The high rate of unemployment is arguably one of the major challenges facing Kenya today. Over the years, leaders have suggested that Kenyans should consider entrepreneurship as opposed to waiting for white collar jobs.
A good number of people shy away from entrepreneurship, arguing that it requires a lot of capital to set up, however, one Kenyan who has taken entrepreneurship head on is Palmer Smokie, who's making boss moves in the street food industry.
Palmer Smokie is a street food vendor based in Kayole Masimba. He sells boiled eggs, kebabs, samosas, sausages, and smokies among others.
However, his business is unique in the sense that he has pimped his trolley and loaded it with speakers and screens such that when a customer comes, he/she just doesn't get a snack, but also enjoys nice music from the trolley's sound system.
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Palmer Smokie's pimped trolley. [Photo: Nairobi Leo]
The music entertains customers as they wait for their orders and has also set him apart, especially among the youth who resonate with his innovation.
Speaking to Nairobileo.co.ke, Palmer noted that he started the business in 2021, adding that he runs it while also attending school.
Palmer divulged that he is currently in his 3rd year at the Nairobi Technical Institute where he is pursuing a Diploma in Information Technology.
Palmer Smokie's pimped trolley. [Photo: Nairobi Leo]
Although he did not reveal how much he makes, he noted that like every other business, you must push and make yourself unique in order to get good returns.
As to how he's managed to pimp up his trolley, Palmer disclosed that every cent invested in the trolley is from the business, none comes from his personal cash.
"Everything I have done on this trolley, I have not spent my own money, I use the profits I get from the business," he said.
Palmer Smokie's pimped trolley. [Photo: Nairobi Leo]
He says it is good to have a business as it provides an alternative if formal employment does not work out.
Palmer was among Kenyan youth that were invited to showcase their businesses during the Safaricom Hook launch. Safaricom Hook is a product that targets Gen Z.
