By Suleiman Mbatiah
The County Government of Nakuru has offered to pay a one-year business licence for Harriet Akinyi, the owner of Tukule Kienyeji food outlet in Nakuru City.
Akinyi went viral on Monday after posting a video on social media expressing frustration over low customer turnout at her newly opened business.
In the video, she said she had invested more than Sh1 million in construction, equipment, furniture and stock, but the outlet remained largely empty.
“I have even wondered if I should hang myself in this shop or in my house,” she said, in an emotional appeal for help.
In the video, she explained that all she had, at the time of filming, was Sh37 and some coins in her bank account and Sh4 in M-Pesa.
The clip drew widespread public attention, prompting an outpouring of support from Kenyans online. Many sent messages of encouragement, while others offered cash, food supplies and a commitment to eat at her restaurant to help keep it afloat.
Today, County Executive Committee Member for Youth, Sports, Gender and Social Services Elga Riaga visited the outlet, where she paid for several customers’ meals.
Riaga said the county, under Governor Susan Kihika, would cover Akinyi’s Sh13,000 business permit starting March.
“Akinyi represents many young people trying to make a living through enterprise. We appreciate her courage in starting her own business,” Riaga said.
She urged young people not to give up on entrepreneurship, saying setbacks were common in today’s business environment.
Riaga added that the county would link Akinyi to business mentorship programmes, particularly in the hospitality sector, to help strengthen her operations.
She encouraged the youth to take advantage of the county and national government empowerment programs, grants and loan facilities.
Last week during Nyota phase two rollout at the Nakuru ASK Show Ground, Governor Kihika pledged to waive business licences for all Nakuru beneficiaries.
Akinyi thanked Kenyans and the county government for the support, saying it had lifted her and her family.
She invited residents to visit her outlet, located between Mercy Mission Hospital and Victonell Academy along Maasai Avenue.
Akinyi also said her social media accounts had since been verified, a development she believes will help promote her business.
“I am overwhelmed by the support. I did not expect the video to reach so many people. It was an honest cry for help,” she said.