I was born on July 29th 2001 and raised by my grandmother in Nairobi, Kayole. Growing up in a community where resilience is learned early and opportunity often has to be created, not waited for, i learnt early about responsibility, discipline and independence.

On December 11th 2025, i was awarded an LLB from the University of Nairobi, Faculty of Law which i have largely funded myself through my small business. I started Ma Sha Allah Swahili Dishes in September 2020 with an aim of funding my studies. I always wanted to be a lawyer and after putting much effort in my highschool studies and getting an A, i got the opportunity to study law. The only thing i needed to fund was my education and Ma Sha Allah Swahili Dishes carried me through 4 years of studying law. What began as a small home-based food business in Kayole has grown into a reliable source of livelihood.

While studying law and handling the business, i identified a major gap in the justice system and also in my community with regards to sexual assault. I decided to build something that would bridge the existing gap between survivors and their respective source of help so i started Sumayyah Foundation in 2023 and it is now a registered community based organization that supports survivors of gender based violence and also creates awareness to adolescents and young people on matters of sexual reproductive health rights by educating them.

While the foundation operates separately from my business, my advocacy work has enabled me to personally contribute to supporting young women who are navigating and rebuilding their lives after coming from abuse. It isn’t easy staying in the same environment that abuses you and rebuilding life after is a challenge largely due to dependency since most of the survivors i interact with come from poverty stricken communities such as Kayole, my hometown, so i try my best to give them opportunities that will in turn give them freedom to choose better for themselves.

The survivors are engaged in paid, short term roles such as food preparations, packaging and order coordination. They gain basic work experience, food handling exposure and income stability.

I live in a culturally rich area where food plays a central role in bringing people together. Cooking traditional Swahili dishes is both my business and personal passion. The recipes i was taught by my grandmother who was in turn taught by her grandmother. I tend to teach my children as well.

Through steady work and discipline, I am focused on building a sustainable future grounded in education, enterprise and community responsibility.

I run Ma Sha Allah Swahili Dishes, a food business specializing in biryani and pilau. We provide freshly cooked, high quality Swahili dishes for both online and eat in customers who value convenient, affordable and delicious meals. Their is demand because authentic Swahili dishes especially in Nairobi is unpopular and many people lack the correct recipes.

I started this business back in 2020 to fund my law degree and gain financial independence. I grew up in poverty where i couldn’t even get the basic needs i deserved as a child so i promised myself i would always work hard to get what i want and achieve my dreams.

I also provide paid, short term work opportunities for young women rebuilding their lives after leaving abusive and unstable homes.

Typical costs include food ingredients, gas, kitchen equipments, rent and packaging. Revenue comes from online and bulk orders, with net profits reinvested into growing the business and covering my personal and education expenses. Surplus profits also support young women through structured work opportunities, helping them gain skills and earn income while the business continues to grow sustainably.

I will use the loan to expand my restaurant by buying equipment and stock, increasing sales, creating jobs, supporting my family and providing quality, affordable meals to my community and customers at large.