This archive report was first published on 28 August 2019.
John Mwangi, a 29-year-old entrepreneur, has found a way to make a living in Kenya's water-scarce environment. He has been hawking water for the past two years, mainly in village estates.
According to Mwangi, the irregular supply of water has created a demand for his services. 'It's a precious commodity that a home cannot do without, so I'm assured of business every day as the taps in this area tend to be dry for weeks on end.'
Mwangi's daily schedule begins at 8am when he sets off with a wheelbarrow and empty jerricans to a borehole to buy water. A jerrican costs Sh5 at the buying point, and he resells it at Sh10. However, he charges more if a customer lives far.
Despite the challenges he faces, Mwangi makes up to Sh300 a day when business is good. However, during peak rainy seasons or when taps are running, his customers harvest rainwater, and he has to switch to other odd jobs to make ends meet.
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