The Entrepreneur
Dignified Work for Disabled Kenyans
Verifiably Fredrick Ouko is living proof that self-less determination can impact positively to a society
Social enterprise Riziki Source promotes professional development for one of Kenya’s most disadvantaged communities.
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By Charles Wachira
At just 2 years of age, Fredrick Ouko contracted polio. The disease left both of his legs permanently paralyzed, but it also left him determined to ensure that people with disabilities get equal opportunities.Today, Ouko now forty identifies with the 2.2% of his countrymen and women living with some form of disability.
“I have known nothing else save for my physical disability. And that is why I clearly understand the potential my kind possesses,” Ouko stated, adding that “routinely they are denied employment opportunities because of their disability,” the founder and director of Riziki Source revealed.
Riziki Source is a Kenyan social enterprise that leverages technology to connect persons with disabilities with job opportunities.
The initiative was born in 2016 out of the frustrations and challenges Ouko faced while job searching after completing his undergraduate studies.
“Getting around Nairobi while dropping my resume to potential employers was an uphill task. There were many rejections, which included being hounded out of offices by guards who believed people with disabilities should only beg for handouts. But my goal was finding employment,” said Ouko.
Determined to create a solution, Ouko began developing an online platform to match job seekers with employers. He named it Riziki Source, using the Swahili word for “livelihood”.
Through the organization’s website, users are able to input their qualifications, skillset, location, and disability and are then matched with potential employers. Users’ qualifications and skillsets are visible to businesses but not their CVs. Should an employer express interest in a specific candidate, they connect with Ouko and his colleagues at Riziki Source.
The enterprise has also developed a mobile app that helps people with disabilities find job opportunities locally.
In addition, the app also provides users with information on employers that are committed to hiring people with disabilities, as well as information on accessible transportation options and other resources that can help them to secure employment.
“We usually post syndicated job opportunities from other platforms, or employers send us job opportunities directly, which are then posted internally. Thus all registered members on the database have access to these vacancies, and they can apply directly or request help to apply since we don’t conduct interviews ourselves,” said Ouko.
A report released in 2020 by the Public Service Commission in Kenya showed that only 1% of employers had disabilities – way below the constitutional threshold of 5%.
The report further showed that denying equal employment opportunities to disabled persons singularly contributes to the poverty afflicting the group.
Statistics paint a dire picture of people with disabilities or PWD’s in the Kenyan workplace. But there are rays of hope and Ouko’s startup is a shining example.
Stella Mwangi, 25, was involved in a car accident that left her paralyzed 5 years ago, since then, she always uses a wheelchair for mobility.
“From my experience, the Riziki resource platform is handy because of bridging the gap between PWDs and a lack of employment. They are the connection between employers and us,” says Mwangi, who was assisted in getting a job at a telecommunications firm, by the social platform.
She is now the Personal Assistant to both the Network and IT directors and the Human Resources Administrator for both departments at the firm, where she supports 55 employees.
“I heard about Riziki Resource from a WhatsApp group where the members are PWDs. The firm has been of tremendous assistance to me and other PWDs because of their major efforts to push for the employment of people from our community,” she said.
The enterprise also trains and advises employers on measures that need to be implemented to make the environment conducive for physically challenged people, according to Mwangi.
James Obonyo, now 31, suffered a spinal cord injury while in school.
“I was referred to Riziki Resource by a friend, and I later researched more about them on the Internet. Riziki provided guidance on having a professional resume and interview skills in preparation for the job applications,” Obonyo said.
Today, he’s a financial analyst at the Capital Markets Authority, the statutory body regulating capital markets within East Africa’s largest economy.
“Riziki Resource is an ingenious idea that solved the fundamental issue of moving around in search of a job, bearing in mind mobility is a challenge,” added Obonyo.
Ouko bankrolled Riziki Resource with his savings and despite several global awards – including the Innovate Now Disability Employment Award in 2022, which came with a cash award of £15,000 – he has yet to break even. However, he remains hopeful that the organization will be able to capitalize on the exposure it has received and grow across the region.
In 2018, the organization was shortlisted for the African Engineering Prize, and in March this year, the organization won the Now-Us! Awards. The award honors inclusive initiatives from Africa and Asia that empower otherwise excluded groups.
“In five years to come, we see ourselves as the go-to experts on matters of employment for persons with disabilities in Kenya and the region. We will be looking at employment from a 360 lens. We want to stand out as a dependable brand on matters of employment for persons with disabilities,” Ouko said.
: Discover how Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu built SoleRebels into a global,
sustainable footwear brand, overcoming challenges and transforming Ethiopian
craftsmanship.
Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu’s story begins in Zenabwork, a modest village on the outskirts
of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Growing up, she watched her community struggle with unemployment and poverty, despite a rich heritage of artisanal skills that remained largely untapped.
Fueled by determination and a desire to transform her surroundings, Bethlehem
embarked on a journey that would redefine African entrepreneurship and put Ethiopia
on the global map.
Her creation, SoleRebels, isn’t just a footwear brand. It’s a movement—an embodiment
of sustainability, culture, and empowerment.
A DREAM WOVEN WITH TRADITION
In 2005, Bethlehem founded SoleRebels with a simple yet powerful idea: to turn
Ethiopia’s rich artisanal craftsmanship into eco-friendly, globally competitive footwear.
Inspired by traditional “selate” shoes—made from recycled tyres—she envisioned a
brand that blended cultural authenticity with modern design.
She recruited local artisans, many of whom were unemployed, and encouraged them to
innovate while preserving traditional techniques.
Every pair of shoes was a masterpiece, crafted from hand-spun cotton, organic
materials, and repurposed car tyres. Bethlehem’s concept was groundbreaking: a product that told a story while making a global impact.
STARTING FROM SCRATCH
Like many entrepreneurs, Bethlehem’s initial challenge was capital.
With no access to bank loans or large investors, she relied on personal savings and
modest contributions from her family.
Slowly but surely, she built her business, reinvesting profits into training workers and
improving production tools. International grants and initiatives like the SEED Initiative later recognized the potential of her venture, providing additional support.
The early days weren’t easy. Artisans lacked modern tools, and accessing raw
materials was an uphill battle. But Bethlehem, known for her tenacity, tackled these challenges head-on. She developed partnerships with local suppliers to ensure a consistent supply of quality materials and invested in upskilling her workforce.
Breaking into the global market presented another hurdle. Competing against established brands seemed daunting, but Bethlehem found her edge: sustainability and ethical production.
In an era when consumers were becoming eco-conscious, SoleRebels’ ethos of fair wages, recycled materials, and cultural storytelling resonated deeply.
BUILDING A GLOBAL EMPIRE
Fast forward to today, and SoleRebels has a presence in over 30 countries, with
flagship stores in cities like San Francisco, Tokyo, and Barcelona.
It is also the first African footwear brand to be certified by the World Fair Trade
Organization (WFTO)—a testament to Bethlehem’s commitment to doing business the
right way.
Her company directly and indirectly employs over 1,200 people, making it one of
Ethiopia’s largest employers in the artisan sector.
Workers earn more than three times the industry average, a policy Bethlehem takes
immense pride in. “When we pay people well, we don’t just change lives—we transform
communities,” she says.
MENTORS AND INSPIRATIONS
Bethlehem often credits her late grandfather, a farmer and community leader, as her
greatest mentor.
His work ethic and deep belief in the power of local communities shaped her vision. She
also draws inspiration from global leaders, including Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy
Ahmed, whose focus on innovation and economic growth aligns with her goals.
RISING ABOVE CHALLENGES
Bethlehem’s entrepreneurial journey has been marked by resilience. When production
scaled up, she faced supply chain disruptions that threatened deadlines. Her solution?
Cultivate long-term relationships with reliable local suppliers and diversify material
sources.
Entering new markets came with its own set of obstacles. Competing against
established brands requires a unique value proposition.
SoleRebels offered more than shoes—it offered a story: a product steeped in Ethiopian
culture, made sustainably, and crafted ethically.
VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Bethlehem isn’t slowing down. Her plans include:
- ● Expanding SoleRebels’ retail presence in Europe and Asia.
- ● Introducing sustainable clothing lines.
- ● Partnering with global brands to promote eco-friendly production in Africa.
Beyond SoleRebels, Bethlehem has a broader mission: to inspire a new narrative for
African entrepreneurship. She wants to show the world that Africa isn’t just a consumer
market but a hub for innovation and excellence.
CONCLUSION: WALKING THE TALK
Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu has redefined what it means to be an entrepreneur. From
Zenabwork’s dirt roads to the global stage, she has shown that success doesn’t come
from resources alone—it comes from vision, grit, and a deep connection to one’s roots.
With SoleRebels, Bethlehem has not only created a thriving business but a model for
how sustainable, ethical enterprises can transform communities. As she continues to
dream big, her footsteps pave the way for the next generation of African changemakers.
: Kenyan businesswoman Joyce Akinyi faces life imprisonment after being found
guilty of smuggling heroin worth US$ 34,483. Her history with crime has now
unravelled.
Joyce Teresia Akinyi’s story is one of dramatic highs and lows—rising from a successful
businesswoman to being convicted of a large-scale heroin smuggling operation.
With ties to international criminal networks, high-profile relationships, and repeated run-
ins with the law, Akinyi’s life has been marked by controversy and legal battles.
THE HIGH LIFE: BUSINESS AND INFLUENCE
Akinyi first gained prominence as the upscale Deep West Resort owner in Lang’ata,
Nairobi. Known for her affluent lifestyle, she mingled with Kenya’s elite and maintained
significant business interests.
However, behind the glamorous facade lay a darker world of alleged criminal activity.
Her personal life was equally turbulent. In 1998, she met Nigerian businessman Anthony Chinedu, and the couple had two children before formalising their union.
Their relationship was rocky, marked by numerous arrests on drug trafficking charges.
In 2013, Chinedu was deported from Kenya after authorities seized drugs in his
possession, a move that further exposed Akinyi to public scrutiny.
A HISTORY OF LEGAL TROUBLES
Over the years, Akinyi faced repeated allegations of drug trafficking. Her name became
prominent in 2008 when she was arrested in New Delhi, India, alongside former
Budalang’i MP Raphael Wanjala.
Authorities detained the pair with undeclared cash worth Sh7.59 million, suspected to
be linked to drug deals. Although released after intervention by the Kenyan government, the incident marked the start of a string of legal troubles for Akinyi.
In 2013, she and Wanjala were arrested again on the Nairobi-Namanga highway with a
suspicious white powder. Although they claimed it was corn flour, suspicions persisted,
and Akinyi’s criminal associations deepened.
THE TURNING POINT: CONVICTION FOR HERION SMUGGLING
Akinyi’s criminal activities reached a dramatic conclusion in 2019 when a police raid on
Deep West Resort uncovered 2kg of heroin worth Sh5 million hidden in a shoe rack.
The Anti-Narcotics Directorate linked the operation to an international smuggling
network coordinated by Akinyi.
The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Tribunal found Akinyi guilty under Article
4(a) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Act, which
mandates life imprisonment for drug trafficking.
The court heard compelling evidence, including photographs of heroin wrapped in white
tape, voice recordings coordinating smuggling activities, and the discovery of a Tabita
Digital Scale used to weigh drugs.
Akinyi’s co-defendants, Paulin Kalala Musankinshay and Peres Adhiambo, were
similarly implicated. Evidence also revealed that Akinyi used multiple fake passports, including a Congolese passport in the names of “Mape Marline Kambura” and “Raha Eveline
Kambere,” enabling her to operate under different aliases.
FINANCIAL CRIMES AND ASSET RECOVERY
Beyond drug trafficking, Akinyi’s wealth came under scrutiny. In 2021, she lost two
luxury vehicles worth Sh20 million to the State, deemed proceeds of crime.
Investigations by the Asset Recovery Agency revealed that Akinyi deposited
suspiciously large sums ranging from Sh60,000 to Sh20 million into various bank
accounts. Her real estate investments—villas built and rented out—further indicated
illicit income sources.
THE END OF THE ROAD
On December 10, 2024, Akinyi faces sentencing, which could include life
imprisonment and a Sh5 million fine. Her fall from grace highlights the dangers of
unchecked ambition and illegal pursuits. Magistrate Njeri Thuku, who presided over the
case, dismissed Akinyi’s defence that the drugs were planted by her estranged husband
Chinedu, calling it baseless.
CONCLUSION
From her meteoric rise as a business mogul to her conviction as a drug trafficker, Joyce
Akinyi’s life is a cautionary tale of how power, wealth, and crime can intertwine.
Her story also underscores Kenya’s ongoing battle with drug trafficking and the far-reaching
consequences of organised crime. For Akinyi, the glitz and glamour of her former life
have now given way to the stark reality of justice.
Nb: Exchange rate 1 USD = 145 Ksh
: Miss Rwanda 2022, Divine Muheto, was arrested for drink-driving, fined, and
detained after a car crash. She expresses regret and seeks forgiveness for her
actions.
From Beauty Queen to Legal Controversy
Divine Muheto, 21, crowned Miss Rwanda 2022, rose to prominence as a symbol of
beauty and ambition. She always believed she had what it took to achieve her childhood
dream of becoming a beauty queen.
Her journey began after high school when she entered the Miss Rwanda competition,
ultimately claiming the coveted title.
Reflecting on her success, she once said, “When you fear, you can’t make anything
different in life, but when you are fearless, a lot of positive things come your way.”
Legal Troubles in 2024
However, her reign as Miss Rwanda has been overshadowed by controversy. In late
2024, Muheto was arrested following a drink-driving incident in Kigali.
Reports from the Rwanda National Police (RNP) confirmed that she was caught driving
under the influence of alcohol without a valid license, resulting in a crash that destroyed
public infrastructure, including a street light pole and palm trees.
The police also noted that Muheto fled the scene of the accident. She was subsequently
fined 190,000 Rwandan francs (approximately $140) and detained.
This incident marked a troubling pattern, as the beauty queen had previously faced
similar charges in September 2023, when she crashed her car into a building while
driving drunk.
Silent Remorse and Public Engagement
Muheto, the daughter of Assistant Commissioner of Police Francis Muheto, has
remained largely silent in the media following her arrest, though her legal team has
expressed that she deeply regrets her actions and has sought forgiveness.
Despite this, she continues to be a public figure, engaged in various activities. Her legal troubleshave raised concerns, but she remains resolute in her belief that life’s challenges present growth opportunities.
Inspirational Messages and Support System
While her parents have largely stayed out of the spotlight, Divine Muheto has continued
to inspire many young people in Rwanda, emphasising resilience and self-improvement.
She once said, “I knew I had what it takes to the last dot,” and even in the face of
adversity, she strives to move forward, learning from her mistakes and striving to make
a positive impact.
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