- Nisha Jepkoech failed to proceed beyond secondary school but has succeeded in the business world in Nandi Hills
- The 23-year-old established her own enterprise, allowing her to carve out a comfortable living amidst harsh economic times
- She commenced her venture with a single packet of wheat flour, which has since expanded to a bundle daily
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TUKO.co.ke journalist Japhet Ruto brings over eight years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting, offering deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.
When Nisha Jepkoech completed her high school studies, she thought of relocating to Eldoret or Nairobi in search of greener pastures.
However, she came across tales of acquaintances who faced challenges even after relocating to larger cities.
This inspired the 23-year-old to establish her own enterprise, allowing her to live comfortably in harsh economic times.
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How Nisha Jepkoech started chapati business
Who Owns Kenya reported that Jepkoech resorted to cooking and selling chapati in her hometown of Nandi Hills.
Her research showed that chapatis were in high demand, and people would pay for well-cooked unleavened bread.
She commenced her venture with a single packet of wheat flour, which has since expanded to a bundle daily. In addition to chapatis, she also offers chips and tea, boosting her daily sales to KSh 5,500.
“Just like any other young lady, I have a lot of needs, which is why I work hard to earn a living rather than depend on my parents. With this business that has lasted two years, I provide for all personal effects that a lady requires, pay KSh 5,000 rent, and put food on the table,” the KNA quoted her.
Who are Jepkoech's customers?
The youthful woman sells her chapos to different groups of people, including boda boda riders, police officers, students and office workers.
She has employed two ladies who assist her in her day-to-day hustle. She pays them KSh 300 per day.
"They help me supply orders to my customers while I am busy cooking. I know that by the time they leave this place, they will have acquired the skill of chapati cooking that I also learnt from my mother," she explained.
What are Nisha Jepkoech's future plans?
The aspiring restaurant owner firmly believes that individuals should actively create opportunities for themselves.
She noted that success results from proactive efforts, and as such, she channels her determination and entrepreneurial spirit towards realising her goal.
In her view, numerous business opportunities demand only minimal skills. These include street vending of household items, retailing cereals, and roasting maize.
How another Nandi woman is thriving
Elsewhere, Irene Chepkogei's dream of becoming a doctor was dashed when her mum could not raise fees to enable her to join a medical school.
The businesswoman, who hails from a remote village in Nandi county, resorted to manual jobs to make ends meet.
She started Afrikan Eats during the COVID-19 pandemic period after borrowing a 2kg packet of wheat flour from a local shop.
"I wanted to be a doctor while growing up but due to a lack of college fees, God made me a food doctor by giving me the talent of cooking. I started the food business during the COVID-19 pandemic period.
This was after a lady I met online made me resign from the cleaning job I was doing. I thank her because God used her to remove me from my comfort zone. She had promised we partner in the food business but unfortunately, the money she was expecting didn't come through," Irene told TUKO.co.ke in an exclusive interview.
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