16/05/2026
The Power of Small Businesses and Determination
When I joined campus in 2016, life was not easy.
My first year at university was one of the toughest seasons of my life. I depended entirely on my parents for support, especially for food and basic needs.
One day, after my mum had sent me KSh 500 just two weeks earlier, I called her again asking for money to buy food.
The response I received was painful.
«"Si juzi tu nilikutumia pesa? Wewe mtoto huwa unapeleka wapi pesa? Usinisumbue."»
Then she hung up.
I called her back and said:
«"Sawa. Sitakusumbua tena."»
That was the turning point.
Survival Mode Activated
It was almost the end of the semester, and exams were approaching.
I lived with several university mates who were studying BBAM. To survive, I offered to cook for them and wash utensils in exchange for food.
When I finished my exams earlier than they did, I became their unofficial "house help" — waking up early to prepare breakfast and lunch, and cleaning after them.
When they completed their exams, they informed me they were leaving for home the next day.
The problem?
I didn't even have fare to go home.
KSh 200 That Changed My Life
A fellow student asked if he could use my room with his girlfriend because hostel rules did not allow visitors of the opposite gender.
I agreed.
Afterwards, I explained my financial situation to him.
He reached into his pocket and gave me KSh 200.
That amount was enough to get me from St. Paul's University in Limuru to Kangemi.
Sometimes, the smallest help can change someone's life.
Searching for Work
When I arrived home, I barely spoke to my mum.
The next morning, I woke up early and walked all the way to Loresho looking for any construction job available.
Kazi ya mjengo.
By God's grace, the first gate I knocked on led to a pleasant surprise.
The watchman was my uncle.
He introduced me to one of the foremen, and I was told to change and start working immediately.
I had no work clothes, so I worked in the clothes I was wearing.
My First Real Income
I earned KSh 400 per day.
I worked hard.
So hard that within a short time, I became one of the most trusted workers. Eventually, I was the one helping recruit other job seekers who came looking for work.
The biggest lesson I learned there was this:
«It's not how much you earn. It's how much you keep.»
Many workers spent most of their money buying food on-site.
I chose a different path.
I slept at my mum's house, ate at home, and limited my weekly spending to around KSh 400.
I saved approximately KSh 2,000 every week.
During the four-month holiday, I saved KSh 15,000.
Starting My Small Business
Before reporting back to campus in August, I went to Gikomba Market.
With my savings, I bought:
- Sweatpants
- Crop tops
- Jeans
- Sweatshirts
- Panties
- Socks
- Earrings
- Necklaces
-travel bags
I specifically targeted university ladies as my customers.
I started selling.
And I sold.
Then sold some more. I employed a lady who I used to pay her 300 shillings daily.
Every morning, I would wake up at 4:00 a.m. to travel to Gikomba and restock.
That is how my business journey began.
The Tables Turned
For nearly two months, I hadn't spoken to my mum.
Eventually, she called to check on me.
I told her I was doing fine.
She later visited me at campus.
When she arrived, she found me doing extremely well.
In fact, I was better off than many people back at home.
She was shocked.
From that day onward, my mum became the one calling me for financial help.
Three Years of Business Success
I ran that small business successfully for three years until COVID-19 disrupted movement and business operations in Nairobi.
But by then, the lesson was deeply rooted in me.
Lessons I Learned
1. Never underestimate humble beginnings.
2. Small savings can build big opportunities.
3. Hard work always pays.
4. Business can start with very little capital.
5. Difficult seasons often create the strongest entrepreneurs.
Final Thought
If you can save a little and start small, your life can change completely.
You do not need millions to begin.
You need discipline.
You need courage.
You need consistency.
And most importantly, you need to believe in yourself.
My journey started with KSh 200 and a refusal to give up.
Small businesses are powerful.
Start where you are.
Use what you have.
Keep moving.
