When Nakuru businesswoman Harriet Akinyi, 28, shared raw videos of her struggle to run her Tule Kienyeji restaurant in Nakuru City, on TikTok, she never imagined that the posts would spark a nationwide outpouring of love and support.
What began as a moment of raw despair for the businesswoman has turned into a powerful reminder of Kenyan solidarity, powered by social media.
In an undated clip filmed inside her eatery in Nakuru City, a teary Akinyi explained her struggles running the business that she opened months ago, revealing that despite investing heavily in the business, days would pass without anyone coming to eat.
The video of her breaking down in tears as she lamented about the difficulties in 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 to get 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.
“Currently, I only have Sh 35 in my bank account and Sh4 cash,” she stated.
She 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 Sh 150,000 from savings and support from friends, which she used to start the restaurant business.
Instead, she faced empty seats, 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.
The viral video has attracted widespread support from Kenyans, who have even created a Paybill 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.
By Wednesday morning, at around 10am, the once empty restaurant was buzzing with customers, laughter and long queues.
Kenyans from all walks of life turned up bearing goodies, including foodstuffs, ready to support the businesswoman.
Others who could not travel to Nakuru have chosen to support her through the Paybill created by locals.
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.
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.
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