Nakuru is a centre for business potential and has become a magnet for companies seeking growth opportunities.

This dynamic environment has not only attracted male entrepreneurs but has also witnessed the remarkable success of women-led enterprises.

Among these trailblazers is Njeri Mwangi, Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Reliable Concrete Works Nakuru.

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She boasts of an impressive 23-year tenure in the construction industry.

Njeri's journey into entrepreneurship traces back to her younger years, marked by a family tragedy that saw her father involved in a road accident. The subsequent auctioning of their family investments left them with insufficient resources.

Njeri Mwangi, the Chief Operating Officer at Reliable Concrete Works Nakuru during an interview on November 17, 2023.

Photo credit: MERCY KIHUGU/MTAA WANGU

In the face of the challenge, Njeri's resilience and resourcefulness shone through, from learning the art of drawing from her cousin, she progressed to mastering the skills of baking and making popcorn, which she sold to fund her education through high school and university.

Reflecting on her early experiences, Njeri states, "The misfortune of my dad's accident ignited my entrepreneurial spirit. While my mom cared for him, I started small businesses to contribute to my school fees."

Post-university, Njeri delved into interior design projects for Nakuru-based companies, a move that laid the foundation for her current entrepreneurial venture.

As a woman in business, Njeri emphasizes the necessity of working twice as hard as her male counterparts.

Yet, she has thrived by cultivating a supportive team, empowering others, and aligning everyone with the company's vision, developing scalable and sustainable growth.

“It is important to have open communication and shared vision among the team working in the business.”

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Njeri adds that reluctance to collaborate and share goals has led to the downfall of many women-led enterprises as she advocates for women to build teams that are committed to collective success.

Highlighting the untapped potential for women in Nakuru's business landscape, Njeri identifies common challenges faced by women in business.

“Limited access to information, technology, and finance often confines women-owned businesses to micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises operating in the informal sector. To break this cycle there is a need for knowledge acquisition, networking, and a willingness to take calculated risks," Njeri emphasizes.

Njeri's remarkable journey culminated in her being awarded the Best Female Entrepreneur over 40 during the Nakuru County Mums and Dads Entrepreneur award last year, a testament to her dedication and impact.

With pride, she acknowledges this accolade as a recognition of her efforts and a source of inspiration for aspiring women entrepreneurs in Nakuru.

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Away from the corporate world, Njeri is an avid hiker which she says helps her learn about resilience especially when she is part of a tough hike.

merykihugu@gmail.com

Biz Lounge: From selling popcorns to running one of Nakuru's largest construction companies

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Mercy Kihugu