“Your situation doesn’t define your future. Whether you have Ksh 5,000 or Ksh 50,000, what matters is your mindset. Start small, work smart, and never be afraid to take risks. The world is full of opportunities—you just need to grab one.”
This is my story.
Two years ago, I was a TIVET student in Kiambu. Life wasn’t easy. My parents struggled to pay my school fees, and every month, we were either behind on payments or negotiating with the bursar for more time. I remember staring at my unpaid balance and feeling a deep pit of despair. I had to make a decision—continue borrowing and hoping, or take control of my life. I chose the latter.
Dropping out of school wasn’t easy. It felt like giving up, but deep down, I knew I wasn’t giving up on myself—just on a system that wasn’t working for me. With less than Ksh 5,000 in my savings, I decided to venture into business.
The First Step: Alibaba and Phone Accessories
After countless hours of researching online business ideas, I stumbled upon Alibaba. It seemed like the perfect platform to source affordable products. I had barely enough capital, so I ordered a small batch of phone accessories: earphones, screen protectors, and cases.
When the package finally arrived, it felt like I was holding my future in my hands. But now, the real challenge began—selling them.
E-Commerce Platforms: My First Sale on Jumia
I registered as a seller on Jumia and listed my products. I took simple photos, wrote descriptions that highlighted the benefits of each item, and set competitive prices. Days passed without any orders, and I began to doubt myself. Then, one evening, I received my first notification: Order confirmed.
That single sale reignited my confidence. I packaged the item carefully and delivered it to the Jumia drop-off point. Slowly, more orders followed. Each time I earned a profit, I reinvested it into buying more stock.
Social Media: Expanding My Reach
I knew I couldn’t rely solely on Jumia. That’s when I turned to Facebook Marketplace. I joined local buy-and-sell groups and posted my products with catchy captions. My phone accessories started attracting attention. To boost visibility, I ran a few Facebook ads targeting young people in Nairobi. It worked.
Next, I created a business profile on Instagram. I learned how to take better photos and create engaging reels. One day, a small tech influencer reviewed my products, and my follower count shot up. Orders poured in, and I could hardly keep up.
On WhatsApp Business, I made a product catalog and started sending updates to my contacts. Every time I got new stock or had a promotion, I’d post it on my status. Friends and family started referring others, and my customer base grew rapidly.
Building My Own Online Store
As the business grew, I knew I needed my own platform. Depending on Jumia and social media alone limited my potential. So, I built my online store using Flutterwave Store. It was easy to set up, and most importantly, it integrated M-Pesa for smooth transactions.
Having my own store gave me more control. I could brand my products, run my own promotions, and avoid marketplace fees. I optimized the site for SEO, which helped me attract even more customers.
Hitting the Ground: Physical Market Sales
While online sales were booming, I wanted to reach those who preferred shopping in person. I set up a small booth in Adam Arcade. It was nerve-wracking at first, but meeting customers face-to-face taught me so much. I got immediate feedback, and my products gained even more exposure.
Today, I’m proud to say I’ve built a business that not only supports me but also employs two part-time workers. My products are sold across Kenya, and I’ve expanded my inventory to include more tech gadgets.
If you’re reading this and wondering if you can do it, let me assure you: You absolutely can. Your starting point doesn’t matter. What matters is your willingness to learn, adapt, and persevere.
Every challenge I faced—limited capital, slow sales, self-doubt—taught me valuable lessons. Whether you’re a student, an unemployed graduate, or someone just looking for a way out of a tough situation, remember: The world is full of opportunities—you just need to grab one
