Make Quick Cash During CHAN: Tips for Nairobi Residents

As Nairobi takes centre stage as a co-host for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), the city is buzzing with more than just football fever.

The tournament, which runs from August 2 to August 30, is attracting thousands of fans and visitors, creating a significant economic opportunity for small businesses across the capital.

With matches scheduled at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and Nyayo National Stadium, vendors and entrepreneurs are preparing for a month-long business boom.

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The tournament’s economic impact is expected to extend far beyond the stadiums, giving a vital boost to tourism, hospitality, and trade.

According to a Sports Cabinet Secretary, Salim Mvurya, the tournament is about long-term investment in the economy, with vendors and transporters all set to benefit.

In this article, we explore some of the small businesses set to thrive in Nairobi during the month-long tournament:

The Stadium-Side Hustle: Selling Team Merchandise

One of the most obvious opportunities lies in merchandise. The stands will be filled with fans wanting to show their support for their home teams.

This creates a high demand for replica jerseys, flags, and other team-specific memorabilia. Small businesses can set up stalls around the stadiums, offering merchandise for the teams playing in Nairobi, such as Kenya, Morocco, Angola, DR Congo, and Zambia.         

Football jerseys are always a top seller. But beyond that, small businesses can create and sell accessories that celebrate both the teams and local culture.

This includes customized scarves, caps, and face paint in national colours. It's a chance to blend the love of football with unique, locally made products.

Capitalizing on Culture: Souvenirs and Crafts

Visitors from other African nations will be looking for unique Kenyan souvenirs to take home. This is where local artisans and traders can truly shine.

Selling authentic Kenyan crafts offers a way for fans to connect with the host country's culture.

Items such as handmade Kenyan bracelets, Maasai shukas, beaded necklaces, and carved wooden figurines are all high-demand products.

These not only serve as mementoes of the tournament but also celebrate Kenya's rich cultural heritage.

Others can also choose to venture into hawking Small Electronics & Accessories such as Phone chargers, earphones, and phone covers.

Businesses can set up temporary stalls near popular tourist spots or even collaborate with hotels to reach more visitors.

Hospitality and Services on the Rise

With thousands of football fans in town, the demand for various services will skyrocket. For example, accommodation providers, from guesthouses to homestays, can expect a surge in bookings.

Other small businesses set for a windfall profit include;

Food and Beverages

Boiled Eggs & Kachumbari:A very popular and low-cost street food.

Samosas & Mahamri: Fried snacks that are easy to carry and sell quickly.

Fresh Fruits:Sliced mangoes, pineapples, and watermelons, especially in hot weather.

Beverages:Bottled water, sodas, and juices, often sold from coolers.

Mutura & Smokie Pasua:Grilled meat sausages and African blood sausages, particularly popular in the evenings.

Coffee & Tea: Hot beverages sold from flasks, a favourite for commuters on their way to work.

Snacks & Sweets: Biscuits, chewing gum, and candy, often sold near bus terminuses.

The transport sector will also see a rise in business. Bodabodas, taxi, and ride-sharing drivers will be in high demand, as fans travel between hotels, stadiums, and tourist attractions like the Nairobi National Park.                                                    

The CHAN tournament is not just a sporting event. It is a golden opportunity for Nairobi's entrepreneurs to showcase their creativity and products.