by Ronald Njuguna Ngaruiya

If you think saving Ksh 50,000 sounds impossible when you’re working a small hustle like selling smokies, think again. It’s been done and you can do it too.
This isn’t a motivational speech. It’s a real story, with real numbers, from someone who started with nothing fancy just a dream, discipline, and a roadside smokie trolley.
● Start With a Clear Goal
The difference between surviving and building something is purpose. You need to set a goal from the start. Are you saving for a machine? A bigger business? Rent for a better location?
For example, one vendor in Umoja had a target: Ksh 45,000 for a second-hand freezer. He wanted to sell chilled sodas alongside his smokies. That goal kept him focused especially on the tough days.

● Track Your Daily Income and Expenses
Don’t leave your business to guesswork. Every single day, note:
How many smokies you sold,
how much you spent (on bread, kachumbari, serviettes, etc.),
What your profit was;
If you sell 60 smokies a day at Ksh 30 each, that’s Ksh 1,800. After expenses of around Ksh 850, you’re left with about Ksh 950. That means you can comfortably save at least Ksh 500 every day if you’re disciplined.
● Use a Lock Savings Account
Here’s where many people fail saving in places they can access too easily. Instead, use a service like M-Shwari Lock Savings or even a SACCO with limited withdrawals. Lock your money for 30 days. No withdrawals, no temptation. This helps you build real savings without constantly resetting your progress.
● Add a Digital Side Hustle
Your phone is a tool. Use it to boost your income.
Here’s how:
Start selling airtime to nearby customers
Use Lipa Mdogo Mdogo to resell smartphones
Offer MPESA services if you have the float and license
These mobile side hustles can add an extra Ksh 2,000–3,000 monthly and that’s money you can save or reinvest back to the business .
● Keep Your Lifestyle Flat
The minute your money grows, don’t let your spending grow too. Keep things simple. Don’t fall for pressure to impress anyone with new clothes, flashy phones, or random weekend plans.
If you’re earning Ksh 20,000, act like it’s Ksh 10,000. Let the rest work for your future. What Happens After 10 Months?
If you save Ksh 500 a day consistently, you’ll hit Ksh 15,000 in 30 days. In 10 months, that’s Ksh 50,000.
That’s enough to buy:
A second-hand freezer
A fresh food stock
Or even rent a better spot
One hustler who followed this exact path now sells both smokies and cold sodas. His daily profits nearly doubled .Be consistent and maintain your plan. Profit shouldn’t be instant however in the long term it is visible just believe in the goals and targets you set for the business