Today, we celebrate the incredible journey of Nancy Chepkirui, a visionary entrepreneur who has turned a small, home-based tea packaging business into a thriving enterprise. Through determination, innovation, and the right support, Nancy has grown Samoo Hills Tea into a brand known for its premium Kenyan tea, creating jobs, strengthening local economies, and inspiring other entrepreneurs to follow in her footsteps.
A Humble Beginning with Big Dreams
Nancy’s entrepreneurial journey began with a simple yet ambitious vision: to source, blend, and package high-quality Kenyan tea for local consumers. Operating from her home in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, she carefully selected premium tea leaves from Nandi County’s tea factories. She took the time to create unique blends that quickly gained popularity with customers in the area. As demand for her tea grew, Nancy realized that her small-scale operation would not be enough to meet the increasing orders. Determined to expand, she made the bold decision to relocate her business to a larger, dedicated facility. This move provided the space and infrastructure she needed to scale her operations and take Samoo Hills Tea to the next level.
Empowering Communities through Quality Products and Job Creation
Today, Samoo Hills Tea is more than just a business—it is an engine of growth, not only for Nancy but for her entire community. The company now serves customers across Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, and other surrounding counties, offering a wide range of carefully blended, affordable tea products. But the impact of Nancy’s business goes beyond tea. It is a driving force behind local job creation and economic development. Samoo Hills Tea directly employs eight full-time staff members, helping to support families and improve livelihoods. Additionally, Nancy’s business has strengthened the supply chain by working closely with farmers and suppliers in the region, contributing to the broader economic growth of the area.
The Role of WIDU Support in Driving Growth
Nancy’s journey has been significantly enhanced by the support she received from WIDU, which helped her overcome critical challenges and fast-track her business growth. With the WIDU grant, Nancy was able to invest in modern machinery, improving her packaging efficiency and the quality of her products. She also used the funds to increase the visibility of Samoo Hills Tea, enhancing its market presence through professional branding and marketing materials like posters and banners. This increased visibility has made her products more recognizable, leading to a larger customer base.
The support from WIDU didn’t stop there. Nancy was able to upgrade her product packaging, making it more sleek and attractive, which in turn improved the professional appeal of her products and helped her stand out in a competitive market. She also secured the necessary local business permits, allowing her to operate legally and expand without regulatory concerns.
Most importantly, the growth of Samoo Hills Tea has created jobs and provided much-needed economic opportunities in the community. The eight full-time employees now working for the business are directly benefiting from stable employment, while local farmers and suppliers also see increased demand for their products, strengthening the economy.
Supporting Local Entrepreneurs: A Call to Action
Nancy Chepkirui’s journey is a powerful reminder that small businesses, when given the right support, can create lasting change. Through Samoo Hills Tea, Nancy is not just selling tea—she’s brewing opportunities for families, farmers, and the broader community. Her story exemplifies the transformative power of entrepreneurship and the profound impact it can have on local economies.
Join us in supporting local entrepreneurs like Nancy, and help create more opportunities for women and men to grow their businesses, create jobs, and strengthen their communities.
