Jay Empire

Founded in 2009, Jay Empire produces denim jean bags. As of 2018, the company has sold over 8,000 bags to a customer service base spanning governmental and non-governmental organizations. It began with 2 workers in 2009, and currently employs 5 (including 3 permanent employees). The company has at its disposal 11 processing machines, with ambitions to increase its capital stock and production scale. Jay Empire Enterprises was recently awarded a grant through #SheTrades to join the e-commerce platform eBay, and this presents an opportunity to start exporting outside of Kenya through eBay this year. The company also received an award from the Export Promotion Council of Kenya to showcase products at a trade fair in New York City. Jay Empire Enterprises supports its community (the Mombasa region) by providing self-reliance to women and youth, improving living standards for them and their families. Through working with the company, youth and women can acquire business skills in addition to income. Internship programs also help pass along these benefits; so far 4 women and 2 youths have benefited from the company’s business internship.