She Business
Award-Winning BENA Care Thrives with Standard Chartered Kenya’s Futuremakers Program
Naom Monari puts smiles to patients who would otherwise be left to suffer but collaborating with Standard chartered Bank, Kenya, she’s become a lifesaver.
By Charles Wachira
Nairobi- June 4 –Naom Monari is the founder of BENA Care Ltd , an award winning social enterprise located in Kenya that provides clinical and physiotherapy care services to patients inflicted by life threatening illnesses from the comfort of their homes.
And verifiably since implementing lessons learnt at the Futuremakers program , an initiative run by the Best Foreign bank in Kenya the company has witnessed a seismic improvement in service delivery including a substantial increase in its footfall which got a footprint here in 1911 with the first branch opening in Mombasa city.
The programme builds on the success of Standard Chartered Bank’s Seeing is Believing (SiB) initiative that tackled avoidable blindness and visual impairment reaching over 176 million people and raising more than US$ 100 million.
Through the Futuremakers program, the bank’s global ambition is to raise US$ 50 million, empower 500,000 adolescent girls, support 100,000 youth towards employability, and build the entrepreneurship capability of 50,000 micro and small businesses.
It turns out meanwhile this organization which also offers a platform for buyers of homecare equipment to access cheap, used, and well-maintained medical equipment like oxygen concentrators,, is on a tear.
“ Within two years we have seen the patients we have attended to grow from 300 to 6000.We have also improved our efficiencies by setting up a healthcare technology app @ benacare, which is a digital platform that geomaps nurses and physiotherapists drawn from across the country, who then take care of patients from the comfort of their homes. And a positive spin off is that we have been able to attract new sponsors from outside the country including from Kenya,” says Monari who says the brand name of the company was formed from the name of her two year old daughter Beita, now aged eight years including her name Naom .
The five-year-old Kenyan social enterprise that Monari runs has a dedicated network of more than 9000 healthcare workers that provide affordable, preventative , therapeutic and rehabilitative care to people suffering from life limiting illnesses from the comfort of their own homes.
Regina Mukiri,Regional Head, Community Impact and Engagement, Kenya and Middle East, at Standard Chartered Bank says 31,075 young people in the Kenyan market, who include Monari had by end of April 2023 benefited from the programme with the lender spending Ksh 189M for the financial year ending 2023.
According to the website of Standard Chartered Bank , the Future Makers initiative supports young people from low-income communities, especially girls and people with visual impairments, to learn new skills and improve their chances of getting a job or starting their own business.
This is in line with the UN’s SDG Goal 5, which calls for eliminating all forms of discrimination and violence against all women and girls, including those with disabilities. It also stresses the importance of their full and effective participation and equal opportunities in political, economic and public life.
Mukiri says the initiative cements Standard Chartered Banks’ commitment to addressing “prevalent issues that impact our communities” particularly youth unemployment, and also cements the lender’s credentials of being here for good.”
“We believe that social and economic inclusion leads to more prosperous and sustainable communities. We believe everyone should be able to contribute to, and benefit from, sustainable economic growth in their community. We promote greater economic inclusion through Futuremakers by Standard Chartered, our global initiative to tackle inequality. Futuremakers supports young people from low-income households, particularly girls and people with visual impairments, through community programmes focused on education, employability, and entrepreneurship,” says Mukiri.
In what was dubbed as the first phase, the initiative was initially launched in June 2019 and rests on four pillars , namely Education,Employability and Entrepreneurship.
The education pillar sees girls being equipped with the confidence, knowledge and skills they would lead them to become economical leaders in their families and communities.
While the employability column , develops opportunities that support young people to become job-ready.
In the entrepreneurship plank,the bank provides support, mentorship opportunities and access to resources, such as funding and banking products and services, to female entrepreneurs in the technology sector.
In the first phase of the program, the Bank equipped over 4800 students drawn from five local universities with employability and life skills. The universities included Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology, Kenyatta University, USIU-Africa University, Multimedia University, and Zetech University.
During the second phase which began in April 2022, Standard Chartered Bank Kenya injected Kshs 96.9 million, to run for two years targeting 790 young jobseekers with disabilities, including 150 jobseekers with visual impairment.
Kellen Kariuki, the Standard Chartered Kenya’s Board Chair says the African continent has the youngest population globally, with 70% in sub-Saharan Africa falling below the age of 30. And that the burgeoning youth population presents a massive opportunity for economic growth – but only if the new generation is empowered to realize their full potential.
“ It is particularly important for these young individuals to be included in decision-making, accorded the right work opportunities, and to innovate. Sadly, the high levels of inequality in education and the job market have presented an almost perpetual challenge,” she says.
Indeed unemployment remains a big issue.
According to the African Development Bank (AfDB) approximately 10 to 12 million young Africans enter the labour market annually where only 3 million formal jobs are created by African countries. This leaves most youth unemployed or forced to settle for low-paid and low-productive jobs in the informal sector to make ends meet.
In Kenya, the situation is dire as official statistics show a third of Kenyan youth, eligible to work are jobless.
Enter Maureen Awino,another beneficiary of the program.She’s the founder of Modesh Bakers in Kisumu city.She says that she’s now able to run her company effectively.
“I’ve expanded my product line to offer different types of cookies.I also trained 80 women last year.This has enabled me to increase my sales from 150 packets of cookies to 3,000 packets weekly,” says Awino.
Standard Chartered Bank set out to fundraise and donate US$ 50 million for Futuremakers between 2019 and 2023 , funds that would empower the next generation to learn, earn and grow. In response to COVID-19, the lender committed a further US$ 25 million to Futuremakers to support economic recovery for young people impacted by the pandemic.
It achieved the US$ 75 million target set for 2023, a year earlier, with additional donations made during the pandemic. In 2022, the Bank fundraised US$ 14.7 million for Futuremakers including Group donations, bringing the total fundraised from 2019 to 2022 to US$ 78.7 million.
The programme is part of a global initiative to tackle inequality by promoting greater economic inclusion across global markets by empowering young people to unleash their full potential and lift their participation in the economy.
“What I loved about the programme was that we were provided with female entrepreneurs of note who took us through the ropes of how to excel in entrepreneurship and how to navigate the business cycle.We were also provided with US$ 10,000 as seed funding ,” says Monari who began Benacare in 2017, as a student nurse at Gatundu Level Five Hospital, in Central Kenya after witnessing the growing number of patients that stayed in the hospital receiving non-urgent medical care, a phenomenon that inspired her to introduce the home nursing service.
“We are transforming society through our Futuremakers programs that include our GOAL project, Youth Employability programs, and Entrepreneurship programs such as Women in Tech. At Standard Chartered, we are committed to supporting the youth and women by creating opportunities to support them when they embark on entrepreneurship, Joyce Kibe, Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing Kenya and East Africa says.
:KeywordsBENA Care Ltd:Futuremakers program:Standard Chartered Bank Kenya:Healthcare technology app:Social enterprise expansion
: 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
: Discover Margaret Nyamumbo’s journey from Kenya to the U.S. and how she
built Kahawa 1893 to empower women coffee farmers, achieving business
success and social impact
Early Life and Education: Pursuing Global Opportunities
Margaret Nyamumbo’s entrepreneurial journey began in Kenya, where she grew up on a coffee
farm. However, she moved to the U.S., a decision that significantly shaped her path.
In 2000, she travelled to Smith College, a prestigious liberal arts institution in Massachusetts,
to study economics.
Her desire to study abroad stemmed from the limited educational opportunities available for
women in Kenya at the time. As she later explained, her family encouraged her decision, viewing it as a way to give her the best opportunities for success.
After earning her degree from Smith College, Nyamumbo pursued an MBA at the Wharton
School of the University of Pennsylvania, known for its rigorous business programs.
This solidified her foundation for a future in business, although it was the allure of her roots and a passion for coffee that eventually led her back to entrepreneurship.
From Corporate Work to Entrepreneurship: Embracing Coffee Culture
After completing her studies, Nyamumbo worked in investment banking and consulting, but the world of corporate finance didn’t fully satisfy her ambitions.
It was her return to the coffee industry, deeply connected to her Kenyan heritage, that drove
her entrepreneurial leap. With a vision to support East African coffee farmers, particularly women, Nyamumbo founded Kahawa 1893 in 2018, a coffee brand dedicated to highlighting Kenya’s coffee culture while mpowering local farmers.
The name “Kahawa” is the Swahili word for coffee, while “1893” marks the year when coffee
was first commercially grown in Kenya, grounding her brand in historical significance.
Through Kahawa 1893, Nyamumbo aimed to bring a new approach to the coffee business, one
that not only celebrated East African coffee but also created fair wages for farmers.
Building a Brand with Purpose: Empowering Farmers
Nyamumbo’s vision for Kahawa 1893 went beyond just selling coffee.
She wanted to create a direct impact on the lives of the farmers growing the coffee beans.
The brand’s model incorporated a system where customers could tip the farmers directly via a
QR code found on the coffee bags.
This innovation set the company apart from competitors and positioned it as a socially
responsible business that directly benefited those involved in the production process.
In 2021, Kahawa 1893 hit a major milestone, getting its coffee stocked in Trader Joe’s—the
first Black- and woman-owned coffee brand to be featured there.
This breakthrough moment was significant for Nyamumbo, marking the recognition of her hard work and her commitment to uplifting local farmers.
Overcoming Challenges: What It Takes to Succeed
Despite the challenges of entering a highly competitive market, Nyamumbo’s determination
never wavered. In a 2022 interview with Forbes, she shared her thoughts on what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur.
“You have to be able to take the punches and keep moving,” she said. Her advice reflects the
reality of entrepreneurship: persistence, resilience, and a willingness to learn from failure are
crucial for success.
Nyamumbo also emphasised the importance of passion. “You’ve got to love what you do, or you won’t have the energy to push through the tough times,” she said.
These values have guided her journey, driving Kahawa 1893 to not only succeed but also to
change the way the coffee industry operates, particularly about fair trade and community
empowerment.
The Future of Kahawa 1893: Expanding Horizons
With her success on platforms like Shark Tank and continued global distribution, Nyamumbo’s
Kahawa 1893 is poised for growth.
Her brand continues to expand its reach, and the emphasis on ethical sourcing, community
impact, and high-quality coffee will likely remain at the heart of her business model as she looks to further innovate in the global coffee market.
Through Kahawa 1893, Nyamumbo has shown that business success is not just about
profits—it’s about purpose, people, and passion.
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