Comedian-turned-businessman Sammy Kioko has announced the closure of his clothing business, Kioko Designs, following mounting financial difficulties. The decision comes less than a week after Kioko camped outside Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti’s office, demanding payment for goods supplied to the county government.
Kioko, known for his comedy on the Churchill Show, revealed that he had waited nearly two years for the funds owed to him. He expressed frustration over friends who had promised to facilitate his meeting with the governor but failed to deliver. The comedian stated that despite his efforts to remain afloat, the business faced insurmountable challenges.
In a public statement, Kioko confirmed the closure of his shops and production areas, describing it as the outcome he had feared. “Despite our best efforts, we’ve faced significant challenges that have made it impossible for us to continue operating,” he wrote. He thanked his loyal customers, supporters, and team members, emphasizing that this was not a final goodbye. “Not a goodbye, but a see you later. We won’t get tired of knocking the county offices, God above everything,” he added.
Kioko also shared a screenshot of messages from his employees, highlighting the personal impact of the financial strain. Employees reported difficulties paying rent and managing basic expenses due to unpaid wages. “When it affects family, people close to me and employees, it becomes my biggest nightmare. No handouts or contributions needed. All we need is the county of Machakos to listen and pay us,” Kioko wrote alongside the screenshot.
The messages revealed employees struggling to cope with unpaid salaries. One wrote, “Good morning. We just wanted to kindly follow up on the payment. Things have really been out of our line. I was locked out of the house and I’m currently staying with a friend. We’d really appreciate it if something could be done.”
Kioko’s announcement underscores the challenges faced by entrepreneurs who rely on government contracts for their operations. The comedian turned businessman leaves behind a loyal customer base while highlighting the pressing need for timely payments from county governments to support local businesses.
