church side hustle just three months ago on a trial basis.

Despite the short period, she notes consistent sales because many churchgoers leave hungry. 

“I get to sell most of my stock on Sundays,” she shares. However, her biggest challenge is the weather. Cold days reduce sales drastically as many parents avoid giving cold drinks to their children. 

On sunny days, however, business is good, with ice pops going for Sh 20 and regular ice sticks for Sh 10.

Elvis Kezimana, who hawks crisps, agrees that Sundays are far better than weekdays.

“During the week, I carry just 1 kg of stock, but on Sundays, I add another half because parents usually buy crisps for their children after church,” he says. 

Most Sundays, he sells nearly all his stock, with any leftovers sold in town. He sells crisps for Sh. 20 and Sh. 50 packs, selling from 1:00 p.m. to around 2:30 p.m., or longer depending on demand.

James Wasendwa, a bodaboda rider, sees a different Sunday dynamic. While his weekday customers are mostly government officials, Sundays shift his clientele to churchgoers. 

“Sometimes customers ask me to take their children to church or pick them after the service,” he explains.

Although Sundays aren’t his most profitable, Wasendwa is grateful he still earns something by the end of the day.