Discover how Chebet Ng’ok’s Harriet Botanicals uses indigenous herbs to transform reproductive health, helping women and men live pain-free, healthy lives.

Chebet Ng’ok, the Founder and CEO of Harriet Botanicals, took a deeply personal challenge and turned it into a thriving business, bringing indigenous Kenyan remedies to the forefront of the wellness industry.

 What started as a search for relief from severe menstrual pain led Chebet to discover the healing power of local herbs. 

Today, her company is empowering women and men alike through natural products while promoting better reproductive health.

From Financial Powerhouse to Entrepreneur

Chebet’s journey into entrepreneurship was far from typical.

A highly successful financial manager and consultant, she spent over 15 years living in London, where she obtained an LLB in Law with a concentration in Commercial Law from the London School of Economics and an LLM in International Banking and Finance.

 Her illustrious career saw her work with some of the world’s largest financial institutions, including JPMorgan Chase, the UK Financial Services Authority, and Goldman Sachs. She even held positions as an independent consultant and an East Africa Partner at Dwyka Projects and Equinox Global Consultants.

However, behind her professional success, Chebet was grappling with debilitating menstrual pain that impacted her life and career.

 “When I finished my education and started working, I had a serious challenge with my menstruation—a lot of pain, agony, painkillers, and frequent visits to doctors and gynecologists,” she explained in a 2021 interview. Desperate for relief, she tried everything from juice fasts and yoga to various painkillers, but nothing seemed to work.

Discovering Indigenous Remedies

It wasn’t until Chebet returned to Kenya that she discovered the transformative power of indigenous herbs.

 Her journey into alternative medicine began with a recommendation from a family member. 

A herbalist uncle from Webuye gave her a traditional remedy that, for the first time, alleviated some of her pain. Later, at her father’s funeral, a woman introduced her to Kipsigis herbs, which provided the first completely painless menstrual cycle Chebet had experienced in years.

This revelation inspired her to research further into indigenous remedies from the Keiyo, Marakwet, and Kipsigis communities.

 “When I experienced a painless period for the first time in my life, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly powerful,” Chebet recalls. She began sharing the herbs with friends, one of whom was about to undergo a hysterectomy due to severe menstrual pain. The success stories spread quickly, with Chebet’s social circles buzzing about the benefits of these natural remedies.

Filling a Void in Kenya’s Wellness Market

Harriet Botanicals was officially launched in 2017 to formalize the distribution of these indigenous remedies, focusing initially on women’s reproductive health.

 “We realized there was a huge gap in the market for locally sourced, natural solutions to common health issues like menstrual pain, infertility, and digestion challenges,” says Chebet.

As word of mouth spread and demand grew, Harriet Botanicals expanded its product line to cater to both men and women, offering remedies for issues like low libido and immune support.

 Chebet made it her mission to ensure that these products were accessible to all Kenyans, opening outlets in major cities and towns across the country.

Overcoming Challenges and Building a Business

Starting Harriet Botanicals was not without its challenges. Despite her background in finance, Chebet faced an entirely new set of hurdles in the health and wellness sector. 

“Convincing people to trust indigenous remedies was tough. Many believed that imported products were more effective,” she explained.

Funding was another major obstacle. Chebet initially relied on personal savings and small contributions from family and friends. She didn’t have access to large-scale investment, but through determination and a commitment to quality, Harriet Botanicals slowly gained a loyal customer base.

 “I believed in the power of the product, and I knew that if we kept reinvesting back into the business, we could grow sustainably,” she said.

Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Reflecting on her entrepreneurial journey, Chebet shares some valuable lessons for others looking to start their own businesses.

 “First, you have to believe in your product. If you’re not convinced, no one else will be,” she advises. She also stresses the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. 

“There were times I doubted whether this business could work, but I never gave up. You have to be prepared for setbacks and keep pushing forward.”

Chebet also emphasizes the need for market education.

 “Our biggest challenge was getting people to trust natural, locally made remedies. But once we focused on educating consumers about the benefits of our products, we began to see a shift.”

Lastly, she advises entrepreneurs to start small and grow organically.

 “You don’t need a lot of capital to start. What’s more important is that you have a clear vision and a product that people need.”

Voices of Beneficiaries

The impact of Harriet Botanicals has been far-reaching, with many customers sharing their stories of relief and improved well-being. Ann Wambui, a loyal customer, speaks about how the products have changed her life

: “I had severe menstrual cramps for years. Since using Harriet Botanicals’ products, I’ve experienced pain-free cycles and can finally go about my day without interruption.”

James Njoroge, who struggled with digestive issues, shares a similar experience:

 “I started using their Moringa tea for digestion problems, and it’s been a game-changer. I feel healthier and more energetic.”

A Future Rooted in Wellness

Today, Harriet Botanicals stands as a testament to Chebet Ng’ok’s vision of making indigenous wellness solutions accessible to all. 

As the company continues to expand its product range and reach, Chebet remains committed to her mission of promoting better health through the power of nature.

Her story is a powerful reminder of the potential for personal challenges to inspire entrepreneurial success. “I never thought my pain would lead me to this,” she says. “But now, I’m proud to be helping other people live healthier, pain-free lives.”

Chebet’s journey is one of resilience, innovation, and staying true to one’s roots—lessons that any entrepreneur can take to heart.

Keywords: Harriet Botanicals: Chebet Ng’ok: Indigenous remedies: Reproductive health: Natural wellness

Discover how CarePay Ltd, founded by Michiel Slootweg and Kees van Lede, revolutionizes healthcare in Kenya with a Mobile Health Wallet for accessible care.

  By Charles Wachira

In 2015, Michiel Slootweg and Kees van Lede embarked on a bold mission to transform how healthcare is accessed in Kenya.

 As seasoned entrepreneurs with a passion for innovative solutions, they co-founded CarePay Ltd, a company registered that same year with an ambitious vision: to leverage mobile technology to make healthcare affordable and accessible to all Kenyans.

 At the core of their idea was a Mobile Health Wallet that would empower millions to access healthcare services with ease.

The Birth of CarePay Ltd

The story of CarePay began when Slootweg and van Lede, both with backgrounds in finance and business, recognized the enormous potential of mobile technology in a country where mobile phone penetration was among the highest in Africa.

 Kenya’s groundbreaking mobile money platform, M-PESA, had already revolutionized how people sent and received money, and they saw an opportunity to extend this innovation to healthcare.

Reflecting on their motivations, Michiel Slootweg stated, “We saw firsthand how mobile technology could change lives. In Kenya, where many people lacked access to traditional banking and insurance, we believed that the same technology could revolutionize healthcare access.”

With a shared vision of bridging the gap between healthcare providers and patients, CarePay Ltd was created as a platform that allows users to save, manage, and spend funds specifically on healthcare through their mobile phones. The goal was simple: make healthcare more affordable, efficient, and inclusive through the use of digital technology.

Backed by Powerhouse Investors

To bring their vision to life, CarePay received early support from two major investors—M-PESA Foundation and IFHA (Investment Fund for Health in Africa). 

The involvement of the M-PESA Foundation was particularly significant, as it provided both financial backing and a connection to Kenya’s existing mobile infrastructure. IFHA, on the other hand, brought expertise in healthcare investments across Africa, ensuring that CarePay’s model was both scalable and sustainable.

Kees van Lede emphasized the importance of these partnerships: “We knew that to create a lasting impact, we needed partners who understood both the healthcare landscape and the power of mobile technology. Our collaboration with M-PESA Foundation and IFHA was crucial in refining our model.”

Filling the Void in Healthcare Access

The CarePay platform works by allowing users to save money on their phones specifically for healthcare services. 

This “Mobile Health Wallet” acts as a digital account where patients, insurers, or donors can deposit funds. These funds can then be spent at partnered healthcare facilities, making healthcare more accessible for individuals who might not have immediate access to cash.

This system provided a significant solution for Kenya’s informal sector workers, who often lacked traditional health insurance.

 For many, sudden healthcare needs would result in financial strain, as out-of-pocket costs for medical care were prohibitive. CarePay’s platform allowed users to accumulate savings, which could be used at any time, reducing financial barriers to accessing medical services.

“The Mobile Health Wallet fills a critical gap in healthcare financing. It empowers individuals to take control of their health expenses,” Slootweg explained. “By creating a system where savings can be directly used for healthcare, we eliminate the anxiety of sudden medical costs.”

Challenges Encountered on the Journey

Despite their success, the journey to building CarePay was not without challenges. Both co-founders faced obstacles, including regulatory hurdles and the need to build trust among users who were unfamiliar with digital healthcare financing.

Van Lede shared, “One of the biggest challenges was educating the population about our service. Many people were skeptical about using mobile technology for healthcare, especially in rural areas. We had to work hard to demonstrate the value and security of our platform.”

Entrepreneurial Background and Entry into Kenya

Before founding CarePay, Michiel Slootweg had significant experience in finance and technology, working with various startups in Europe that focused on mobile and digital solutions.

 Kees van Lede had a background in healthcare investments, which equipped him with insights into the complexities of healthcare systems and the financial challenges they faced.

Their journey to Kenya began with a simple observation: “We saw an opportunity to leverage our expertise in technology and healthcare to create meaningful change,” Slootweg noted. “Kenya was already a leader in mobile innovation, and we believed that together, we could make a difference.”

The Impact of CarePay

Since its launch, CarePay has made a significant impact on healthcare access in Kenya.

 By 2024, the company had enrolled millions of Kenyans, providing them with a reliable and efficient way to save for healthcare expenses and manage their insurance coverage. 

The company also played a critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic by ensuring that people could access care and testing services even during times of financial hardship.

Beyond individual healthcare savings, CarePay worked closely with donors and aid organizations to provide healthcare subsidies for vulnerable populations.

 This ensured that even those who could not afford to save for healthcare could still access essential services.

A Vision for the Future

Under the leadership of Michiel Slootweg and Kees van Lede, CarePay continues to grow and evolve. The company’s ambition to provide universal healthcare access is driving its expansion into other African markets, with plans to extend its platform to other countries where healthcare access is limited.

CarePay’s founders envision a future where no one is left behind due to financial barriers in healthcare. 

By harnessing the power of mobile technology, Slootweg and van Lede have pioneered a model that can be replicated across the continent, ensuring that millions more can access the care they need, when they need it, without the fear of financial ruin.

Conclusion

CarePay Ltd is a remarkable story of how entrepreneurial vision, technological innovation, and strategic partnerships can come together to solve one of the most pressing issues of our time—affordable healthcare. 

Through their Mobile Health Wallet, Michiel Slootweg and Kees van Lede have created not just a company but a movement toward universal health care access, impacting lives across Kenya and setting the stage for a healthier Africa. As Slootweg aptly puts it, “We are just getting started. The future is bright for CarePay, and we are committed to making healthcare accessible to everyone.”

Keywords:CarePay Ltd:Mobile Health Wallet:Healthcare access Kenya:Michiel Slootweg:Kees van Lede

Tehmeena Manji’s story is one of passion, determination, and a commitment to quality, perfectly illustrating the vibrant tapestry of Kenya’s tea industry.

 As the founder of Muthaiga Tea Company, she has carved out a niche in the competitive tea market by combining her expertise with innovative practices.

 Born in 1989 in Nairobi, Tehmeena’s fascination with tea began at a young age, evolving from a curious child to a renowned tea sommelier and entrepreneur.

Educational Foundation

Tehmeena’s academic journey took root at St. Mary’s School in Nairobi, where she developed a keen interest in culinary arts and agriculture.

 Her pursuit of a degree in Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Nairobi, which she completed in 2011, provided her with a solid foundation in understanding the complexities of food production and quality control. This background would become invaluable as she embarked on her entrepreneurial path.

The Birth of Muthaiga Tea Company

Tehmeena officially launched Muthaiga Tea Company in 2017, driven by a mission to provide high-quality, ethically sourced tea for both local and international markets. 

Recognizing Kenya’s status as one of the largest tea producers globally, she saw untapped potential in premium tea products.

 Starting with an initial investment of KSh 1 million (approximately $10,000), Tehmeena sourced high-quality tea leaves from smallholder farmers in Kericho, an area known for its rich soil and favorable climate for tea cultivation. She prioritized sustainable farming practices, ensuring her suppliers adhered to ethical and environmentally friendly methods.

A Snapshot of Muthaiga Tea Company

Since its inception, Muthaiga Tea Company has witnessed remarkable growth.

 By 2023, the company reported an annual revenue of approximately KSh 50 million (around $450,000) and employed around 25 full-time staff while collaborating with over 100 smallholder farmers.

 Headquartered in Nairobi, with sourcing operations in Kericho, Muthaiga Tea Company offers a diverse portfolio of over ten different brands, including the signature “Muthaiga Classic” blend, flavored teas, and herbal infusions.

Building a Unique Brand

Tehmeena’s passion for tea led her to pursue further education in tea tasting and blending, culminating in a professional course as a tea sommelier in Sri Lanka in 2018. 

This knowledge proved crucial as she crafted unique blends that set Muthaiga Tea Company apart.

 In 2019, the company launched its first line of premium teas, including “Muthaiga Classic,” which quickly gained popularity among tea connoisseurs, praised for its rich flavor profile and high-quality leaves.

Innovative packaging designs that emphasized the premium nature of her products further enhanced the brand’s appeal. Muthaiga Tea gained traction in the local market, with sales increasing by 150% in its first year, leading to the expansion of its product line to include flavored teas and herbal infusions by 2020.

Recognition and Challenges

Tehmeena’s dedication to quality and sustainability resonated with consumers, leading to her products appearing in upscale hotels, restaurants, and specialty stores across Kenya.

 In 2021, Muthaiga Tea Company was recognized as the “Best New Tea Brand” at the Kenya National Tea Awards.

 This accolade validated her efforts and facilitated international distribution, allowing her to export products to Europe and North America.

However, challenges emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, as global supply chain disruptions impacted her ability to source tea leaves. 

Tehmeena demonstrated resilience by pivoting to online sales and developing a direct-to-consumer platform, allowing customers to purchase tea directly from the company. 

This strategic shift helped sustain the business during the pandemic, leading to a doubling of online sales by 2022, with a significant percentage of revenue coming from international markets.

Attributes of a Successful Entrepreneur

Reflecting on the essential attributes for success in business, Tehmeena emphasizes resilience, passion, and adaptability.

 “You need to have resilience. It’s the ability to bounce back from challenges that sets successful entrepreneurs apart,” she notes.

 She also admires the late Prof. Wangari Maathai, the renowned environmentalist, for her commitment to sustainable development, stating, “Her legacy encourages us to consider our responsibility to the planet.”

Future Aspirations

As of 2023, Tehmeena continues to lead Muthaiga Tea Company with a vision to expand into the global market while promoting sustainable practices within the tea industry. 

She advocates for fair wages for farmers and aims to launch workshops educating consumers about tea appreciation and the art of tasting.

Kenya’s Tea Legacy and Economic Impact

Muthaiga Tea Company’s success reflects the broader significance of tea in Kenya, where the country ranks third globally in tea production after China and India. Kenyan tea is highly rated for its quality, sustainability, and diverse varieties.

 With exports generating approximately KSh 140 billion (around $1.2 billion) in 2022, tea is a vital contributor to Kenya’s economy, providing employment to over 600,000 smallholder farmers and funding community development projects in tea-growing regions.

In summary, Tehmeena Manji’s journey with Muthaiga Tea Company exemplifies how passion, education, and perseverance can lead to significant contributions to Kenya’s tea industry. Her commitment to quality and sustainability sets a standard for others, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs in the country. Through her innovative practices, Tehmeena is shaping the future of tea in Kenya, ensuring that the legacy of this vital industry continues to thrive.

Keywords:Tehmeena Manji: Muthaiga Tea Company: Kenyan tea industry: Sustainable tea practices: Tea market exports