In a remarkable narrative of resilience and determination, Purity Wambui’s life underwent a profound transformation, evolving from a modest beginning as a house girl to achieving success as an entrepreneur.
Purity’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring businesspeople, highlighting the transformative power of perseverance, hard work, and an unshakable self-belief.
Her early life in Munithu – Nyaki West Ward was fraught with challenges, born into a broken family and facing adversity with her mother’s involvement in illicit brewing.
Despite these hardships, Purity’s desire for education and a brighter future only deepened. Completing her primary education at Kamiti Primary School, she encountered another obstacle – a lack of financial support for further studies.
Undeterred, Purity took matters into her own hands, initiating a venture selling vegetables by the roadside outside her grandmother’s home. Through relentless efforts, she managed to raise Ksh 1,500, which she used to procure essential items for high school.
With the support of Father Dominic, a Catholic priest, Purity overcame obstacles and entered high school. However, the challenges persisted as she struggled to afford a school uniform.
Undeterred, she used her savings to purchase second-hand clothes, a pair of shoes, and refurbished her mother’s old box for storage.
In high school, Purity’s exceptional academic performance attracted the attention of teachers who provided free books. During weekends, she worked for a teacher in exchange for basic necessities, and over holidays, she sought employment on farms to fund her school upkeep.
Upon completing secondary education, Purity faced a crossroads. Her high school sponsor had left the country, and her mother couldn’t afford to support her education.
A newspaper advertisement opened a new chapter for her – a potential job with a house manager’s agency in Nairobi. Purity worked on a farm to raise fare and, despite initial challenges, secured employment as a house girl, saving Ksh 10,000.
In 2002, she made a pivotal decision to join her sister at Gikomba Market, aiming to earn money for education. However, her business acumen and market understanding propelled her beyond her initial goals.
Known for offering high-quality products at competitive prices, Purity gained a reputation for exceptional customer service and a strong work ethic.
Tragedy struck in 2015 when a fire consumed her business and goods worth Ksh 3.5 million at Gikomba Market. Undeterred, a friend provided her with an opportunity to restart her business.
Transitioning from a B2C seller to a broker, Purity showcased her sales expertise, making Ksh 10,000 in just an hour. In a few months, she stabilized her business, purchased land, and gained financial freedom.
Motivated by ambition, Purity began regularly importing full containers of mitumba from the UK, Canada, and China. Her business, Kastevic Mitumba Importers, flourished, enabling her to mentor younger traders for free.
