Peris Nyakio, 38, and a resilient mother of three from Mbotela, Makadara Constituency, Nairobi, defied the odds to transform her life. Once a resident of the railway Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) settlement project, living in a single room with her family, she now stands as an inspiration to many.
Her journey began in September 2023 when she joined the Sustainable Livelihoods Program (SLP). Armed with little more than determination and a frying pan, Peris Nyakio started selling fried potatoes or chips, as they are popularly known in Nairobi, on the streets of Mbotela. The training she received through the program ignited a spark within her, propelling her to dream bigger and aim higher.
With newfound confidence, Nyakio saved diligently, participating in merry-go-rounds and table banking. In December 2023, she took a leap of faith, investing her savings worth Kes. 100,000 (USD $770) in a fast-food venture at Uhuru market. Unfortunately, the venture faltered due to poor location and pricing. Setbacks, however, did not deter her. Drawing inspiration from the business idea development she gained through SLP, she dusted herself off and returned to her chips-selling business.
Nyakio diversified her product line, adding kebabs, samosas, chapatis, and smokies to her menu. She also introduced a new fridge for soft drinks. In addition, she ventured into cooked food delivery, creating employment opportunities for five people.
The fruits of her labour were evident in the transformation of her family’s life. They moved from the cramped railway houses to a more comfortable one-bedroom abode. Nyakio’s husband, employed in the transport sector, was also able to contribute more to the family’s well-being, and their children’s education received a boost. Her monthly net profit climbed to Sh20,000, ensuring her family had three meals a day and allowing her to save consistently.
Before joining training, she only had the chips business. Her net profit then was average sh. 2000 per week which translates to sh. 8000 per month. After joining the training, she has been introducing other products like kebabs, samosas, more soda, chapatis, smokies and food for home delivery. Her net profit per month has been growing since then which now stands at sh. 20000 per month.
I dropped out in form two and was trying not to stay idle by selling chips, but EPTF has impacted my worldview and attitudes that I now have confidence to excel in business,” Nyakio said. “I learned how to market my business; I now serve customers from Buruburu who come all the way to buy. I want to talk to ‘kanjo’ (local government) so that they give me the space in front of my shop to set up an eatery and make more food. I did not have any training before in business, I now feel enabled and empowered. I thank EPTF.”
Her story is a reminder that with the right support, skills, and determination, anyone can overcome adversity and achieve their dreams.