Vincent, a young entrepreneur from Kapsabet in Nandi county, has become a source of inspiration after deferring his university education to build a thriving smartphone business and constructing an KSh 8 million bungalow for his family.
Raised by a single mother after his father’s death when he was in Class Six, Vincent faced significant hardship early in life. He repeated Class Eight due to lack of fees but eventually joined a boarding school with community support. He later completed his KCSE with a B+ and joined Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology to pursue a degree in Agribusiness Management and Enterprise Development.
While at university, Vincent struggled with fees and chose to defer his studies during his third year to work. He started by selling smartphones and offering tech help, such as assisting customers to download apps. His dedication paid off, and he saved enough capital to start his own phone business, Vinny Emporium, in Kapsabet.
The business grew steadily, especially during the COVID‑19 pandemic when demand for smartphones and TVs surged as learners relied on digital tools for education. Vincent later diversified and expanded his stock, earning community trust by selling original devices.
With success came personal milestones. He built a four‑bedroom house costing around KSh 8 million and started a family. Vincent openly shares that the journey was far from smooth with losses from theft and previous bad habits but perseverance and faith kept him going.
Though he paused his formal studies, Vincent says he hopes to return to complete his degree when circumstances allow. His story underscores that while education is valuable, alternative paths backed by hard work and resilience can also lead to success and stability.
By tuko