Young Entrepreneur Turns Dream into Sustainable Venture

In a world where economic opportunities for youth can be scarce, the VIVA Entrepreneurship Trainings have become a powerful beacon of hope, lighting the path for countless young dreamers in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu.

One of these young dreamers is Justina Gichimu. Growing up in Githurai informal settlement in Nairobi, she dreamed of creating sustainable fashion but was held back by limited resources and a lack of direction.

“I always knew I wanted to do something different, something that could make a difference,” Justina says.

When she joined the VIVA training, everything changed.

“We were not just learning about business plans or how to do marketing for our products. We were encouraged to think big, to be bold, and to believe in our unique ideas,” she says.

These trainings, collaboratively hosted by the State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economies (SDYACE) and the Kenya Institute of Business Training (KIBT), have unlocked the potential of over 1,400 youths in 2024, giving them not just knowledge but the confidence to turn their dreams into thriving businesses.

These hands-on sessions sparked Justina’s creativity and pushed her to pursue her vision.

Today, Justina has become a standout innovator, repurposing waste materials such as maize cobs and banana leaves, to create stunning, eco-friendly fashion items. From chic handbags to beaded jewelry and decorative pieces, her work is evidence of sustainable entrepreneurship.

Her products have caught the attention of eco-conscious consumers across Nairobi and beyond, expanding her reach and influence.

“I never thought something as simple as maize cobs could be used to create beautiful things. Now, people see the value in what I do,” she says proudly.

Justina’s journey gained even more momentum during the last Nairobi ASK Trade Fair Show, themed Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth. Supported by the project, she joined nine other youth to showcase their entrepreneurial skills and innovations, highlighting how their businesses contribute to sustainable economic growth and aligns with the project’s broader goals of advancing ASRHR.

“The show was an incredible opportunity to share my work with a wider audience and see how economic empowerment can reduce vulnerabilities like gender-based violence and poverty,” Justina shares.

The Nairobi Trade Fair also served as a learning space for Justina and the other youths to share their success stories and lessons learned from the project’s capacity-building initiatives. Youth officers played an essential role in mentoring and supporting these young entrepreneurs, reinforcing the importance of guidance in fostering climate-smart business practices.

Through these collaborative efforts under VIVA project, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Creative Economies emerged in third place at the show, earning the Trade Fair Branch Chairman’s Commendation Trophy for their significant contribution to promoting climate-smart agriculture and economic empowerment initiatives.

Justina’s business has also become a center of opportunity inspiring others to see what’s possible when creativity meets determination.

“Justina’s story shows that when you invest in the right training and support, the possibilities are endless. She’s proof that innovation, and passion can drive real change,” Roseline, one of the trainers from KIBT, reflects.