This archive report was first published on 9 May 2020.
On a typical day in Nakuru town, the streets are bustling with activity, but one shop stands out - a grocery store run by a couple who turned their fortunes around after the Covid-19 pandemic hit.
Moses and Julie Chege, the owners of Ashleys Events Company, were in the events planning business before the pandemic. However, with the cancellation of all social gatherings, their business came to a grinding halt.
"That day we were at Kabarak University setting up tents for an event and immediately the announcement reached the client, he asked us to leave," recalls Chege as he arranges avocados on the shelves.
The couple had 20 bookings valued at between Sh2 million and Sh3 million between March and August, but things unfolded very fast before their eyes. Initially, they felt devastated, but they eventually decided to adapt and start a new business.
With an initial investment of about Sh30,000, part of which went on making shelves, the couple fully went into the grocery business. They started by opening the shop and displaying pumpkins on flower holders. "We sold 20 pieces, making Sh10,000 in days. We started when there were rumours about lockdowns and people were stockpiling food," says Chege, noting customers asked for other produce besides the pumpkins.
Today, the couple's grocery shop is thriving, with at least five farmers supplying them with fresh produce while others bring rice, honey, peanut butter, and other commodities. They are still looking for more suppliers, especially those who deal with cereals.
"Currently, we have at least five farmers who supply fresh produce to us while there are others who bring rice, honey, peanut butter and other commodities. We are still looking for more suppliers especially those who deal with cereals," says Julie.
The couple also sells their produce outside Nakuru and markets it on Facebook. "Most of our clients are people who work in banks, car yards, boutiques and other businesses in town. Things have worked in our favour somehow because the county government moved the main market to Afraha station, away from town, making our shop strategic for those who don’t want to go that far," Julie says.
