Samuel Kimani is an example of a Kenyan who has traveled abroad, overcome adversity and developed a successful business.
In an interview, he explained that he had worked as a nurse in Kenya before moving to the United States, where he continued to pursue his nursing career for a while.
However, months later, Kimani decided to pursue his dream of becoming an entrepreneur and opened his own restaurant in Alabama.
He serves Kenyan cuisine such as ugali, bhajia and various types of meat such as matumbo and goat meat, with Nyama Choma serving as the restaurant’s signature dish.
Kimani has broadened the menu to include Caribbean specialties such as tasty oxtail in order to improve his clients’ culinary experiences.
The restaurant, Jambo Grill, includes many booths along the wall, several tables in the middle and countertop chairs that provide a bar-like atmosphere.
Although the restaurant has gained frequent foreign customers, it mostly serves Kenyans living in the United States.
Kimani claimed that he is proud of his journey thus far and does not regret leaving his nursing career to establish the firm.
“Despite the challenges ahead, I decided to open it and it has become a success. I used to work in hospitals but I am also a businessman,” he said.
Kimani was inspired to open a restaurant offering Kenyan delicacies in Alabama due to a lack of similar options.
His restaurant’s location near the market and parking lot has helped attract a large number of customers.
Kimani’s employees come from various countries, including Mexico, Nigeria and India.
He also has a few Kenyans on his staff, including the head chef.
However, he explained that it was difficult to hire Kenyans since US rules prohibit businesses from hiring people without valid documentation.
Kimani concluded by advising anyone interested in starting similar businesses to look for a decent location, reasonable space, good personnel and a distinctive menu to keep consumers coming back.
