Rosemary Awuor - From Volunteer to Entrepreneur
Nestled in the bustling neighborhood of Mathare, Kenya, Rosemary Awuor's French fries hotel has become a beacon of hope and resilience. A mother of five, Rosemary's journey from a community health volunteer to a thriving business owner is a testament to her determination, sharp focus and commitment to her family and community.
Compassion generates business
Rosemary's inspiration to start her business came from her time as a community health volunteer. It bothered her that people coming to the only hospital in her neighborhood did not have a place where they could have a meal while waiting for a doctor to attend to them, or for medical procedures and results.
"I noticed that many patients coming to the hospital did not have an affordable place to eat,” she recalls “They were already burdened with medical challenges, and finding a cheap meal was an added struggle."
This realization sparked the idea for her “chips hotel”, a place where people could enjoy a hearty meal for just KES 50.
Challenges accessing affordable financing
Before joining the Jiinue Growth Program, Rosemary faced significant challenges in accessing affordable financing. She often had to rely on her merry-go-round group, which came with high-interest rates.
"If you borrow KES 10,000, you have to repay with an additional KES 2,000 interest. It was difficult to manage," she notes.
The Jiinue Growth Program provided a much-needed alternative with its lower interest rates and supportive structure.
The Jiinue Growth Program (JGP), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is a five-year initiative that aims to empower 229,500 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Kenya. By providing access to affordable financing, technical assistance, and mentorship, the program helps entrepreneurs overcome systemic barriers to success through in partnership consisting of Grassroots Business Fund (GBF), DT Global, 4G Capital, GROOTS Kenya, Powered by People, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA).
A business uprooted by disaster
In its early days, Rosemary's business flourished, providing much-needed affordable food to the Mathare community, an informal settlement in the city of Nairobi. However, disaster struck when severe flooding ravaged the area in May 2024.
"My fryer was submerged in floodwater, and I lost all of my cooking oil,” she says bitterly. “It was devastating because cooking oil is expensive and crucial for my business. I also lost my certificates and documentation to the floodwater because I had to rescue my children including my 16-year-old daughter living with a disability and would not have been able to rescue my children and my certificates,” she adds.
The floods nearly drowned her dreams as she now faced the daunting prospect of starting her business over, from scratch.
Recovery road
Rosemary's turning point came with the support of Jiinue Growth Program. After joining the program, she secured a KES 13,000 loan, which she deployed towards reviving her business.
"I used KES 8,000 to buy a new commercial deep fryer and KES 5,000 to repair the fryer that was damaged by flood water," she explains.
This financial lifeline enabled her to get back on her feet and bring her business back from the brink of collapse.
Sustaining livelihoods and empowering youth
With her business back on track, Rosemary now makes KES 5,000 Kenyan shillings daily from her French fries hotel, of which KES 2,000 shillings go towards paying bills, including wages for her workers. Rosemary is particularly passionate about youth empowerment.
"I have employed young people in my business to prevent them from being idle and engaging in bad activities such as taking harmful drugs. It gives them a purpose and a means to support themselves," she proudly shares.
Jiinue Growth Program impact
The Jiinue Growth Program has played a pivotal role in Rosemary's success. Beyond just providing financial support, the program has instilled confidence and hope.
"Before joining Jiinue, accessing affordable financing was a huge challenge. Now, I have the support I need to grow my business and make a positive impact on my community," she reflects.
The program's emphasis on financial literacy and business management has also equipped her with the skills needed to sustain and expand her business.
Through the program, Rosemary received essential financial literacy training that equipped her with critical skills in bookkeeping and the importance of maintaining accurate records for her business.
"Learning how to keep proper records has positively changed how I manage my finances," she shares.
This knowledge has enabled her to track her expenses and profits more effectively, ensuring the sustainability and growth of her business. Additionally, the training in marketing has allowed Rosemary to expand her business by catering to online customers, providing a previously untapped revenue stream.
Rosemary is particularly proud of this development as it aligns with her passion for youth empowerment.
"Extending my business to online customers has not only increased my sales but has also allowed me to provide jobs for young people in my community," she says.
By offering employment, she helps keep the youth engaged in productive activities, steering them away from harmful behaviors. Her commitment to providing for her family and creating opportunities for the youth is a driving force behind her business, reflecting her desire to make a positive impact in her neighborhood. Rosemary’s story exemplifies how targeted support can enable entrepreneurs to rebuild their lives, strengthen their businesses, and uplift their communities.
Future aspirations
Looking ahead, Rosemary has big dreams for her future. One of her primary goals is to continue educating her children so that they can be great.
“My school life ended earlier than I would have wanted it to. I don’t want the same for my children. This is why I work hard daily to give them a better life than I had,” explains Rosemary.
Another goal she has is to build a home in her rural hometown.
"I want to create a stable and comfortable environment for my children, away from the challenges of urban life," she says.
Her determination to provide a better life for her family is the driving force behind her entrepreneurial spirit.
