Kenyans to the rescue after Nakuru woman's viral TikTok plea to save dying food business

The 28-year-old entrepreneur's restaurant 'Tule Kienyeji' became a symbol of struggle and hope when a video of her emotional financial plea went viral on TikTok.

“Imagine today is Monday, I've locked myself up in this shop because I don't even have money to run this place for even a day,” she said in the video.

The restaurant, which is on Maasai Avenue in Nakuru's Central Business District, had been in operation for roughly three months. In the video, she said despite investing more than Ksh.1 million of her savings in construction costs, equipment, décor, furniture and stock, the tables stayed empty.

The video of her breaking down in tears as she lamented the difficulties of running her business soon went viral on TikTok and other social media platforms, attracting the attention of Kenyans from all walks of life, who have now vowed to support her in getting back on her feet.

“I have tried my best. I have invested all the money I had with the hope of making sales, but all has been in vain. l hardly receive any customers,” the teary businesswoman said, explaining that the lack of customers had pushed her to the brink.

“I have even wondered if I should hang myself in this shop or in my house. Please guys, I ask anyone who is willing to buy this business to come and save me. All I have is Ksh.37- 33 bob in my bank account and 4 shillings in my Mpesa.”

Out of despair, Akinyi offered to sell the restaurant's assets, including commercial kitchen equipment, furniture and stock, for as little as Ksh.150,000 to cover her expenses.

Akinyi explained that when she opened her eatery along Maasai Avenue near Mercy Mission Hospital, a few months ago, she hoped the location, a few kilometres from the Nakuru City Central Business District, would attract customers.

She had raised about  Ksh.150,000 from savings and support from friends, which she used to start the restaurant business.

Instead, she faced empty seats, lonely days, frozen traffic, mounting losses and food going to waste, pushing her to one of the darkest moments of her life.

The viral video of her honest portrayal of the insurmountable challenges of running a business, amid economic hardships, touched many Kenyans who have now come to her aid.

“It is sad. The video is an example of the quiet struggles behind entrepreneurship that many Kenyans go through. It is good that she chose to speak out instead of going into depression. We will give her support,” John Kamau, a Nakuru businessman, told the Nation on Wednesday. 

Within hours, her story was shared widely on TikTok and other platforms, prompting comments from Kenyans who recognised the familiar trials of small business ownership and economic hardship. 

What might have remained a local business challenge became a viral appeal that mobilised people from across counties.

The viral video has attracted widespread support from Kenyans, who have even created a PayBill number to support her.

Marshalled by businesswoman May Jerono and other locals, crowds of residents have for two days been streaming into Tule Kienyeji restaurant to support Akinyi.

The outpouring of generosity, including direct financial aid, plans to support her steady the business, bales of unga, crates of eggs, drinks, bottled water, cooking oil and other items have overwhelmed her, with the incident once again showcasing the power of TikTok and other social media platforms for community support.

Local traders and companies also came to her aid.

Some patrons have travelled from as far as Nairobi, Nyeri, Kiambu, Meru, Kisii, among other towns, after seeing the viral video, determined not just to eat, but to stand with a fellow Kenyan in distress.

The viral video quickly attracted widespread support from Kenyans, who even created a Paybill to support her.

Customers described the home-style local food as delicious and affordable, while others said they simply wanted to support Akinyi. 

One Nakuru resident, Loice, said that she came after seeing the video online and refused to let a fellow Kenyan “struggle alone”.

A bodaboda rider even offered free transportation to customers heading to the restaurant from key routes across Nakuru. 

Abdulai Adan, an online marketer, pledged to promote Tule Kienyeji daily across his platforms at no cost.

Messages of encouragement have also flooded social media, with many asking other Kenyans to continue supporting her.

In an interview on Wednesday, Akinyi described the gesture as overwhelming.

“I am overwhelmed by the gesture from Kenyans. I did not think the video was going to blow up this much. I just recorded it as an honest cry for help. I really thank Kenyans so much for the support,” she told the Nation.

On Wednesday, a group of artistes led by Herman Kago, popularly known as Prof Hamo, TikTokers, DJs and content creators held a concert outside the hotel to attract more visitors.

Amidst the outpouring of generosity, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika also spared time to go down at Tule Kienyeji, with the county boss later engaging Akinyi in a discussion about the business, its challenges and possible ways forward.

During the visit, Governor Kihika was received by staff and customers at the establishment. She greeted employees and patrons before sitting down to order a meal.

Kenyans on social media have come out to applaud those who showed up and mobilised fellow social media users in the mighty show of solidarity.

As a result of the solidarity of Kenyans, Tule Kienyeji has now turned into a beautiful story reminding Kenyans of community kindness and generosity.

For Akinyi, the support has brought visible relief. 

In a separate video shared later on, she thanked well-wishers for turning what she had feared would be a closure into a beautiful victory.