Catherine Muringo’s bold claim of buying her first car just three months after starting her Mitumba business with only KSh 2,000 as capital has sparked debate and laughter among Kenyans online. While many took her story as a joke, Catherine has stood her ground, insisting that the business, though demanding, is accessible to anyone willing to put in the effort.
Her journey has not been without challenges. Over nine years ago, Catherine’s salon business collapsed, forcing her to seek another source of income. With less than KSh 2,000 in her pocket, she took a leap of faith into the Mitumba trade. Guided by a friend in the clothing industry, she gained vital skills and slowly built her foundation.
“I was desperate and jobless. I took the little I had and went to Korogocho Market to buy children’s clothes to stock my empty shop,” she recalled. That initial investment quickly returned KSh 9,000, which she reinvested to expand her stock. As her business grew, she learned from dealers about the different varieties of bales, a move that boosted her profits significantly.
Today, Catherine runs Experienced Mitumba Bales at Gikomba Market, sourcing second-hand clothing from international markets. “I love Canadian bales because they are clean, but I also source from Australia, the UK, and sometimes the US and China,” she said.
In an interview with NTV, she shared how her business picked up so fast that within three months, she was able to purchase a Nissan X-Trail worth KSh 700,000. “Things were so good between July and December that I could afford the car,” she recalled with a smile.
Beyond business, Catherine is a strong advocate for women’s empowerment. She mentors women, especially widows, on how to start and grow successful ventures in the Mitumba sector. Many of her mentees have since built thriving businesses of their own.
She also shares practical advice for Gikomba shoppers, recommending early visits between 4:00 AM and 8:00 AM when the best items are still available. “The beauty of this business is that you don’t need a lot of money. With less than KSh 20,000, you can get started. If you’re thinking about second-hand clothes, Experience Mitumba Bales is here to guide you,” she told Times.
