After being named Africa’s businesswoman of the year earlier this week, Mrs Tabitha Karanja was on the Trend last night for an interview with NTV’s Larry Madowo. Duting the eight minute interview she was able to share some insights into her journey as an entrepreneur, her business – Keroche Breweries, illicit brew and many more.
At the first part of the interview she talks about the humility that came with being recognised as Africa’s leading businesswoman, something she had not really dreamt about as her target was mainly the Kenyan and regional market. Before starting the brewery, over 18 years ago, she was employed as a civil servant with the Kenyan governement then started a hardware shop. Interestingly, she started what is now one of the biggest breweries in the country with just 200,000 shillings.
They are currently doing 100,000 hectolitres for Summit but aim to reach the million mark by February 2015. For their range of spirits they are doing about 15000 bottles a day.
She feels what is in the market is to blame for the current problems with illicit brew facing the country as the products are not affordable for the ordinary citizen. This she attributed mainly to the taxation which takes up about 70% of the pricing.
Her advice to entreprenuers was to know what they want and what they want to do with their businesses. As an entrepreneur you have to be focused, believe in yourself and motivate yourself.
You can watch the full interview here