Two handcarts have enabled her to dream big

Margaret Wanja, 29, is a green vegetables vendor in Huruma, Nairobi. It has not been easy trying to make ends meet from meagre resources.

She supports her two siblings and parents. After being in business for more than a decade, Wanja found out that her income was not improving her lifestyle.

She decided to start saving and after one year, she bought two handcarts to boost her daily income. She says: "Though I was working hard every day, I was still stuck with financial challenges. These hardships forced me to think of starting another venture. The idea to own the carts was born as I searched for the best way to help my poor relatives. At least now I am breathing easy due to the additional income."

Since January, her income has been steadily growing. She leases the carts daily and gets Sh1,000 from the two. Wanja explain: "My fortunes have now changed. The income I get from the carts, easily meets my expectations and those of my relatives. My investment has taken off well. The good thing with this is that it requires minimum supervision.’’

The income from her side investment has also been used to top up the operating capital for her green vegetables business. She adds: "For many years, I only sold tomatoes and kale. However, the extra money from my two carts now enables me to stock other groceries.

This has meant that my business no longer suffers from constant family drain. My bank account is also growing gradually. I am happy that this is going to be a spring board to achieving other big business dreams."

Wanja who is happily meeting her needs, is now able to cast her eyes on new prospects.