When Velso Aleso moved to China in 2013 to work as a domestic worker, she had no idea how tough the transition would be—especially with limited financial resources. But what began as a difficult chapter quickly turned into an incredible story of resilience and reinvention.
Assigned to the residence of Kenya’s then-ambassador to China, Michael Kinyanjui, Aleso initially worked as a housekeeper. Though she was nervous about living and working in a foreign country, she soon settled into her role, which eventually expanded to include cooking and catering duties.
“I was a local staff at the embassy. I worked for them as a housekeeper and later as a chef. I cooked for so many people at that embassy,” she recalled in a past interview.
One of the most memorable moments in her early career was preparing a meal for former President Uhuru Kenyatta during one of his visits to Beijing.
After six years of service, Aleso was unexpectedly retrenched. Jobless and in a foreign land, she refused to give up. Instead, she returned to what she knew best — cooking — and turned her passion for food into a business.
Starting small, she began preparing traditional Kenyan meals for friends in Beijing. Word quickly spread through referrals, and her catering services took off. She also teamed up with Kenyan chefs and cultural performers, offering catering at African talent shows and cultural events across the city.
Her food, rich in Kenyan flavor, attracted a diverse clientele — not just Kenyans, but other Africans craving a taste of home. The growing demand inspired her to launch her own restaurant: Velma African Kitchen.
Velma African Kitchen soon became a beloved spot among African communities in China, known for its authentic dishes such as pilau, nyama choma, mukimo, roasted fish, and chapati. But for Aleso, it was about more than just food — it was about family, warmth, and comfort.
“I wanted to be like a mother to my customers — mostly international students — giving them a home-cooked meal and reminding them of home,” she shared.
What started as a modest hustle has grown into a thriving business, now offering online food delivery through various apps. And beyond profits, her success has had a profound impact: Aleso has financed her children’s education in international schools back in Kenya, supported her siblings through university, and even provides aid to orphans in her hometown.
Looking ahead, Aleso dreams of expanding into other major Chinese cities — and eventually running a chain of restaurants that bring the taste of Kenya to the world.
