A viral TikTok post has drawn customers and donations to a Nakuru restaurant after its owner pleaded online for help to keep the business running.
Harriet Akinyi, 28, who runs Tule Kienyeji on Maasai Avenue in Nakuru’s central business district, posted an emotional video saying she had run out of money just three months after opening. In the clip, Akinyi said she had invested more than Sh1 million of her savings in construction, equipment, décor, furniture and stock but was not getting enough customers.
“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.
Akinyi also said she was down to Sh37 in cash, Sh33 in her bank account and Sh4 in her M-Pesa balance. She appealed for someone to buy the business, saying she was willing to sell assets — including commercial kitchen equipment, furniture and stock — for as little as Sh150,000 to cover expenses.
“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,” she said.
The video spread quickly on TikTok and other social media platforms, drawing comments from Kenyans who said they related to the challenges of running small businesses amid economic hardship.
Within hours, residents began showing up at the restaurant to buy meals and offer support. Some brought supplies to restock the business, including bales of maize flour, crates of eggs, cooking oil and drinks. Customers interviewed in the report described the home-style local food as affordable and tasty, while others said they came mainly to help.
One Nakuru resident, identified as Loice, said she visited after seeing the video online and did not want Akinyi to “struggle alone.” A boda boda rider also offered free transport for customers traveling to the restaurant from key routes around Nakuru, the report said.
Abdulai Adan, described as an online marketer, pledged to promote Tule Kienyeji daily on his platforms at no cost.
In a separate video posted later, Akinyi thanked well-wishers, saying their support had turned what she feared would be a closure into what she described as a victory.
Editor’s note for verification: The original item includes two restaurant name references (“Tule Kienyeji” and “Kula Kienyeji”) that appear inconsistent.
