David Otini, a second year student says that his orange business has enabled him to sustain his stay in Maseno University. He ventured into the business last year after 2 of his siblings joined high school and thus his parents could not meet his needs at the school.
“After 2 of my siblings did well in their KCPE exams, they joined high school which posed a challenge to my parents who aren’t employed. I thus sought out ways to sustain my stay for life had to go on. I opted for selling oranges since I can access them for free from home,” said Otini.
He is not stationed in a specific place but hawks in the school and sells in hostels. He enjoys monopoly in the market since most people in the region don’t grow oranges.
“My major customers are my fellow students though I also sell as retail to other vendors in the market. On a rainy day I make up-to Kshs. 800 and at least Kshs. 200 on a bad day," he said.
“The business has helped me sustain my stay and I can now support my parents with my siblings' up-keep," he added.
He however faces a number of challenges one being transport costs since he gets his oranges from Uasin Gishu county and the demand goes down during the rainy seasons. Most of his customers do not buy them.
“I have to balance my study time with business though I am optimistic that i will expand my business to retail. I am planning to open a retail shop here in Maseno early next year,” said Otini.