Located in Nairobi, Kenya, Mukuru slums, like many others worldwide, are rife with challenges. Crime, drug abuse, and prostitution are daily realities for residents. Families often survive in cramped, one-room corrugated iron shacks, where basic necessities are scarce. Few homes have electricity, and up to 20 families might share a single communal water tap and latrine.
These were the harsh conditions in which Esther Onyango grew up, spending her formative years navigating the difficulties of life in Mukuru. For 17 years, Esther called Mukuru home. The slum’s harsh realities shaped her early life, but they did not define her future.
Her family’s fortunes began to shift in 2007, when her brother, Patrick Oboya, signed with a football club in the Czech Republic. His success abroad marked a turning point for the family. “That’s when fortunes changed for our family,” Esther told TUKO.co.ke. Patrick’s career as a professional footballer provided a way out of the slums, offering the family a chance at a better life.
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While her brother’s achievements brought newfound stability, Esther was determined to carve out her own path to success. She had always harbored a passion for cooking, a love she inherited from her late mother. This passion would become the foundation for her future endeavors.
Esther’s journey into the culinary world began with a humble mandazi kibanda, a small food court she started in her neighborhood. Her cooking skills, honed over years of preparing meals for her family, quickly gained recognition among locals.
In March 2023, Esther took a bold step forward by launching an online business, transforming her modest kibanda into a thriving enterprise. Her journey, however, was not without obstacles. Esther’s first attempt at selling chapati online was met with harsh criticism on social media. The negative feedback could have easily discouraged her, but instead, Esther viewed it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Help came from an unexpected source—a woman named Mirriam, who became a mentor to Esther.
“Mirriam came to my rescue. She saw my mistakes and corrected me,” Esther recalled. With Mirriam’s guidance, Esther refined her culinary techniques and improved her business strategy. Her determination to succeed, coupled with the support she received, began to pay off. By her second order, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive, marking a turning point in her business.
As her reputation grew, so did her client base. Esther’s first international client marked a significant milestone, signifying the expanding reach of her business. “I know my late mum is smiling down on me, watching her little girl do what she loved most—cooking,” Esther reflected, a smile spreading across her face. Her success is a testament to her resilience and dedication, as well as the influence of her late mother, whose love for cooking continues to inspire Esther’s culinary journey.
Esther’s journey from the Mukuru slums to becoming a successful businesswoman is more than a personal triumph—it’s a story of hope and perseverance. It highlights the impact of family support, the importance of mentorship, and the power of passion in overcoming adversity.
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In a place where many dreams are stifled by poverty and hardship, Esther’s story shines as a beacon of what is possible when one dares to dream and works tirelessly to achieve those dreams. Her journey is a reminder that even in the most challenging circumstances, success is attainable with hard work, determination, and a little help along the way.
Today, Esther continues to grow her business, grateful for the opportunities she has created for herself and determined to inspire others who face similar challenges.
