The youth in the country have been encouraged to venture into business as a way of making a living rather than idling in villages and cities. Evans Odanga, a seasoned hawker in Kakamega town who sells peanuts, “mgombera,” drinks, and biscuits, supports this view by sharing his journey in the business.
Odanga says he started this business ten years ago after completing Form Four in 2015. He buys his products from wholesalers in Kakamega. He further explains that he earns about KSh 1,000 each day — KSh 450 as profit and KSh 550 for restocking. Despite the hard work, Odanga says the hustle is worth it.
Challenges and motivation
His main challenge is walking long distances within the town, especially around car parks, garages, and open spaces, which he says makes him very tired at times.
He also pointed out that what really motivated him to start hawking was the fact that it does not require much capital. He says a person can begin the business with as little as KSh 800 or KSh 1,000, which he believes is affordable for many hustlers.
In addition, Odanga has urged his fellow youth to work hard and save money to meet their future needs. He says what he likes most about hawking is that it enabled him to pay his mechanic course fees in college. Currently, he dreams of opening his own garage or shop in the near future.
Odanga emphasized that being unemployed would have caused him serious problems, as he might have turned to theft. He added, “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.”
Odanga says he started this business ten years ago after completing Form Four in 2015. He buys his products from wholesalers in Kakamega. He further explains that he earns about KSh 1,000 each day — KSh 450 as profit and KSh 550 for restocking. Despite the hard work, Odanga says the hustle is worth it.
Challenges and motivation
His main challenge is walking long distances within the town, especially around car parks, garages, and open spaces, which he says makes him very tired at times.
He also pointed out that what really motivated him to start hawking was the fact that it does not require much capital. He says a person can begin the business with as little as KSh 800 or KSh 1,000, which he believes is affordable for many hustlers.
In addition, Odanga has urged his fellow youth to work hard and save money to meet their future needs. He says what he likes most about hawking is that it enabled him to pay his mechanic course fees in college. Currently, he dreams of opening his own garage or shop in the near future.
Odanga emphasized that being unemployed would have caused him serious problems, as he might have turned to theft. He added, “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.”