In Kabarnet, Baringo County, a young entrepreneur, Nahashon Kiplagat embarked on a remarkable journey that would see him rise from humble beginnings to become a successful business owner, defying odds and realizing his dreams.
Here is his story as told by WoK.
Background
His indulgence with entrepreneurship began at a tender age, as he nurtured a keen interest in business during his days at Bartolimo Boys High School.
It was here that the seeds of entrepreneurship were planted in his mind, setting the stage for what would later become his life’s calling.
Upon completing his secondary education in 2011, armed with a mere Ksh10,000 saved from his high school allowance, he took his first step into the business world.
With the capital in hand, he launched a modest charcoal-selling venture in his neighborhood.
Through hard work and astute business acumen, he quickly doubled his investment, amassing Ksh20,000 in a matter of months.
This initial success fueled his ambition, prompting him to expand his business horizons.
His enterprising spirit shone through when he managed to acquire two motorbikes within six months, creating a reliable income stream for himself.
As fate would have it, he joined Mount Kenya University in 2012 to pursue a degree in Education, a decision that would further shape his entrepreneurial journey.
Armed with his motorbikes, Kiplagat earned Ksh600 per day.
However, fate had grander plans for the budding businessman.
In his third year of university, he stumbled upon an opportunity that would challenge him to new heights.
A business space near the university was available for lease at Ksh400,000, a sum that seemed daunting at the time.
Undeterred, Kiplagat rallied his resources and courage, approaching the landlord with Ksh200,000 and a promise to fulfill the remaining payment within three months.
The road ahead was far from smooth.
Kiplagat’s resolve was put to the test as he struggled to source the remaining funds required to fulfill his commitment.
Friends and family were skeptical, urging him to focus solely on his studies.
Yet, his unyielding belief in his vision pushed him to make a daring decision – he used his university fees of Ksh 50,000 to pay the remaining balance.
With the business space secured, the entrepeneur was faced with the daunting task of determining what kind of business to establish.
Unbeknownst to him, his intuition would lead him to a venture that would transform his life.
Recognizing the idle hours students spent after classes, he decided to launch a pool table business within the newly acquired space.
However, Nahashon Kiplagat decision to open a pool table business proved to be a masterstroke.
The journey was far from smooth sailing.
To raise the funds required for the business, he made the difficult choice of selling his beloved motorbikes at Ksh155,000 and securing a bank loan of Ksh50,000.
With a total of Ksh205,000, he purchased a new pool table for Ksh150,000 and a secondhand one for Ksh50,000.
“The first month was full of frustrations, but as much as I wanted to give up, I thought of how far I had come. I made Ksh20,000 in the first month, which was too little as I could not afford to pay my rent of Ksh30,000 per month, leave alone paying my worker his salary,” said Kiplagat.
By the second month, his business began to flourish, generating an average of Sh900 per day from each pool table.
This success story continued as his earnings grew, eventually reaching an impressive Ksh120,000 per month.
His entrepreneurial prowess led to the expansion of his business empire.
He opened a new branch at Komora Centre, strategically targeting students from the University of Nairobi and nearby colleges.
With his business acumen and careful financial management, his monthly earnings soared to Ksh240,000.
