Nominated Senator Millicent Omanga: How I Became a Millionaire at 19

Nominated Senator Millicent Omanga says she made her first million when she was only 19 years old.

Omanga, who spoke during a recent interview, said she started her entrepreneurial journey during her undergraduate studies at the University of Nairobi and earned her first million inside a year. 

“By 20 I bought a new car and I was still in the university. I would use a portion of my school fees to buy a few things in Eastleigh that I would later sell at a profit. By exam time I had made profits and I would use that to clear my fees,” said Omanga.

She added: “I was selling everything including bedsheets. I am one of the biggest bedsheet suppliers in the country.”

The politician divulged that she made her first million after she won a tender to supply bedsheets to an Eldoret-based hotel, which enabled her to begin importing items from abroad.

“I had capital (after making Sh1million) and I knew I would get a good car in Dubai. I paid the deposit and got some more items,” she said.

Today, Omanga owns and runs Milways Enterprises, a company that deals in construction, interior décor, and imported furniture.

Omanga, 38, served as a director of the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) from 2013 to 2017. In a past interview, she said she would still be selling bedsheets if Deputy President William Ruto did not help her secure the appointment.

“This is one man who believes in the leadership of the youth,” said Omanga.

Following the 2017 general elections, Omanga was nominated to the Senate by the Jubilee Party.