Diana Kiluu, a graduate of a university in Thika, is one of the many youths gripped by one of the menaces ravaging Kenya; job scarcity.
The young alumna finished her campus studies with a degree in supply chain management, pending graduation.
She applied for many numerous jobs in hopes of making a living from the years she spent toiling in school with studies. As is the norm for most, she was unsuccessful in job hunting.
She didn’t let this dampen her spirits. Instead, she knew that employment was not the end of the road for her. Ms. Kiluu decided to venture into her own business; self-employment.
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“I made over a hundred applications but never got a job as I do not have connections. I delved into business as I could not as people for money yet I have hands,” she said.
With a capital investment of Sh. 110, Diana started selling chips in her apartment. Turns out this venture would grow larger.
“The business grew and I opened a hotel where I would make Sh. 1500 a day.”
However, with the high cost of cooking oil, Diana had to close her business and had to find alternatives.
Diana began cooking meals for people who were too tired to do it, and from this, she would score a good amount of money at the end of the day.
“My friend and I started cooking for people and have been doing it for six months now,” she narrated.
She also runs a business as a mama mboga selling vegetables and avocadoes.
“I don’t invest anything as the clients provide all the ingredients. When I cook chapati I charge up to Sh. 400. Te least I charge is Sh. 100 for Ugali and other simple meals.”
Diana also faced several challenges in her business, just like any other.
“Sometimes you find we have no clients, especially during the middle of the month.”
Also, some clients have unwanted advances toward her. To avoid this, Diana is always accompanied by her friend whenever she goes to cook for her clients.
“Teaming up helps us avoid harassment by clients.”
In the future, Diana looks to up-scale her business, offer training classes and employ young people.
“I will employ fellow students because many struggle to make money.”