Stacy Auma (Stacy wa Mitumba) relaxing at her shop in Gikomba Market, Nairobi. Photo/ Stacy Auma
By Peter Changtoek
peter.changtoek@gmail.com
Stacey Auma Ochieng started as a door-to-door hawker in Mwiki-Kasarani, before moving to Roysambu flyover, and finally to Ruiru market four years ago.
Currently, she sells mitumba bales in Gikomba, Nairobi.
She says that she began with a capital of only Sh1,000. “The death of my father inspired me to do more as the family’s firstborn,” says the eldest in a family of four.
She deals in mitumba bales sourced from the UK, Canada, Australia, as well as China. “We sell full bales, half bales and quarter bales – and we recently introduced gunias from as low as Sh2,000,” she explains.
Lessons and future ambitions
The 26-year-old says she has no regrets about venturing into the business, noting that consistency in marketing and faith in God have been key to her growth.
Read more: How Kenya’s Gen Z Learned to Thrive in an Economy That Broke the Millennials
However, Stacey admits that entrepreneurship has not been without challenges. Among the major hurdles she highlights are limited access to sufficient capital and difficulties in securing reliable suppliers for certain products.
“I am a single mother of two – Alicia, who is eight years old, and Andy, who is five. I started this business with two of my siblings,” she reveals.
Online clients
She adds that most of her clients are online-based, while others come from Gikomba market. “I believe in referrals and trust God for more,” she says.
Stacey operates from Gikomba market at Orange House, First Floor. She also runs a shop in Ruiru Town along Mathigu Road, opposite Balaji Motors, and a third outlet opposite Wells Ruiru.
Read more: Cosmetic plastic ban? Kenya’s struggle with waste management
Beyond selling mitumba, she offers mentorship on the importation of shoes and bags from Tanzania, with plans to expand to China.
“We are also on social media as Stacey wa Mitumba01 across all platforms. We can also be reached on 0789473921. I am ready to expand into multiple businesses, create more job opportunities, and build a brand that will stand the test of time,” she says.
About the Author
