In the heart of Makunga , Kitale in Trans Nzoia County a remarkable story of perseverance, ambition, and community transformation unfolds. Victoria Kieti, a 41-year-old entrepreneur, has paved her own path in the oil and petroleum industry, breaking free from the constraints of employment and embarking on a journey that promises to leave an indelible mark on her community and beyond .We met Victoria during one of our FLME engagements in Trans Nzoia County and she is our Flamer of the Month.
Victoria's journey in entrepreneurship began when she partnered with Rubis, and opened a petrol station, which has now been serving the community by employing over 18 people for two and a half years. This venture marks just the beginning of a grander plan of being a stopover for travelers heading to Lodwar, and South Sudan. In the pipeline is a resort where travelers can relax and rejuvenate on their journey. This is the embodiment of Victoria's dream, a dream fueled by her yearning for freedom, primarily in the form of time, to focus on her family, social life, and her love for village living.
A Vision from the Corporate World to Community Empowerment
Employed for 15 years, Victoria always harbored the dream of becoming an entrepreneur. Her motivation lay in regaining her freedom, and she recognized that true freedom was synonymous with regaining control of her time. It was during her corporate journey that the foundation of her vision was laid, and when the moment came to transition from employment to entrepreneurship, she knew exactly the lifestyle she wanted to create for herself and her community.
This vision crystallized into the concept of a stopover destination, where the petrol station was just the initial phase, followed by a resort. Building something substantial was challenging, especially after leaving a steady paycheck behind, but Victoria's background in brand management drove her to create a lasting legacy, one that would endure for generations to come. Her commitment to the community and a deep connection to her roots led her back to the town of Kitale.
Empowering Through Collaboration
Victoria's strategy was simple - leverage her husband's family land, her diverse experiences from various countries and businesses, and bring something extraordinary to her community. The transition was far from easy, but by actively engaging with the local culture and community, she found innovative solutions to overcome the challenges.
Integration with the community has been instrumental in her success, creating a harmonious partnership that benefits both sides. As Victoria embraced a slower pace of life in Kitale, she savored the simplicity and cherished the family time that became readily available. Her son transitioned seamlessly into the local school, and the whole family embraced the change.
Empowering Women for a Brighter Future
Victoria sees a bright future for women in business, and she is passionate about supporting this vision. Her interaction with KCB, her bank, has demonstrated the power of corporate support. She commends KCB for reaching out to their customers and gaining feedback, a vital step toward progress. Furthermore, she believes in the significance of uplifting women-led businesses, as empowering women empowers entire communities. She foresees a partnership between KCB and her community that can propel women toward success.
KCB’s Impact on Victoria's Journey
Victoria's partnership with KCB goes beyond a traditional banking relationship. KCB believed in her vision when she took the first leap, offering her a loan to start her petrol station. And when unexpected challenges arose, KCB provided an unsecured facility to ensure the station's success. In her words, KCB played an instrumental role in her journey, without which she might not be where she is today.
Looking Ahead
Victoria's vision extends far beyond her own success. She is passionate about making a meaningful impact, particularly in her community. From educating children to providing employment for families, her influence is tangible. Her shop with a partnership with Rubies has brought goods and services previously unseen in the community, enhancing the local lifestyle. Her approach is simple yet profound - by positively affecting her community, she is sowing seeds of change.
Victoria's message to the youth and aspiring entrepreneurs is clear: seek mentors, learn from those who have walked the path before you, embrace hard work, and use your network to overcome challenges. In a world where jobs are becoming increasingly scarce, entrepreneurship offers a path forward. It is not about waiting for opportunities but creating them.
Watch the video in the link below to get to learn more about Victoria’s remarkable journey.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LD9t84lVTjE&t=19s
