Kenyan dancehall musician and businessman KRG The Don has detailed how he earned his first million shillings selling alcohol in Kisii town. Speaking on the Lessons at 30 podcast hosted by comedian Dr Ofweneke, the recording artist explained that his initial financial breakthrough came from selling keg beer by the cup.
"Nilitengeneza million yangu ya kwanza tu hapo Kisii nikiuza vikombe... Keg... Hiyo ndio ilikuwa hustle ya kwanza,” he revealed.
Early Roots and Early Hustle
Born in Naivasha in 1990, KRG attended secondary school and higher education in Uganda before returning home to work in Kisii, locally known as Bosongo. Online biographical records indicate that he grew up around family business ventures, including local entertainment venues.
While many of his peers spent their post-school holidays chasing fashion trends, dances, and social outings, KRG chose to focus on enterprise. He preferred learning trade mechanics and managing family operations over idle leisure.
"The only thing naona inamake sense ni kujua business, kuipractice, kuangalia mistake ziko wapi," he stated during the interview. He noted that he always felt steps ahead of his age group in financial thinking.
The Kisii Alcohol Business Model
KRG’s main revenue stream during this early period was selling draft beer (keg) by the glass in Kisii. He explained that he did not own the underlying stock inventory, which belonged to the establishment owners. Instead, he created his own margin per cup sold to customers.
By calculating extra charges directly on customer transactions, he generated high profit margins.
"Stock si ni ya wenyewe, si yangu. Hii yangu ni hii yenye na-deal mi na customer... so hiyo ya juu, kuna venye tulikuwa tunapiga mahesabu... lazima yangu iingie extra," he recalled.
He added: "Nilikuwa natengeneza doh mbaya sana... Kisii huko, Kisii tu Bosongo.”
Wealth as a Tool and Commercial Expansion
Following his success in Kisii, KRG diversified into pool table operations in Nairobi’s Eastlands and later into real estate, construction, and hospitality.
During the podcast, KRG described his practical view of financial wealth. "Money is a tool to me," he remarked, explaining that money serves to open doors and solve practical daily problems rather than evoke emotional attachment.
He concluded that commercial success requires self-reliance and focus. "Everything and everyone has a price," he observed, reiterating that personal discipline drives lasting business results.
