Alice Kamau, a young business owner who deals in uji power in Kimbo, Kiambu county, has revealed the motivation behind her business venture, driven by her passion for the nutritious porridge.
“I wanted to start a hotel but opted for uji power.”
Alice invested KSh 50,000 in the business, catering to rent and stock.
“My business started slowly initially, but I hinged on online marketing, especially TikTok and word of mouth, to grow my customer base.”
The entrepreneur, who employs two people, estimated that her daily sales are around KSh 10,000.
One of the most significant selling points for uji power is its supposed ability to boost male virility, and Alice said her clients swear by its potency.
She broke down the ingredients she uses to make the delicacy, saying:
“I blend arrow roots, cassava, honey and milk. The most potent ingredient is groundnuts.”
What are challenges in uji power business?
Like any other enterprise, Alice’s uji power business faces challenges.
“We can’t produce uji power during blackouts since we need to blend the ingredients. The arrow roots and cassavas are perishable, and we must order them daily, translating into an added transport cost.”
Alice’s dalliance with uji power has taught her valuable business lessons.
“You must be self-driven. Not everyone will like how you are doing things but set your mind and just stick to how you are doing them. Also, I have learned to be consistent with my business, financial discipline, and customer service.”
Alice’s dream is to open outlets selling uji power nationwide, opened up on her monthly earnings.
“After paying employees, I have around KSh 150,000. Rent and power cost me around KSh 22,000 monthly.”
It translates to around KSh 128,000 monthly profits.
Alice’s business is not all about profits; she empowers young people.
“I offer training on how to make uji power and fruit juices. I encourage youths to start with the little they have to make money to open bigger places.”
