Kenyan Woman Leaves Stable Career in Canada to Launch Mitumba Business in Nairobi
Sharon Wambui Njeri returned to Nairobi in early 2024 after more than a decade in Canada and launched a thrift fashion business with an initial investment of about KSh 300,000.
Njeri left an established career in retail and logistics in Toronto, a move that surprised many who questioned her decision to give up stability abroad. She said her return was guided by a sense of purpose and a plan to enter Kenya’s second-hand clothing market, commonly known as mitumba.
She began by importing selected bales of clothing from North America. Instead of following the standard resale approach, she focused on curation and branding. Through her company, Mitumba Experts KE, she presents thrift fashion as a stylish and desirable option rather than a last resort.
Social media has been central to her strategy. Njeri uses Instagram and TikTok to share styling videos and host live sessions where she opens new bales. These interactive broadcasts have helped her build a steady customer base and stand out in a competitive market.
Customers are drawn to both the quality of her products and the shopping experience she offers. Her business has since expanded beyond online sales. She operates a physical outlet at Nairobi’s OTC Wholesale Mall and manages several storage facilities to meet demand.
In addition to retail, she supplies traders across East and Central Africa, including Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The growth of her operations has created employment opportunities for young people.
Njeri said the decision to return to Kenya involved significant risk but has proved worthwhile. She believes the local environment allows room for innovation for those willing to take the initiative.
Her experience reflects a pattern among diaspora professionals returning home to pursue business ventures. One such example is Jenny, who left Europe after two decades due to burnout and has since enrolled in fashion school, using her savings to build a new career.
