From Guarding Gates to Business Ownership: Kisumu Woman Invests Saudi Savings in New Tuk-Tuk

Former security guard Wilkister Atieno celebrates buying a tuk-tuk and launching a catering business in Kisumu using her savings from Saudi Arabia.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 21, 2026, 3:47 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from TUKO.co.ke

A Journey of Resilience and Global Sacrifice

In the lakeside city of Kisumu, Wilkister Atieno Otieno, popularly known as "Chef Wao," has become a symbol of the "diaspora success story" through sheer perseverance. Her professional journey began in Kenya with a modest role as a security guard, where she earned a monthly salary of KSh 9,000. Recognizing that her local earnings were insufficient to meet her long-term goals, she made the difficult choice to seek employment in the Middle East. Atieno spent several years working as a domestic helper in Hafar Al Batin, Saudi Arabia, enduring the physical and emotional challenges of life far from her family to secure her financial future.

The Surprise Return and Entrepreneurial Pivot

On December 24, 2025, Atieno returned to Kenya without prior announcement, surprising her family during the festive season. Having successfully managed her savings throughout her tenure abroad, she immediately transitioned into the private sector. She first launched a small-scale catering business, utilizing her culinary skills to establish a brand in the Kisumu market. This move represented the first phase of her "re-entry strategy," focusing on sustainable self-employment rather than returning to the low-wage labor market she had left years prior.

Expanding the Portfolio with a Strategic Transport Investment

The latest addition to Atieno's growing business empire is a brand-new tuk-tuk, a popular mode of transport in Kisumu’s bustling urban environment. By acquiring the vehicle, she aims to create a secondary stream of passive income while providing essential transport services within the city. For many returning migrant workers, the transport sector offers a reliable return on investment, and Atieno’s decision to diversify into logistics highlights a calculated approach to wealth preservation. She shared her achievement on social media, emphasizing that the purchase represents a victory over the "silent battles" fought during her years of labor abroad.