This archive report was first published on 5 January 2022.
From Ubaunsa to Entrepreneurship ¶
Joel Njue, a 34-year-old entrepreneur from Meru, has taken his passion for crafting to new heights, earning up to Sh50,000 per day.
After completing his secondary education in 2003, Njue decided to pursue a career in entrepreneurship, driven by his desire to create something with his own hands.
He began by learning how to ride a motorcycle and later became a bodaboda operator, using his skills to transport goods and people.
However, it was his experience as a waiter at a hotel in Pwani that sparked his interest in entrepreneurship. He worked hard, saving and investing in his skills, with the goal of becoming a bartender.
His hard work paid off in 2011 when he was hired as a bartender at Bob's Club in Nyali, one of the most popular clubs in Mombasa at the time.
Two years later, in 2015, Njue was hired as a bartender at Yulls Club in Shanzu, where he impressed the management with his skills and work ethic.
"I was working as a bartender during the day and using my free time to craft items like chairs, tables, and vases," Njue explained in an interview with AkiliMali.
However, his life took a turn for the worse in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, forcing him to lose his job as a bartender.
Undeterred, Njue decided to start a new business, using his skills to craft items like chairs, tables, and vases.
He invested Sh20,000 of his savings to start the business, which he named "Miti ya Muarubaine".
Today, Njue's business is thriving, with customers flocking to buy his handmade items, which include chairs, tables, vases, and other decorative items.
"I sell my items for between Sh3,500 and Sh4,500, depending on the complexity of the design," Njue explained.
He also sells his items online, using social media platforms to reach a wider audience.
Despite the challenges he has faced, Njue remains optimistic about his business, which he believes has the potential to grow and thrive.
"I want to encourage young people to be creative and innovative, and to think outside the box," Njue said.
"Don't rely on jobs that can be taken away from you at any moment. Instead, create your own opportunities and work hard to achieve your goals," he added.
