By Jackson Nyakoe
Juggling between books and business is no walk in the park. Students are always chasing good grades and a bit of fun in their free time. But we have a breed of students who have learnt the art of making money while still in college.
WOK had a chat with Kevin Nyambati, a student at Moi University who owns Rosewood furniture.
Background
Kevin Nyambati is a 4th year student at Moi University main campus. The entrepreneur at heart is pursuing a degree course in education(geography/business). He a popular figure among fellow students and locals who know him as the CEO and owner of Rosewood Furniture.
Venturing in business
His business came to life in November 2020 during the corona pandemic. Rosewood, which is located just a few meters from the university main gate, has a wide range of products like beds, armchairs, shoe-racks, sofa sets and bookcases. To ensure that clients demands are met, Kelvin has a total of five employees.
According to the astute businessman, he had to fill a gap since they was no furniture business around the institution.
‘’There was a high demand for furniture products by students and most of these products were basic like beds. Although it was capital intensive to start, I believed that the business will boom one day. I came up with a business plan and invested my time and resources in it” he told this writer.
Profitability
Nyambati makes over Ksh100,000 on a good month from his business as a profit after expenses.
“The business is seasonal because the demand for furniture is high at the start of the semester since this is the time students want to settle and focus on their studies” he says.
Future prospects
He has future plans of setting a similar business in Kisii. Nyambati strives to ensure people get satisfied with the quality products he delivers to them at an affordable price.
“If you want something, go for it. Believe in yourself and have hope that it will boom after some time. Be persistent and consistent. Don’t give up easily just because the business didn’t work as you intended but realize the mistake and work on it to ensure it doesn’t repeat itself” Nyambati advised those who want to become entrepreneurs.
Mr Nyakoe is a journalism and communication student Moi University.
