This archive report was first published on 29 June 2019.
Christine Wanjiru's entrepreneurial journey began at a young age, selling small items while still in high school. This early start laid the foundation for her future business ventures.
After completing her studies in Supply Chain Management, Wanjiru started a 'mitumba' business two and a half years ago, importing second-hand clothes from Canada. She partnered with her friend Catherine Njeru, and together they have successfully run the business, which has become a source of income and stability for their families.
However, Wanjiru's path to success was not without its challenges. She developed a spinal problem that forced her to take a break from her previous business, selling men's clothes in Kampala, Uganda. After treatment, she was advised to take it easy, which marked the end of her business.
Wanjiru later found a job as a procurement officer at a parastatal, but she felt unfulfilled and stagnant. She longed for a challenge and a sense of growth, but her schedule was monotonous and uneventful. It was during this time that she met a friend who worked in Gikomba market and introduced her to the world of 'mitumba' bales.
With her friend's guidance, Wanjiru started buying and selling bales of mitumba clothes. She partnered with Catherine, and together they imported containers of second-hand clothes from Canada. However, they soon realized that getting customers in a vast market was a significant challenge. To overcome this, Wanjiru created a Facebook page, Grade 1 Mtumba Bales, to advertise their products.
It took time, but eventually, they gained the trust of their customers, who would send them money and their location, and the ladies would send them the bales. This business model allowed them to operate on trust and dispose of the bales easily, making it simpler to import new ones.
As a way of giving back to the community, Wanjiru helps young people start their own businesses. She identifies needy youth with a love for business and provides them with bales, which they pay for after selling. This initiative helps build their confidence and allows them to stay in the market.
