Kericho: How Failed Concert Sparked Young Man's Rise to Owning Successful Business Empire
- In 2015, Johnmark Odhiambo had the worst entry into business after losing everything in what was supposed to be his breakout event.
- That failure became the spark that ignited his inspiring comeback story as a kindhearted businesswoman offered him a new chance.
- Today, Johnmark employs over 50 young people across his businesses, which often reminds him that sometimes failure is just the beginning, not the end.
Kericho — On a cold evening in 2015, under a sky heavy with rain, Johnmark Odhiambo trudged home soaked, broke, and broken.
Source: UGC
He had just hosted what was supposed to be his breakout event, the Jamii Moja Concert, but the turnout was disappointing, performers bailed, and vendors went unpaid.
A dream drenched in rain
Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, he disclosed that he had no bus fare, the equipment he had rented remained at the venue for days, and he didn’t have enough money for a meal that night.
But that failure turned out to be the spark that ignited one of Kenya's events industry's most inspiring comeback stories.
Born and raised in Kericho’s tea estates, Johnmark was no stranger to hardship. His mother plucked tea for a living, the kind of work that builds quiet strength and callused hands.
From an early age, he dreamed of something different: music, performance, and bringing people together.
By the time he joined college in Nakuru, Johnmark was already a familiar face at youth concerts and student events.
Though he didn’t have a registered company, fancy equipment, or capital, what he had was heart.
“I just wanted to serve, create, and see people happy,” he says.
The concert was meant to be his grand entrance. After saving and borrowing over KSh 350,000, he poured months of planning into it.
The concept was sound, uniting people through music and community spirit, but the logistics didn’t come together.
A kindness that changed everything
The audience barely filled the venue, some acts didn’t show up, and he was unable to pay some of the artists.
“That night, I felt like a failure,” he recalls. “I had nothing left. I was emotionally drained. But I also knew I wasn’t done.”
In the days that followed, Johnmark faced angry vendors and financial ruin. But amid the criticism came compassion from an unexpected person: Jane Agutu, the founder of Karamu Events.
Instead of joining the chorus of blame, she offered him a job.
“She saw something in me,” Johnmark says quietly. “She said, ‘I know you failed, but I also know you care. Come work with me.’”
Building back stronger
That offer marked a turning point as Johnmark learned the ins and outs of event management from budgeting, coordination, client relationships, and crisis management.
As it turned out, the failure had become his university as he was promoted to manager within months.
Armed with experience and mentorship, Johnmark launched his own company, which he grew into an events brand.
He began travelling the country as an MC, eventually landing spots on major platforms, earning loyal clients, and growing respect.
A comeback fueled by purpose
By 2019, he had registered his company and expanded his ventures into selling second-hand clothes, running a movie shop, and even opening a PlayStation centre.
Each side hustle was a way to keep the dream alive while creating jobs for others.
Then COVID-19 hit.
The events industry shut down almost overnight. But true to form, Johnmark pivoted. He used the downtime to rebrand, train a small team, and plan for a more sustainable model.
By 2023, he was back. His events reflected a new level of professionalism and polish.
A failure worth celebrating
Today, Johnmark employs over 50 young people across his businesses. Many are from the same communities he grew up in — young, talented, but often overlooked.
When asked if he regrets the failed concert, Johnmark smiles.
“No. That night, I walked home in the rain — it crushed me. But it also baptised me into this work. Without that failure, I wouldn’t be who I am.”
He now shares the story with others, believing that his failure set up a pulpit for reminding people that failure isn’t the end — sometimes, it’s just the beginning.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
