My name is Ms. Jacinta Kamau, aged 32, and I am the proprietor of Nium Enterprises, a Kenyan-registered food (dry cereals) and beverage company based in Buuri East sub-county, Meru County. The business was established in the year 2021 as a family-owned enterprise.

Initially, Nium Enterprises operated as a retail cereals store, specializing in dry foods such as maize, beans, rice, etc. We later expanded our offerings to include beverages. Our five-year plan aims to further expand into processing and manufacturing, supplying at least five nearby counties.

In October and November 2023, I participated as a cohort in the NSE Ibuka Program, organized by NSE in partnership with KEPSA. This four-week program focused on fundraising through the capital markets. Through my participation, I identified critical areas in my business that required focused attention—a realistic valuation and proper record-keeping mechanisms. The mentoring sessions, including one-on-one interactions with investors and fellow entrepreneurs, enabled me to establish Excel sheet records, transitioning from relying solely on physical receipts for record-keeping. The program also assisted in valuing my business, a task I had not previously undertaken. The primary goal of joining the program was to fundraise for the five-year expansion plan.

My key takeaways include the importance of realistic business valuation and the necessity of proper record-keeping instruments, which are crucial for attracting investment opportunities. After four weeks in the program, I graduated and am currently in the process of fundraising from a different pool of investors. I also value the networks I have established by interacting with fellow entrepreneurs and investors through the program.

Explore Nium Enterprises Website