Many people, especially the educate and youth would hesitate to go it alone into self employment.
All that is in their minds is securing a position in an office.
But for Mzee Fredrick Marubi, self-employment is profitable and sustaining if spiced with the right attitude.
Marubi, a shoe repairer at Laini Saba in Kibera says he has been repairing people’s shoes for the past 15 years now and has no intent to quit any time soon.
Marubi ventured into the business in 1999.
Speaking on Tuesday, he said he had to opt for shoe repairing because his parents were poor such that they could not afford his tuition fees to complete his primary education in the 80s.
“I had to look for an alternative since my parents were not able to take me to school. I dropped out of school in class five. This was because my parents were also illiterate they never knew the importance of educating children. In the year 1999, a friend brought me to Nairobi in Kibera where I mentored as a shoe repairer,” he said.
“Later I started this business after one-month mentorship. The business has helped me fend for my family and educate my five children. My eldest son completed form four this year. I expect him to excel in his exams and enroll him in college next year,” he added.
“As parents, let’s provide and allow our children to get education as this will help them get good jobs unlike us who never got the opportunity to complete our studies. I am growing old if my children get good education I believe they will be helpful during my old days with my wife,” concluded Mzee Marubi.