Nairobi Woman's Inspiring Story From Mukuru Slums To Becoming Successful Online Entrepreneur

• Esther Onyango beat the odds to become a successful businesswoman after growing up in the slums
• Born and raised for 17 years in the harsh conditions of Mukuru, she charted her destiny by starting a kibanda
• The food business has grown exponentially and now boasts clients both in Kenya and abroad

Esther Onyango's journey from the Mukuru slums to a successful businesswoman is a testament to resilience, family support, and the power of mentorship.

Born and raised in the harsh conditions of South B's Mukuru slums, Esther spent 17 years in the ghetto.

Esther's move from Mukuru slums

She told TUKO.co.ke that fortunes changed when her brother's football talent changed their family's life.

In 2007, while Esther was still in high school, her brother, Patrick Oboya, signed with a football club in the Czech Republic, Europe.

This monumental step propelled his career and lifted his family out of the slums.

"The first thing he did was move us from the slums to Madaraka Estate," Esther shared.

When did Esther start her business?

Years later, Esther would find her path to success, drawing from her passion for cooking, which she credits to her late mother.

She launched an online business in March 2023.

What started as a modest mandazi kibanda has blossomed into a thriving enterprise.

"I thank God every day for blessing my hands with this amazing gift," Esther said, reflecting on the journey that led her to where she is today.

Her hospitality experience, honed over three years working at KFC, played a crucial role in her business's success.

How was Esther's entry into business?

However, the road wasn't without challenges. Esther's first attempt at selling chapati online was met with harsh criticism on social media.

Instead of being discouraged, she found a mentor in a kind-hearted woman named Mirriam.

"Mirriam came to my rescue. She saw my mistakes and corrected me," Esther recalled.

Her perseverance paid off, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive by her second order.

This paved the way for her first international client, marking a significant milestone in her budding business.

"I know my late mum is smiling down on me, watching her little girl do what she loved most—cooking," she concluded with a smile.

Nandi woman rises from cleaner to owning catering business

Elsewhere, Irene Cheptap Oret started as a cleaner before launching a catering business, which failed terribly.

She was about to give up on her dreams and travel to Saudi Arabia as a domestic worker when fate intervened.

A client called and placed a large order, relaunching the business, which now employs over five permanent staff.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke

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Collage of Esther and some of the food she prepares.

November 17, 2021, NAIROBI, KENYA: A resident of Mukuru Kwa Njenga

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