This archive report was first published on 11 January 2020.
Plastic Bags Ban Gave Me a Business Breakthrough ¶
January 11, 2020
Wanjiku Njenga, a 33-year-old entrepreneur, has turned the plastic bags ban into a business opportunity. She is the founder of Shkwela Kiondo, a company that manufactures and sells luxury kiondo accessories.
When the Kenyan government banned plastic carrier bags in 2017, Wanjiku saw an opportunity to create a business that would not only be profitable but also contribute to a cleaner environment. She started buying and selling kiondo shopping bags online, and to her surprise, she sold her first batch quickly.
Wanjiku's business has grown significantly since then. She now manufactures and sells a variety of kiondo products, including stylish kiondo bags, wall baskets, and storage baskets. Her products range from Sh1,500 to Sh5,000.
Wanjiku's journey to entrepreneurship began with a love story - her love for hand crafts. Growing up in Isiolo, her father owned a curio shop, and she spent a lot of time experimenting with beads. She made her first necklace at the age of eight and sold her first necklace to a client at the age of 20.
However, Wanjiku's passion for hand crafts was not her primary focus. She was motivated to empower communities and change lives, which is why she went to law school. She had a seven-year long career in the NGO world, where she rose ranks from volunteer to project manager.
Wanjiku's experience in the NGO world has been invaluable in her business. She has been able to identify the needs of her customers and create products that meet those needs. She has also been able to empower women in her community by providing them with materials and paying them on completion.
Despite the challenges she has faced, Wanjiku remains committed to her business. She dreams of having her own well-equipped workshop, creating more job opportunities, and expanding her export market. She also wants to produce more eco-friendly luxury kiondo bags and continue to be part of a cleaner environment.
