In the busy streets of Kericho, where matatus honk relentlessly and traders peddle everything from fresh produce to second-hand clothes, one man stands out, a tall figure expertly exhibiting rows of vibrant bras hanging on strings in his modest stall.
Dan Nyalenda, the unlikely hero in a trade predominantly run by women, has a passion for selling a variety of bras, such as push-ups, wireless, sports bras, strapless, and bralettes, that attracts the attention of many.
Amid his hectic schedule, the 36-year-old entrepreneur took a moment to speak with KNA, sharing how he dedicates his time to helping customers sift through mountains of second-hand clothing to find the perfect fit, ensuring they leave with exactly what they need and sometimes, what they didn’t even know they were looking for.
Nyalenda shared his passion for the lingerie business, noting that women are constantly on the lookout for high-quality, sensitive undergarments every day.
“Lingerie refers to women’s undergarments, particularly those that are made of delicate, luxurious fabrics like lace, silk, satin, or cotton and mostly associated with items that are designed to be visually appealing or sensual, although it also includes practical undergarments like bras, panties, camisoles, and shapewear, which I have a variety of here,” he explained.
The father of one, who relocated from Kisii to Kericho in 2014 in pursuit of better opportunities, started his small mitumba business with just Sh3,000 in capital. He disclosed that his venture has grown into a profitable enterprise, earning him an average of Sh4,500 daily in sales, a steady income that he credits for providing comfortably for his family.
“I can comfortably pay rent and school fees and feed my family courtesy of this business, which so far has been very rewarding,” stressed Nyalenda.
He revealed he took a leap of faith into the lingerie business, a venture that left his friends and neighbors bewildered.
“People laughed at first. They thought it was a woman’s job, but I saw an opportunity, and I went for it,” he said.
Before he relocated to Kericho, he tried his hand at farming and livestock keeping, which frustrated him for years with low returns that could not fend for his family.
He said he is happy in his stall in the strategic and colorful corner just next to the Kericho open-air market, with an impressive collection of bras ranging in prices from Sh50 to Sh100 depending on the quality of the bras.
“Selling bras is more than just business. It’s about making women feel confident and comfortable; I offer fitting advice and ensure prices remain affordable. I want my customers to have options, he explained.
For now, Nyalenda remains committed to his daily hustle but hopes to expand his venture in the near future, where he will be able to employ a few youths to assist in attending to the customers.
“Currently operating from an open-air market, many customers hesitate to come in search of the right bra size. However, once I move to a more private, enclosed boutique, I’m confident that even older women will feel more at ease shopping there. That, for now, is my biggest challenge,” he shared.
He encouraged the youth, especially those without jobs, to try out their luck in the mitumba business, assuring them that the benefits of the business outweigh the challenges.
“However, mitumba business is for all, not just for those without formal jobs, but also for those in formal jobs who would want to diversify their income through a side hustle,” he added.
By Kibe Mburu and Santia Chepngetich
