Gambling addiction is prevalent among university students in Kenya, especially those facing financial hardships, as they perceive it as a way to supplement their income or cover tuition fees.

Edwin Nganyi, a Nairobi-based businessman, was one of the victims of gambling addiction while in campus.

Narrating his journey in a post on X, the Technical University of Kenya (TUK) BCom graduate revealed financial hardships forced him into betting with the hope that he would win some cash to sort his rent of Sh3,500 alongside other expenses.

However, time proved that gambling was not the best solution to his hardships, as it further deteriorated his finances, sinking him into debt.

Nganyi’s search for a better life led him to a neighbour who was running a cosmetics business. Upon enquiry on the basics of the business, he was convinced that he would succeed in the business.

“I had a neighbour who was working at a cosmetics shop. I asked her about the business, and she told me it was good business and pocket-friendly.  She told me to look for Sh5,000. I started doing my research on which affordable cosmetics can be sold easily and where to advertise online,” he recalled.

The businessman later purchased cosmetic products worth Sh5,000 and started advertising them online, thanks to his female friends who fully supported the business.

“The cosmetics business was a blessing to me coz I couldn’t sleep hungry. It kept me busy, so there was no more betting, and I had some pocket money from profits. l also realized I had the potential to do business coz was advertising female products and making sales, they loved them,” he added.

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So profitable was the business that he expanded to include denim jackets, a business that also picked so well.

His brother introduced him to laptop business in 2019 unaware that the business would blossom to a leading laptop brand in the country.

Today, Nganyi operates under the ECB Technologies brand, renowned for the sale of laptops, desktops, and accessories.

“Now, business is good and we thank God rising from zero to over Sh1 million in value is something which has motivated me and taught me that anything is possible; it is just a matter of time and consistency,” he noted.

He advised anyone intending to venture into business to go for it.

“Do not fear starting that dream whether it works or not you will gain experience,” he advised.