Purity Wambui’s life story is a remarkable testament to resilience, determination, and the power of unwavering belief in oneself. Rising from humble beginnings as a house girl to becoming a thriving entrepreneur, her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring business owners everywhere.
A Challenging Beginning
Born into a broken family in Munithu – Nyaki West Ward, Purity’s early years were fraught with hardships. Her parents’ separation and her mother’s involvement in illicit brewing created an unstable home environment. However, these struggles only fueled her desire for a better future.
After completing her primary education at Kamiti Primary School, Purity faced yet another obstacle—lack of financial support for further studies. Determined to continue her education, she took the initiative to sell vegetables by the roadside near her grandmother’s home. Through relentless effort, she managed to save Ksh 1,500, which she used to purchase essential school items.
Overcoming Educational Barriers
Purity’s perseverance led her to seek sponsorship, and she found support in Father Dominic, a Catholic priest who helped fund her high school education. However, challenges persisted. She could not afford a school uniform, but with ingenuity, she bought second-hand clothes, a pair of shoes, and repurposed her mother’s old storage box.
Her dedication and excellent academic performance caught the attention of teachers who provided her with books. On weekends, she worked for a teacher in exchange for basic necessities, and during holidays, she sought employment on farms to cover her school expenses.
Struggles in Nairobi
Upon completing high school, Purity faced another crossroad. With her sponsor no longer in the country and her mother unable to support further education, she turned to a newspaper advertisement that offered house management jobs in Nairobi. Determined to seize the opportunity, she worked on a farm to raise fare for the journey.
However, upon arrival, she discovered the agency had no jobs available, leaving her stranded. She spent nights in a motel alongside other job seekers, navigating uncertainty with resilience. Eventually, she secured employment as a house girl and diligently saved Ksh 10,000.
The Leap into Business
In 2002, Purity decided to join her sister at Gikomba Market, Nairobi’s largest open-air market. Initially, her goal was to earn enough money for further studies, but her keen business sense soon propelled her beyond that ambition. Her reputation for offering high-quality products at competitive prices, coupled with exceptional customer service, earned her a loyal clientele.
However, tragedy struck in 2015 when a fire engulfed Gikomba Market, destroying goods worth Ksh 3.5 million. Devastated but not defeated, Purity found an opportunity through a supportive friend who provided her with shoe bales to sell. Demonstrating her sharp sales skills, she earned Ksh 10,000 in just one hour. This breakthrough allowed her to transition from a direct seller to a broker, transforming her business model.
Building a Business Empire
Within months, Purity rebuilt her business, gained financial stability, and even purchased land. Determined to scale greater heights, she began importing full containers of mitumba (second-hand clothes) from the UK, Canada, and China.
Today, her company, Kastevic Mitumba Importers, has flourished into a leading supplier of high-quality second-hand clothing. Beyond business success, she dedicates time to mentoring young traders, empowering them to navigate the entrepreneurial world.
Purity Wambui’s journey underscores the power of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. From struggling to afford a school uniform to becoming a successful businesswoman, her story serves as a beacon of hope for anyone striving to overcome challenges and achieve greatness.
