Raban Mwangi is a businessman who runs a 24-hour grocery shop in Utawala, Nairobi. The businessman revealed he ventured into the 24-hour business to address the challenge many late workers in the area were facing.

“I realized that sometimes people leave work late, and by the time they get home, there are no supermarkets or shops open.  But with a 24-hour grocery shop, one can buy healthy fruits that are healthy.” Mwangi says.

Born in Nyeri county, Mwangi revealed he ventured into entrepreneurship after completing his secondary school education in 2015.

With Sh9,000 proceeds from casual jobs, the 28-year-old started a small grocery shop in Kutus, Kirinyaga county, and later moved to Nairobi.

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At his grocery store in Utawala Estate, Mwangi sells a variety of fruits, including watermelon, pineapples, and pumpkins, making between Sh30,000 to Sh40,000 in a good week.

He sells pumpkins weighing between 10 kg to 20 kg at Sh150 to Sh1,000 while watermelons fetch between Sh500 to Sh800. He says he prefers these fruits due to their long shelf life of up to three months.

“The pumpkins are sweet and have a ‘powdery’ texture which is preferred by many, especially mothers with young children. They are also best for a breakfast meal,” he says.

Mwangi has employed three people who help with the trade. Two of the employees operate during the day and one works at night.

He gets his stock from traders, who import from Uganda and Tanzania. He credits his success to discipline and hard work.