So great was Peninnah Wambui’s passion to nurture the young generation, that she traded in her hospitality mantle for that of an educator.

With barely any background knowledge in teaching, the mother of one revolutionized her life's purpose, founding the Nakuru College of Commerce and Hospitality.

Born and raised in Kiambu County, Wambui’s path in hospitality seemed set in stone.

A graduate of Utalii College with a diploma in Hotel Management, she found herself in Nakuru where she further honed her skills with an undergraduate degree, climbing the ranks in various hotels across the county, while interacting with a diverse clientele.

“I have worked in the hospitality industry for over a decade and loved every part of it. The interactions with different people from different localities made me feel alive. One time as I worked in one of the main hotels within town, someone told me that I could make a very good teacher yet I had no experience in teaching,” Wambui says.

The more people mentioned it to her the more it kept ringing in her mind. This, even though no one in her family found themselves in the education sector.

Eventually, working in hospitality, she happened to get a chance to work in a college as an instructor.

“Once I started working in the education sector, I began to discover my true calling. It felt incredibly rewarding to see students who were initially inexperienced come back from their attachments full of confidence and ready to take on the world.”

Wambui further says, “The education sector gave me a thrill and immense satisfaction. I was often called by former students, thanking me for the opportunities and guidance I'd provided. Knowing they had succeeded after learning from me was truly fulfilling.”

Wambui says the educational environment challenged her, sparking a desire to become a direct mentor and mould students herself.

She constantly questioned why she couldn't be at the forefront of this transformative process. After three years in education, when that opportunity ended, she returned to the hospitality industry.

Despite the good perks and benefits, she felt a void - a sense that she could do more.

“In a moment of reflection, I made a promise to God: by the time I reach 40, I want to be self-employed and run my college. As if by divine intervention, when I signed my three-year contract, everything seemed to align perfectly and my contract would end just as I turned 40,” she says.

She recalls having doubts and her closest colleagues questioned, "Penny, are you okay? Is this really what you want to do?". Even though voices of doubt persisted, her heart was at peace with the decision she was about to make.

And in July 2019, Nakuru College of Commerce and Hospitality (NCCH) officially opened.

“Barely a year into the business, COVID struck just when we were getting the hang of things, especially after getting more students. I was worried but I wasn’t deterred from continuing the dream. I always say, when you have passion and faith, everything becomes easier. October when school reopened despite minor setbacks, we bounced back with full force,” she says proudly.

Now, with the practical knowledge she garnered along the way from other business people and institutions willing to support her and offer mentorship, Wambui has grown to over 150 students enrolled in more than eight different courses.

The institution employs about 23 staff members, both permanent and on contract.

Reflecting on her journey, Wambui says, "If you are driven by something, you can achieve great things. Keep learning and be open to amassing knowledge. I always say, I made the craziest, most beautiful jump, which most people might fear but when you let God in what you do, He guides your steps,” she says smiling.

Peninnah Wambui: An entrepreneur driven by passion and a heart for the youth

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Leleti Jassor