The Traditional fermented porridge has recently gained popularity among consumers, with some entrepreneurs now tightening their belts to collect cash from the business.

The porridge is usually made from ground millet or maize, with vendors now introducing Uji power, which is usually made from cassava, groundnuts, and pumpkins, making it more nutritious.

While the process is tedious, those who venture into this business are making crazy money. If done well, this business can make you up to sh 50,000 per month.

The business does not require a lot of capital to start. At Sh20,000, you can lead a thriving venture. You can keep on expanding as the business grows.

Some joints serving the dish along Nairobi’s Ronald Ngala Street have attested to its profitability. The area has become a must-go for city men and women as early as 7 a.m.

The porridge is served in artificial calabashes, adding that traditional feel. A well-shaken calabash of Uji Power costs Sh50, with some joints in Nairobi selling the same amount at between Sh100 and Sh200.

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Some of the common ingredients used in preparing the uji include arrowroots, groundnuts (or peanut butter), milk, sweet potatoes, cassava, pumpkin seed powder, honey or sugar, and milk, making it highly nutritious.

“Most people who come here have underlying health conditions that would not allow them to drink conventional drinks like sodas that are deemed to have a lot of sugar,” says Muthoni, an employee at one of the joints.

Some of the customers revealed that the dish is very enjoyable and addictive and that they prefer it over other drinks such as tea.

“I have been taking Uji Power since 2022. Once you start, you never stop,” says Henry Karanja a regular partaker of the dish.

According to business lady Jane Njeri Githaiga, popularly known as Njeri wa Uji, the porridge business is one of the most profitable ventures to explore.

Njeri started the business in 2016 at Githurai 44. The journey into the business was inspired by the low clientele in her previous business, which involved selling juice.

As such, she decided to venture into something different to boost her income. She started selling tea, but she couldn’t beat the competition in the market.

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She did some trials before introducing the traditional fermented porridge popularly known as “ucuru wa mukio” (porridge made from ground millet) by the Gikuyu.

Njeri also introduced the Uji power –made of porridge flour plus pumpkin seeds, cassava flour, amaranth, and peanut –on her menu.

“As a young girl, I used to assist my late mother in making fermented porridge. That is where I learned the skills. She said.

Her products were so unique, and she started receiving many customers. This motivated her to introduce yet another type of porridge known as smoothie porridge.

The venture was so promising that she abandoned the juice business. She opened branches at Githurai 44, Kasarani, and at Membley Business Centre, where she sells her porridge.

The production cost in this business is way low, meaning with a good clientele, anyone in this business can take home some good money.