How Olive Is Building Tech Solutions from Home In Eldoret
Olive Etsula, a freelance app developer is building supply chain tools and applications that help businesses operate better from home in Eldoret.
Her work focuses on creating digital solutions, including a newly launched B2B marketplace, Source.ke that connects businesses and improves how they buy and sell.
We spoke to Olive to learn how she built her software development business from home.
How Olive Started As A Freelance Developer
Building supply chain tools and apps ni hustle ya tech, but very practical for everyday biashara.
Instead of renting an office or following traditional business structures, Olive works from home, using just internet and her skills to build systems that make life easier for businesses.
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What inspired her to start this hustle is real life experience. After completing her education, Olive didn’t get formal employment.
Instead of waiting or giving up, aliamua kujipanga. She realized she had a passion for building things and solving problems.
Her motivation every day comes from knowing that what she creates can help someone do business better or live more efficiently.
What inspired her to start this hustle is real life experience. After completing her education, Olive didn’t get formal employment.
Instead of waiting or giving up, aliamua kujipanga. She realized she had a passion for building things and solving problems.
Her motivation every day comes from knowing that what she creates can help someone do business better or live more efficiently.
What inspired her to start this hustle is real life experience. After completing her education, Olive didn’t get formal employment.
Instead of waiting or giving up, aliamua kujipanga. She realized she had a passion for building things and solving problems.
Her motivation every day comes from knowing that what she creates can help someone do business better or live more efficiently.
She believes in functional solutions and avoiding a “boxed” mindset, meaning she doesn’t limit herself to how things are traditionally done.
Ana-build vitu zina-make sense kwa ground.
Startup Capital Needed for a Tech Business in Kenya
Starting was not easy, but it was simple. Olive started Source.ke with minimal costs, mainly internet bundles and basic tools for learning and building.
She took online courses on Operations Management, Excel for Supply Chain, SQL and learned a lot from YouTube.
Most of her skills came from self-teaching and practicing consistently.
Family support also played a big role, especially when it came to things like paying for web hosting and keeping her going when things felt tough.
If you are interested in tech, software development, or digital solutions, unaweza start na what you have and grow your skills over time.
Capital si lazima ikuwe kubwa sana she says.
Olive says she is still learning how to improve her customer system, but she has already seen how visibility online can bring real opportunities.
Cheki how to build an Automated Booking System for your Salon.
How to Find and Retain Customers for an Online Business in Kenya
Supply Chain Coded: Olive’s YouTube channel.
Her first customers came mainly from TikTok. By sharing what she does online, people started noticing her work and reaching out.
Some clients found her through her content on YouTube, while others came through referrals.
This shows the power of social media marketing in Kenya today. Ukiwa consistent na content, watu wanaanza kuku-trust.
To keep customers coming back, Olive focuses on honesty, transparency, and authenticity.
She openly shares that she works from home. “Watu wanapenda ukiwa real.”
Clients trust her because she presents herself as she is, not trying to impress but to deliver value.
This approach helps her build long-term relationships instead of one-time deals.
She loves her hustle because it is not routine. Every day is different. She is constantly learning, building, and improving.
The recent launch of her supply chain B2B marketplace is a big achievement as it shows growth and direction.
For her, the best part is creating something from scratch and seeing it help people. Hii feeling ya building something meaningful ndio ina-motivate sana.
Cheki vile unaweza make doh with Digital Products.
Common Challenges Facing Digital and Online Businesses in Kenya
Like many online businesses in Kenya, Olive faces challenges with online traction and trust.
There are many scams in the digital space, so some potential clients are sometimes not sure of what they want or if what they want will be delivered.
Watu wanataka quick results, but building systems and tools takes time.
Ku-build trust, be human and visible. It’s about showing face, personality, even small behind-the-scenes moments. People trust people.
Educating customers and managing expectations can be difficult.
There are also moments of self-doubt, especially when things are slow. Screenshots, testimonials, before/after results, client feedback, these matter most.
Trust grows when people see results, not just hear claims. Anajua success si ya haraka. Cheki how to Protect Your Biz and Yourself from Scammers Online.
Is Building Supply Chain Tools a Profitable Business in Kenya?
Building supply chain tools and digital applications is a very promising business in Kenya today.
With more businesses going online, the demand for tech solutions is growing.
From small traders to large companies, everyone needs systems that make work easier and more efficient.
This means opportunities are increasing for developers and digital creators. However, it requires patience, continuous learning, and consistency.
Si biashara ya shortcuts, but the long-term rewards can be big. Cheki vile unaweza kutumia internet ku-make doh.
Since joining MESH, Olive says she has gained valuable networks and feedback.
Hii network imekua muhimu sana kwa journey yake.
For anyone thinking of starting a similar hustle, Olive has simple advice. Go for it. Share what you do, you never know who is watching or who might help you.
Be disciplined and passionate about your work. Take breaks when needed and be kind to yourself.
Things may go wrong, and you may feel like giving up, but don’t. Eat, talk, and walk your business every day.
Believe in your success even before it happens. Live like you have already achieved it, and keep pushing.