Explore Dr. Catherine Nyongesa’s inspiring journey as Kenya’s first female radiation oncologist, sharing her insights on entrepreneurship and cancer care.

By Charles Wachira

Early Years and Education

Dr. Catherine Naliaka Nyongesa Watta stands as a trailblazer in Kenya’s medical field, renowned as the country’s first female physician specializing in radiation oncology. 

Born in 1970, Catherine’s journey toward becoming a medical pioneer began with a deep-seated passion for healing and a resolute determination to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients.

 After completing her secondary education at Misikhu Girls Secondary School,Bungoma County in the mid-1980s, Catherine pursued her dream of medical training.

 She enrolled at the University of Nairobi’s prestigious School of Medicine, where she excelled academically, graduating at the top of her class in 1995.

Career Beginnings and Vision for Change

Following her graduation, Catherine embarked on a dedicated career path in oncology. 

She completed her specialization in radiation oncology through rigorous training both locally and internationally, earning accolades for her exceptional clinical skills and dedication to patient care.

 Her experiences working in various healthcare settings across Kenya exposed her to the harsh realities faced by cancer patients, including limited access to advanced treatment options.

Driven by a vision to enhance cancer care in Kenya, Catherine founded the Texas Cancer Centre in Nairobi in 2003. 

The centre quickly gained recognition for its state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive approach to cancer treatment, marking a significant milestone in Kenya’s healthcare landscape.

Entrepreneurial Challenges and Successes

Establishing the Texas Cancer Centre was not without its challenges.

 Catherine faced initial skepticism from traditional healthcare institutions and financial organizations wary of investing in specialized medical facilities. Undeterred, she leveraged her extensive network within the medical community and secured initial funding through a combination of personal savings, strategic partnerships with local investors, and loans from development banks committed to advancing healthcare infrastructure in Africa.

Reflecting on her entrepreneurial journey, Catherine emphasizes the importance of resilience and strategic planning in overcoming obstacles.

 “As a woman entrepreneur in the healthcare sector, I faced numerous challenges, from securing funding to breaking through gender barriers. Each challenge reinforced my commitment to providing world-class cancer care in Kenya.”

Insights on Successful Business Practices

Dr. Nyongesa’s experience in building a successful healthcare institution has equipped her with valuable insights that she eagerly shares with aspiring entrepreneurs.

1. On Resilience and Adaptability:
   • “In entrepreneurship, challenges are inevitable. The key is to be resilient and adaptable. When faced with obstacles, I remind myself that every setback is an opportunity to learn and innovate.”
2. On Building a Strong Team:
   • “You cannot do it alone. Surround yourself with a team that shares your vision and values. A strong team is crucial for navigating the complexities of running a business, especially in healthcare where collaboration is vital.”
3. On Financial Management:
   • “Understanding your finances is non-negotiable. As a business owner, I ensure that I have a clear grasp of cash flow, budgeting, and financial forecasting. This knowledge empowers me to make informed decisions and avoid pitfalls.”
4. On Patient-Centered Care:
   • “At the core of my business philosophy is a commitment to patient-centered care. A successful healthcare business is built on understanding and addressing the needs of patients. Their satisfaction drives referrals and growth.”
5. On Innovation and Technology:
   • “Embrace technology and innovation. In today’s fast-paced world, being at the forefront of medical advancements not only enhances patient care but also sets your business apart from competitors.”
6. On Networking and Partnerships:
   • “Building relationships within the industry is essential. Collaborate with other healthcare professionals, organizations, and even competitors to enhance your service offerings and expand your reach.”

Advice on What to Avoid as an Entrepreneur

Catherine also emphasizes critical pitfalls to avoid as an entrepreneur:

1. On Ignoring Market Research:
   • “Never underestimate the importance of market research. Avoid making decisions based solely on assumptions. Understanding your market and customer needs is vital to your business’s success.”
2. On Neglecting Work-Life Balance:
   • “As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to become consumed by your business. However, neglecting work-life balance can lead to burnout. Prioritize self-care and make time for your personal life.”
3. On Avoiding Risk:
   • “Taking calculated risks is part of entrepreneurship. Avoid the fear of failure; instead, embrace it as part of the journey. Assess the risks and rewards, but don’t shy away from making bold moves when necessary.”
4. On Lack of Communication:
   • “Communication is key. Avoid assumptions and ensure open lines of communication with your team and patients. Transparency builds trust and fosters a positive organizational culture.”
5. On Poor Financial Planning:
   • “Many businesses fail due to poor financial management. Avoid spending without a clear strategy. Plan for the long term and ensure you have a financial buffer for unexpected expenses.”

Impact and Recognition

Under Catherine’s leadership, the Texas Cancer Centre has flourished into a leading institution, offering cutting-edge treatment options previously unavailable in the region. The centre’s success has not only transformed cancer care in Kenya but has also inspired a new generation of medical professionals and entrepreneurs to pursue excellence in healthcare innovation.

Catherine’s contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including recognition by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) in 2017 as one of the country’s high-net-worth individuals, a testament to her entrepreneurial acumen and dedication to healthcare excellence.

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Catherine remains committed to expanding the Texas Cancer Centre’s impact, advocating for greater investment in cancer research and community outreach programs. She envisions a future where every Kenyan has access to affordable and effective cancer treatment, driven by a passion for equitable healthcare and patient-centered innovation.

As she continues to lead the charge in oncology, Catherine’s journey serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women, seeking to make a meaningful impact in traditionally male-dominated industries.

In her own words, Catherine reflects on her journey: “Success as a woman entrepreneur in healthcare requires perseverance, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to improving patient outcomes. My journey has been challenging yet incredibly rewarding, fueled by a passion for healing and a vision for a healthier Kenya.”

Through her pioneering spirit and relentless dedication, Dr. Catherine Nyongesa stands as a testament to the transformative power of entrepreneurship in advancing healthcare and empowering women in Kenya and beyond.

Keywords:Dr. Catherine Nyongesa:Female entrepreneur:Cancer care in Kenya:Radiation oncologist:Texas Cancer Centre

:Revolutionizing Kenyan Fashion and Empowering Entrepreneurs through Innovation and Resilience

By Charles Wachira

Wandia Gichuru, Co-Founder and CEO of Vivo Fashion Group, has become a trailblazer in East Africa’s fashion scene. From its modest beginnings as an online business launched in 2011, Vivo has blossomed into one of the region’s fastest-growing fashion companies, with 30 stores across Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and even an international footprint with the opening of its U.S. store at Atlanta’s Atlantic Station Mall in May 2024.

The foundation of Vivo Fashion Group was driven by Gichuru’s sharp awareness of the gap in Kenya’s market for stylish, comfortable, and affordable women’s clothing that catered to local body types and tastes.

 “We had no idea going in that we were solving a problem,” she says, reflecting on Vivo’s early days. “Most clothing sold in Kenya isn’t made for Kenyan women. A lot of it is secondhand or designed for Western body types, so women would have to buy clothes and modify them. We realized we needed to make clothes specifically for our market.”

Initially, customers came to her house to try on clothes. As demand soared, she and her co-founder signed their first retail lease in a Nairobi mall, a move that catapulted the business into mainstream success.

 Today, Vivo’s success includes three distinctive brands—Vivo Woman, Safari, and Zoya—and Shop Zetu, an e-commerce platform launched in 2020 that has become a haven for local and international fashion and beauty brands, hosting over 300 names.

Challenges and Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Despite Vivo’s expansion and Gichuru’s success as a business leader, the journey was not without its hurdles. The COVID-19 pandemic brought one of the biggest challenges Gichuru had ever encountered. With revenues dropping by 80%, the survival of her business and the livelihoods of her 200 employees were at stake.

 “Kenya doesn’t have a welfare system or the kind of government support that businesses get in other countries,” she explains. “We had to find a way to keep our people paid. That’s when we pivoted to making masks.”

Vivo’s production line shifted almost overnight to produce over a million masks, primarily bulk orders for companies. “We weren’t making much money, but we had revenue, and it saved us. That period reminded me that in business, you have to be prepared to adapt to whatever comes your way,” she shares.

Qualities Needed for Success

Gichuru’s experience has taught her invaluable lessons on what it takes to thrive as an entrepreneur.

 “Resilience is key,” she asserts. “If you’re going to succeed, you must be prepared to fail and keep moving forward. There were so many times in the early years where things weren’t working, but you have to stay flexible and open to new ideas.”

She also emphasizes the importance of passion and purpose.

 “It’s not just about the money; it’s about the impact you make. When I started Vivo, I didn’t want to just sell clothes, I wanted to create something meaningful. Fashion for me is a platform to create jobs, develop local talent, and build an industry that’s sustainable. If you’re not driven by a sense of purpose, it’s very hard to keep going when things get tough.”

Inspiring Future Entrepreneurs

Mentoring and supporting other women entrepreneurs has become a significant part of Gichuru’s mission. As a former judge on the Kenyan version of Shark Tank, she often found herself encouraging women to step into the spotlight.

 “In our culture, women can sometimes be hesitant to show their success because they don’t want to overshadow their husbands or families. I felt it was important for a woman to be represented on that show, to inspire others to take a leap into entrepreneurship,” she says.

Through her work with Shop Zetu and Vivo, Gichuru continues to empower women by offering a platform for African brands to flourish.

 “What excites me now is being able to help other entrepreneurs grow their businesses. We’re still struggling with many barriers in Africa, but unless people see someone trying and succeeding, it’s hard to imagine what’s possible,” she notes.

Role Models and Influences

Wandia’s entrepreneurial spirit is deeply rooted in her upbringing. Born in Canada to Kenyan parents, her father’s work as a civil servant influenced her view on economic development.

 “My dad was a big influence. He was always thinking about how to improve the systems in our country, and that stuck with me,” she recalls.

However, when it comes to role models in her business journey, she looks up to Oprah Winfrey.

 “Oprah has built a global brand that’s focused on empowering others. Her resilience and ability to maintain her values while building something so impactful has always inspired me.”

Looking Forward

Gichuru remains passionate about reshaping the way the world views Africa.

 “There is so much talent and creativity here, and yet we’re often overlooked.

 I’m driven by a desire to build African brands that can compete globally. Vivo’s expansion into the U.S. is just the beginning,” she says with determination. 

Beyond Vivo, Gichuru sees her role as a changemaker in developing opportunities and transforming lives through fashion.

 “I’m proud to show that local fashion is viable and that it can be an engine for economic development. I hope to continue creating spaces for young people to build their dreams, especially in a country where unemployment is so high.”

With her eyes set on more growth, both locally and internationally, Wandia Gichuru is a testament to the power of purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Her story is not only one of personal success but also a blueprint for uplifting others through innovation, persistence, and community empowerment.

Keywords:Wandia Gichuru: Kenyan fashion: Vivo Fashion Group: Women entrepreneurs: African fashion industry

: Building Dentsu Kenya: A Journey of Resilience, Innovation, and Debt-Free Scaling

 By Charles Wachira

In the dynamic world of advertising, Samantha Siyieyio Kipury has become a trailblazer. As the founder and managing director of Dentsu Kenya, she has redefined the Kenyan advertising landscape by blending global expertise with local insights. Yet, her rise to success was no overnight feat—it was a journey marked by perseverance, resilience, and strategic thinking.

A Vision Born from Experience

Samantha’s entrepreneurial journey took shape after several years of working in marketing roles across some of Kenya’s top firms, including Scanad and Ogilvy East Africa. These experiences gave her a deep understanding of both local and global advertising dynamics. It was during this time that she noticed a gap in the market—while many agencies excelled at global standards, they often lacked an authentic connection to African audiences.

“Advertising is more than selling; it’s about telling stories that resonate. I wanted to build something that could truly speak to the African experience while maintaining the rigor and innovation of global agencies,” she said.

Armed with this vision, she founded Dentsu Kenya in 2015.

The Birth of Dentsu Kenya

Dentsu Kenya wasn’t built with large capital or extensive resources. Samantha started with Ksh 500,000 (around $5,000), primarily saved from her previous roles, and operated from her apartment in Westlands, Nairobi. She faced significant challenges from the start, including stiff competition from established advertising giants and the economic volatility that affected many of her target clients.

“I remember knocking on the doors of big brands, and they would look at me and ask, ‘Who are you again?’ But I knew that we had something unique to offer,” Samantha recalls.

What set Dentsu apart from the beginning was its digital-first approach. While many agencies in Kenya were still focused on traditional media, Dentsu Kenya was ahead of the curve, leveraging digital strategies to drive more effective and data-backed campaigns. This foresight allowed the company to carve out a niche, even in a crowded market.

Samantha Siyieyio Kipury’s approach to fundraising for Dentsu Kenya was quite strategic and unconventional compared to the typical path of securing large loans or outside investments. She focused on bootstrapping and growing the business organically.

1. Personal Savings

At the outset, Samantha didn’t rely on external investors or bank loans to kick-start Dentsu Kenya. Instead, she tapped into Ksh 500,000 (around $5,000), which she had saved from her previous roles at Scanad and Ogilvy East Africa. This modest amount was used for initial operational expenses, including setting up her office from her apartment and hiring a small team.

“I wanted to start small and grow incrementally. I knew I wasn’t going to have millions at the start, so I made every coin count,” she explains.

2. Reinvesting Profits

Once the agency began securing clients, Samantha prioritized reinvesting profits back into the business. Rather than drawing large salaries or making significant personal withdrawals, she focused on using the revenue generated to fund growth initiatives. This reinvestment strategy allowed her to avoid taking on early debt or diluting ownership through equity deals.

“The profits we made from our early campaigns went directly into scaling the business—whether it was hiring more talent or investing in better technology,” Samantha says.

3. Client-Funded Growth

In the early stages, she also used a client-funded growth model. By winning key contracts and delivering results quickly, the cash flow from these projects helped sustain the company’s expansion. This was particularly important as it allowed her to maintain independence and not be reliant on outside investors who might push the company in directions contrary to her vision.

“Our strategy was to deliver outstanding results for every client, no matter how small the project. That way, we’d ensure repeat business and referrals, which kept us going in the early days,” she adds.

4. Selective Expansion to Avoid Debt

Samantha was cautious about expanding too fast. Instead of borrowing to grow quickly, she took a selective approach to scaling, only expanding when it made financial sense. This kept the agency agile and protected it from the risks that often come with large-scale borrowing.

“Debt can be a double-edged sword. I didn’t want to be in a position where the business was beholden to bank repayments instead of focusing on quality and growth,” she says.

5. Strategic Partnerships

As Dentsu Kenya began to grow, Samantha formed strategic partnerships that allowed the agency to access resources, expertise, and networks without needing massive capital outlays. By working with larger international brands and technology providers, she could leverage their tools and platforms to expand her offerings.

Overcoming Challenges

The early days were difficult. One of the most pressing challenges was securing clients. In a market dominated by major agencies, winning contracts from large companies required more than just innovative ideas. Samantha had to be persistent and creative, even offering free digital audits to smaller businesses in exchange for their trust.

“We couldn’t afford big marketing campaigns, so I went door-to-door, pitching relentlessly. The breakthrough came when I stopped waiting for clients to come to us and started showing them what we could do,” Samantha explained.

Financing the business was another challenge. While Samantha was able to start with personal savings, scaling the agency required additional capital. Instead of taking on massive debt, she opted for a gradual approach, reinvesting profits to fuel growth.

“Financial discipline is critical. In the early stages, I learned to stretch every shilling, cut unnecessary expenses, and focus on long-term sustainability,” she advises entrepreneurs.

Breakthrough and Expansion

The breakthrough moment for Dentsu Kenya came when they secured their first major client—a global beverage company looking to establish a stronger presence in East Africa. The success of this campaign not only put Dentsu on the map but also opened doors to more high-profile clients.

As the agency grew, Samantha knew the key to scaling was in building a strong team. She invested in nurturing young talent, fostering a culture of learning, and embracing technology.

“You’re only as strong as the team around you. I made it a point to hire people who were not just skilled but also shared my vision for where we could take the company,” she says.

Dentsu Kenya expanded its services by adopting automation tools and data analytics to streamline operations. “As we grew, we embraced technology early on. Automation helped us handle more clients without compromising quality,” Samantha notes.

Her ability to innovate and invest in her team paid off. Today, Dentsu Kenya is a market leader, working with both local and international clients. The agency has expanded its portfolio to include cutting-edge solutions like AI in advertising and sustainable marketing strategies.

Scaling for the Future

Samantha has invaluable advice for entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses:

1. Build a Strong Foundation: “Before you scale, make sure your processes and team are solid. Scaling will only expose weaknesses if they’re not addressed early.”
2. Invest in People: “Scaling isn’t about just growing revenue. It’s about having the right team to support that growth.”
3. Automate and Innovate: “Leverage technology where possible. Automation will save you time and keep your quality consistent as you grow.”
4. Stay True to Quality: “No matter how fast you grow, don’t compromise on the quality of your work. That’s what keeps clients coming back.”
5. Expand Thoughtfully: “Don’t rush into new markets without proper research. Scaling should be intentional and well-thought-out.”

Financing Her Dream

Interestingly, Samantha’s journey was one where she avoided taking on large debt in the early stages. Instead of seeking a big loan from a bank, she focused on reinvesting profits back into the business. “I wanted to grow organically,” she explained. “Scaling isn’t just about throwing money at problems; it’s about being strategic in your investments.”

For other entrepreneurs, she emphasizes the importance of being financially disciplined. “In the early stages, cash flow is everything. You need to know where every coin is going and have a plan for both short-term survival and long-term growth.”

Samantha’s Legacy and Future

Today, Dentsu Kenya is a shining example of what can happen when vision meets execution. Samantha continues to push the boundaries, leading the agency into the future with a focus on innovation and sustainability.

“The world of advertising is evolving rapidly, and we have to evolve with it. Whether it’s AI, data, or sustainability, the future is exciting, and we plan to be at the forefront of that change,” she says.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Samantha’s journey serves as an inspiring reminder that with perseverance, innovation, and a clear vision, success is achievable—even in the most competitive of industries.

Keywords:Entrepreneurship in Kenya:Digital advertising growth:Bootstrapping a business:Client-funded business model:Scaling without debt