Fredrick Macharia graduated from the Nairobi Technical Training Institute in 2018 with hopes of finding a job in the food and beverage industry.
However, despite his best efforts, he struggled to find a job and did menial work for a while. After working at a construction site for six months, he was inspired to start his own business after witnessing vendors selling food and drinks to on-site workers.
Macharia teamed up with his foster sister and relocated to Nakuru, where they started selling normal porridge made from flour, sugar, and water.
However, they soon discovered a new type of porridge called ‘super uji’ made from organic ingredients such as yams, Sorghum, ground nuts, milk, bananas, simsim, stinging nettles, and omena.
“After some time, we discovered another type of porridge that was becoming very popular in the market. It was made of organic ingredients such as yams, Sorghum, ground nuts, milk, bananas, simsim, stinging nettles and omena
“We pooled our resources and raised Sh7,000 to purchase a blender then borrowed a further Sh3,000 to buy the ingredients,” Macharia explained.
Their ‘super uji’ quickly gained popularity and attracted permanent customers who referred new clients to their business. Eventually, they brought on a new partner and hired three employees to help with sales in offices and other establishments within Nakuru.
Macharia and his team sell their porridge for between Ksh 70 and Ksh 100 per bowl, depending on the ingredients used. On a good day, they make up to Ksh 5,000. Macharia is proud of his business and its impact on people’s health.
He believes that going back to traditional foods such as yams, sorghum, and other ingredients used in the porridge is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and prevent lifestyle diseases.
Despite facing competition from other porridge makers, Macharia and his team have managed to maintain their customer base and grow their business. It shows that anyone can turn their life around with hard work and determination and achieve their dreams.
Fredrick Macharia’s story is an inspiring example of the power of perseverance and the importance of never giving up on one’s aspirations.
