Meet Mary Makena Njenga, a determined Kenyan entrepreneur who has found success in the rice-selling business. After facing financial challenges following her secondary school education, Mary worked various jobs in sales and marketing.
However, her venture into selling shoes and clothes didn’t work out, leading her to pursue a different path. In 2017, Mary started selling Pishori rice, a popular and beloved rice variety among Kenyans.
Here is her story as told by WoK.
Personal Life and Education
Her story begins in Meru, Kenya, where she was raised and educated. After completing her secondary school education at Kibirichia Girls Secondary School, she harbored dreams of pursuing a course in sales and marketing.
However, due to financial constraints, her aspirations were put on hold, and she sought alternative employment opportunities.
Career and Quitting Job
In 2012, Mary was fortunate to secure a job as a sales attendant with MultiChoice, a well-known entertainment company. She later joined Unilever as a merchandiser, gaining valuable experience in sales and marketing.
Despite her employment, Mary yearned for more and felt the desire to pursue her entrepreneurial ambitions.
Taking the Leap
After a series of setbacks, including the closure of her shoe and clothing business, Mary decided it was time for a fresh start. In 2017, she made a bold decision to resign from Unilever and venture into a new industry—selling rice.
Drawn to the popularity of Pishori rice and its wide appeal among Kenyans, Mary saw an opportunity to tap into this market and establish her own business.
Covid-19 would however prove a tumbling block to her venture as she says, “Initially I used to rely mostly on passersby and when Covid-19 came the numbers kept dwindling because of the containment measures which were introduced by the government. We were also as traders forced to work in shifts to reduce congestion.”
Starting the Venture
With determination and resourcefulness, Mary set up her rice-selling business in Kirinyaga County, specifically in the Mwea region known for its rice production. Through collaboration with local farmers, she sourced high-quality Pishori rice at competitive prices.
This allowed her to offer her customers premium 100% pure Kenyan Pishori rice, known for its naturally sweet taste and unique aroma.
“I sell premium 100 per cent pure Kenyan pishori rice from Mwea. Every grain delivers the naturally sweet taste and unique natural aroma of pishori rice. This is a promise I made when I started this business and I will stick to it,” she told People Daily.
Marketing and Online Success
To reach a broader customer base, Mary Makena embraced the power of social media. Utilizing platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, she effectively marketed her products and connected with potential buyers. Joining business groups, such as the Small Businesses Kenya group, provided additional exposure and opportunities to showcase her rice.
Through these online efforts, Mary saw her sales double and received orders from virtual customers across the country.
Customer Satisfaction and Growth
Mary understands the importance of delivering a high-quality product and ensuring customer satisfaction. She guides her customers on cooking methods to avoid any disappointment, going the extra mile to ensure her rice is enjoyed to its fullest potential.
By providing accurate information, maintaining open communication, and offering a money-back guarantee, Mary has built trust and loyalty among her growing customer base.
Future Plans
As her business continues to flourish, she envisions expanding her market presence even further. Her goal is to have her premium Pishori rice available in supermarkets and stores across the country.
This will enable customers from distant locations to access her rice without incurring additional delivery costs.
