The inspiring story of Peninah Wangeci Maina, a passionate entrepreneur who turned her kitchen experiment into a thriving dairy venture called Kiwama Enterprises. The business venture started back in 2003 when she had surplus milk but no buyers.
She decided to make yogurt in her kitchen, starting with just five liters. Fast forward to today, Kiwama Enterprises produces Nina Yoghurt, a popular brand loved by many.
This is Peninah’s journey and how she overcame challenges to build her dairy business as told by WoK.
Weathering the Storm
Starting any business is tough, and Peninah faced her fair share of challenges along the way. The businesswoman experienced setbacks and even saw her venture collapse at one point. But she didn’t give up. With determination and resilience, she bounced back in 2007, learning valuable lessons that shaped her entrepreneurial spirit.
The Growth of Kiwama Enterprises
From those humble beginnings, Kiwama Enterprises has come a long way. Today, Peninah and her team of 15 dedicated workers produce Nina Yoghurt at their production center in Nanyuki.
They turn large quantities of milk into delicious yogurt, as well as other dairy byproducts like butter and cream.
Their products are then delivered to supermarkets and retail outlets in Nanyuki and Nyahururu towns.
Expanding Product Line and Markets
Nina Yoghurt has become a customer favorite, with flavors like vanilla, strawberry, and natural. But Peninah didn’t stop there. She’s always looking for ways to innovate and meet customer demands.
That’s why Kiwama Enterprises is now venturing into new flavors like strawberry fruits and lemon grass, introducing exciting taste options to the market.
This expansion has also opened up new markets beyond Kenya’s borders, thanks to Peninah’s participation in the Laikipia County Innovation Programme.
Empowered by the Innovation Programme
In 2019, Peninah joined the Laikipia County Innovation Programme, and it has been a game-changer for her business. Through this program, she gained new perspectives, market insights, and valuable connections. It has helped Kiwama Enterprises break through production barriers and explore opportunities outside Kenya.
By partnering with Kenya Industrial Estate, Peninah secured affordable loans to expand her business and acquire new machinery, like a standby generator to tackle power interruptions.
Continual Growth and Financial Literacy
The county innovation programme provided her with trainings on financial literacy, including stock investment seminars. These opportunities have empowered her to make informed decisions and navigate the business world with confidence.
Additionally, the programme has opened doors to new markets through exhibitions, including one in Rwanda, where Kiwama Enterprises showcased their products.
Resilience in Times of Crisis
Even during the challenging times of the pandemic, Peninah remained steadfast in supporting her employees. She made the decision to retain all 15 workers, understanding the financial hardships they may face if they lost their jobs.
A Message of Passion and Focus
Peninah’s journey teaches us the power of passion and staying focused on our goals. She encourages young entrepreneurs to pursue their ideas with enthusiasm, knowing that struggles will always be part of the journey.
