Nairobi: The rhythmic hum of sewing machines echoes through the busy streets of Kisumu’s Central Business District (CBD) as customers stream in carrying fabrics of every colour, type, and design. Inside a modest tailoring workshop, measuring tapes hang around the necks of young tailors who are carefully transforming ordinary pieces of cloth into elegant outfits. For these young entrepreneurs, tailoring is more than just stitching garments; it is a pathway to financial independence, creativity, and hope.
According to Kenya News Agency, the bustling tailoring shop is the brainchild of Faith Achieng` and Brenda Atieno, two young graduates of Kenya’s technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions. After struggling to find formal employment, the duo decided to use their skills to forge their own path. Their journey began in 2023 with personal savings that allowed them to purchase essential equipment and rent a small shop in Kisumu’s CBD.
Initially, the business faced challenges, with some days passing without a single customer. However, through quality workmanship and active promotion on platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and TikTok, business gradually picked up. Today, they serve between 10 and 18 customers daily, specializing in school uniforms, official suits, African wear, and custom fashion pieces. Their average daily profit ranges from Sh3,500 to Sh5,500 after expenses.
Tailoring has not only transformed the lives of Achieng and Atieno but has also had a positive impact on their families. Atieno shares how the business has enabled her to support her sister’s education and save money, while Achieng uses the income to support her parents and brother.
In addition to supporting themselves, the young entrepreneurs have become employers, hiring four full-time employees and training three apprentices. Achieng emphasizes the importance of providing employment opportunities, stating that every new employee represents another individual rescued from unemployment.
Despite their success, the tailors face challenges such as rising fabric prices, competition from imported second-hand clothes, and machine maintenance costs. However, they remain optimistic and have ambitious plans to expand their business into a fully equipped fashion house and open a fashion training academy.
Their ultimate goal is to launch a clothing brand that will proudly carry the name of Kisumu across Kenya and beyond, proving that local talent can compete on a national and international stage. Through their hard work and resilience, these young women are transforming lives one stitch at a time, demonstrating that fashion is not just about style but about creating livelihoods and inspiring future entrepreneurs.
