Awasi: In the heart of Awasi town, Nyando Sub-County, Kisumu County, a small but lively hotel has become a favorite stopover for locals seeking tasty, affordable home-style meals. The eatery, owned and managed by Maureen Otieno, is a story of resilience, creativity, and self-reliance.
According to Kenya News Agency, Otieno, a computer science diploma graduate, turned to business after months of unsuccessful job hunting. "I got motivated to start this hotel because of the unemployment crisis," she said, adding, "After graduating, I searched for a job without success and realized I had to create my own opportunity."
With only a modest amount of capital, Otieno opened the hotel three months ago. Together with her two assistants, Chris Abong'o and Monica Ayoo, she runs a vibrant kitchen that serves a variety of local favorites like ugali, chapati, fried eggs, beans, meat, sardines, green vegetables, and green grams. "Chapati and beans sell the most, but the easiest meal for me to prepare is ugali and eggs," she says with a smile.
Her day begins early, balancing house chores before opening the hotel at 9 am and closing around 5 pm. One of her proudest achievements has been upgrading her business from an open-air setup to a small enclosed building, making the space more comfortable and welcoming. Otieno attributes her success to excellent customer service and consistently fresh meals. "I make sure my customers are treated well and served with fresh, tasty food. That's what keeps them coming back," she says.
Most of her clients are locals, students, and small business owners around town. She notes that business booms when schools are open but slows during holidays. Despite facing challenges such as taxation, inflation, and fluctuating customer numbers, she remains optimistic. "Running a business is not easy, but giving up is not an option," she affirms. "I started this not just to survive, but to take care of my family and build something lasting," Otieno added.