In Kenya, where many students face financial hurdles in pursuing higher education, the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) is a crucial lifeline for funding university studies.
For Damaris Chebet, a fourth-year IT student at Egerton University, the HELB loan has transcended its role as mere tuition support. It has become a catalyst for her entrepreneurial journey.
Damaris’s venture into entrepreneurship began with a sh 20,000 HELB loan in 2022, which she invested in starting a honey-supplying business. Her passion for entrepreneurship, especially in agribusiness, fueled this decision. Despite initial setbacks, including a failed attempt due to unclear strategy and branding, Damaris persisted.
Learning from these early challenges, she relaunched her business under the brand ‘Asali by Chebet.’ This strategic pivot marked a turning point. Armed with newfound determination and lessons learned, her business gained momentum.
Within a short span, Asali by Chebet expanded significantly, reaching international markets such as the UK and Germany, alongside its strong presence in Kenya.
Balancing her academic commitments with business operations, Damaris manages deliveries and oversees her enterprise from Monday to Friday, reserving weekends for rest, study, and personal pursuits.
Her IT skills have been instrumental in Asali by Chebet’s success. Leveraging her computer science background, Damaris developed a website and app for her brand, boosting visibility and customer accessibility.
Furthermore, her affiliation with the Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT) provided valuable networking opportunities and entrepreneurial training, propelling further growth.
Asali by Chebet has carved out a niche market, serving a diverse clientele including spas, salons, hotels, and corporations. By sourcing honey locally, Damaris not only supports the regional economy but also ensures the authenticity and quality of her products.
In essence, Damaris Chebet’s entrepreneurial journey, initially seeded by a HELB loan, exemplifies resilience, strategic adaptation, and the transformative power of combining education with entrepreneurship in Kenya’s challenging economic landscape.
