What options are available when a guardian can no longer finance a student's education? Fredrick Dida, a 34-year-old fashion designer and owner of Africasual Enterprises, exemplifies resilience and the transformative power of opportunity. Coming from a large family with an unstable household income, Fredrick took on various menial jobs, such as masonry, to pay for his school fees. At times, he had to skip school to work, ultimately being forced to leave school entirely to focus on earning an income.

During this period, he learned to sew while living with his brother. This skill enabled him to establish his own enterprise.

“I started sewing at 14 years old using my brother’s machine on weekends when I would spend time at his place,” Fredrick shares. “Over the years, I worked in various businesses, but in 2018 I was privileged to start my own enterprise. I found a small space along Mfangano Street at the Sunbeam building. Later, I moved to Muindi Mbingu Street, and now I’m located on Tom Mboya Street.”

Setting up his business, however, was not without challenges. The greatest challenge was financing. In 2024, a friend referred him to the Jiinue Growth Program—an opportunity that came at just the right time. He had just closed his business in 2023 and was in the process of reestablishing it. He attended a training organized by KEPSA and applied for the JGP loan afterwards.

“The training was very helpful,” he says. “It made me a better financial manager. I’ve since started separating my business finances from my personal expenses. With the financial boost, I was able to purchase machines, buy supplies, and employ two young people aged 25 and 35. While the business is not yet stable, we’re in a much better place, and I’ve already started repaying the loan. I have also enrolled as a private candidate and I will be able to sit for my KCSE in 2026.”

 “As an entrepreneur, I’ve learned that taking risks is necessary if you want to grow. It’s also important to have a well-thought-out plan.

The impact of the Jiinue Growth Program continues to be felt across businesses, big and small. It bridges the financing gap for Kenyan SMEs by offering affordable credit, technical support both in the pre- and post-lending phases. These services equip entrepreneurs with the skills they need to manage finances effectively, grow their businesses, and create employment opportunities for other young people.