On November 20, 2018, Nyakundi Report found two Egerton University students in Nakuru turning mosaic art into a source of school fees, rent money and daily upkeep.
Daniel Oguti, 22, and Gladys Anyika, 20, both studying criminology and security studies, make and sell mosaic pieces to keep themselves in school. Their work has also grown into a partnership built on shared financial pressure and a common interest in art.
Daniel, who was born and raised in Busia County, said his interest in drawing started early. In Form Two, he began experimenting with mosaic art using canvas, glue and olenge grass from Busia. The pieces helped him raise money for school, and he later scored a B+ in KCSE before joining Egerton University.
He is the firstborn in a family of four and was raised by his grandfather. According to the article, the income from his artwork helped him support his family and continue with his education. He has also sold portraits and other work to several leaders in Kenya.
His pieces start at Sh1,500, depending on size, and he markets them door-to-door.
Gladys, who grew up in Mathare, Nairobi, got a B plain in KCSE and chose criminology and security studies because of her interest in law and justice. She met Daniel on campus, learned the craft from him and later began making mosaic art with him for sale.
She said she did not want to remain idle in campus and preferred to earn her own income rather than keep asking her parents to pay her bills. “My parents had difficulty educating my siblings and I. In campus now, with a lot of harmful behaviour, I did not want to be idle. I wanted something to do that will give me some income so that I don’t stress my parents [by asking them] to foot my bills. I must admit now that art has come in handy,” she said.
The two share profits from their sales and, in a good month, they can make between Sh20,000 and Sh30,000. Even so, they said time remains a problem because they must balance class work with producing the art and finding buyers.
Daniel also has to travel back to Busia from time to time to collect more olenge grass. They said some people still do not value art enough, but they remain hopeful that more buyers will appreciate the work.
Beyond making a living, the pair want a sponsor to help them establish an art gallery. They said the space could be used to display their work and train other young people to earn from art. They believe such a project could reduce idleness, discourage drug and substance abuse, and keep youth away from crime.
Gladys’ younger sister, 14-year-old Marion Nyangweso, was inspired by her work. Gladys had sent her a mosaic success card while she was sitting her KCPE exam this year, and Marion said it was beautiful and unique. After finishing her exams, she travelled to Nakuru to live with Gladys and learn the craft.
Marion said she wants to follow her sister into criminology because life in the slums has taught her painful lessons. She added that she would keep art as a part-time hustle while focusing on school. She is already selling her own pieces to raise secondary school fees.
Gladys said art allows her to express deeper ideas through the pieces they create. “Art is a form of creation. All our pieces have a deeper meaning that only those who value art will understand. Every piece has a story behind it,” she said.
Daniel and Gladys urged young people not to waste time idling, saying free time should be used to build a future.
