Farmer’s Choice to triple smokie vendor network to boost women and youth opportunities

The announcement was made during an International Women’s Day breakfast for over 80 female smokie vendors in Kiambu.

The expansion will be implemented through the company’s Be Your Own Boss (BYOB) initiative, which provides aspiring entrepreneurs with fully equipped smokie vending trolleys at a subsidised cost of Ksh.10,000. The program also offers guidance and resources to help vendors establish and sustain their businesses.

Since its launch, BYOB has supported more than 50,000 vendors nationwide, enabling thousands of women and young people to earn a livelihood and support their families. With the planned growth, the initiative is expected to reach an additional 100,000 vendors, further strengthening local food distribution and empowering micro-entrepreneurs.

Smokie vendors play a key role in connecting communities with affordable, high-quality protein while contributing to Kenya’s meat value chain. By scaling the network, the initiative not only promotes inclusive economic participation but also fosters sustainable micro-enterprises within local communities.

The expansion reflects a broader push to support youth and women-led businesses, offering pathways to financial independence and resilience in a sector that directly impacts food access and nutrition across the country.