Purity Wambui’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a thriving entrepreneur is a powerful story of resilience, determination, and an unshakeable belief in herself. Her life serves as an inspiring reminder of the transformative power of perseverance and hard work.
Born into a broken family in Munithu, Nyaki West Ward, Purity’s early life was marred by hardships. Her parents’ separation and her mother’s involvement in illicit brewing made for a challenging childhood. Despite these struggles, Purity’s desire for a better life and education only grew stronger.
After completing her primary education at Kamiti Primary School, Purity faced another hurdle: the lack of financial resources to continue her studies. Rather than giving up, she began selling vegetables by the roadside outside her grandmother’s home, raising Ksh 1,500 to buy essential supplies for high school.
Purity’s determination caught the attention of Father Dominic, a Catholic priest who agreed to sponsor her high school education. However, financial challenges persisted, and Purity couldn’t afford the basics, including a school uniform. Undeterred, she used her Ksh 1,500 to buy second-hand clothes and a pair of shoes, while refurbishing her mother’s old box for storage.
Her hard work paid off. Purity’s excellent academic performance earned her the support of her teachers, who provided books free of charge. She also worked for a teacher on weekends in exchange for basic supplies, and during school holidays, she found farm work to fund her education.
After completing secondary school, Purity found herself at a crossroads. Her sponsor had left the country, and her mother couldn’t afford further education. A serendipitous newspaper advertisement for a job with a house manager’s agency in Nairobi caught her eye. Determined to pursue this opportunity, she worked on a farm to raise bus fare to the city.
Upon arrival in Nairobi, Purity’s journey was not easy. The agency didn’t have available positions, and she spent several nights in a motel with other job seekers. But her perseverance paid off when she secured a job as a house girl, saving Ksh 10,000 through her work.
In 2002, Purity decided to join her sister at Gikomba Market, one of Nairobi’s largest open-air markets. Initially intending to earn money for education, Purity’s sharp business acumen quickly set her apart. Known for offering quality products at competitive prices, she earned a strong reputation for her customer service and dedication.
However, disaster struck in 2015 when a fire destroyed Gikomba Market, along with her business and goods worth Ksh 3.5 million. Refusing to give up, Purity found new opportunities through a friend who helped her restart her business with shoe bales. Her sales skills were evident as she made Ksh 10,000 in just one hour. With this support, she transitioned from a B2C seller to a broker, reshaping her business model.
Within months, Purity’s business stabilized. She purchased land, achieved financial independence, and began importing full containers of mitumba (second-hand clothes) from the UK, Canada, and China. Her company, Kastevic Mitumba Importers, flourished, and she expanded her product range while mentoring younger traders, offering guidance for free.
Purity Wambui’s story is one of overcoming adversity, finding opportunities in the face of setbacks, and never giving up on the dream of a better future. Today, she stands as a testament to the power of resilience and hard work.
