It is often said that a business that does not make a profit is evil and the best thing to do is to close it down.
However, for one Felix Maranga, the same cannot be said of his 'muguka' business which fetches him not less than Sh4,000 in profits daily.
'Muguka' is a stimulant similar to 'miraa' or khat whose leaves are chewed to achieve similar effects to those of khat.
Maranga who is in his mid-20s says he realised there was a potential a business opportunity when the Kiambu County Government started a crackdown on illicit brews early this year.
"I came to think of this business when I realised that many people who used to wake up in the morning headed to liquor joints, had nowhere to go to. It, therefore, struck me that 'muguka' business could be a viable business venture," Maranga told this writer on Friday at his Kiganjo base.
He adds: "To my surprise when I put the wheel on the road, both 'muguka' chewers and non-chewers started to flood my joint in numbers. To non-chewers I sell them coffee or soda which ups my daily earnings."
But what makes the young man's business different considering there are tens of 'muguka' dealers in Kiganjo Estate? Well, he says every business is about strategy and identifying the 'missing link' in the existing businesses.
He notes that many sellers do not take this business seriously and, therefore, do not invest in it as required.
"If you walk around you will realise that many sellers just put up small and temporary structures mostly with polythene materials that are very uncomfortable to their clients.
"I decided to be different and rented out a good spacious room with electricity which is decent enough to accommodate all my customers. Customers travel from far and wide just to come and enjoy this luxury," he says proudly.
Another unique additive to his 'Gangara Veve Base' business is a music system which buzzes out 'mad' reggae tunes which he says is a necessity for 'muguka' chewers.
His advice to other youths who may not be engaged in any income generating activity is to look around their localities and identify the 'missing link' and fill it.
Maranga concludes by noting that any business can put food on the table and all that matters is attitude, dedication and thinking differently.
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