Samson Charles is an entrepreneur who weaves his baskets by the roadside just next to St Luke's Hospital in Eldoret town.

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He reveals he started weaving baskets when he was only 13 years old, adding that the proceeds he makes from the business are enough to feed his family and pay for his children's school fees.

"I usually collect my main raw materials from construction sites and thereafter convert them into usable and durable shopping bags," he said. 

He noted that the baskets are multipurpose and can be used for other domestic purposes.

"On a good day I can weave two to three baskets depending on the sizes my clients want and I sell the small baskets at Sh500 and the big ones at Sh1000," added Charles.

Samson Charles weaving baskets near St Luke's Hospital in Eldoret town. [Source/ Elvanis Ronoh]

Charles notes that despite making good money from the business, his main challenge is lack of raw materials.

"Sometimes it's hard for me to get raw materials since I collect them at construction sites and if there are no or little construction works going on, my job suffers a big blow," he said.

The entrepreneur further states that he has no business premise to operate from, a situation that has forced him to weave the baskets by the roadside, where he says he sometimes grapples with harsh weather conditions.

The raw materials Charles uses to make his baskets. [Source/ Elvanis Ronoh]

"I would like to urge the County Government of Uasin Gishu to allocate me space where I can run my business with ease," he said.

He, however, challenged jobless youth in the county to venture into basket weaving, arguing that the business requires little skill and knowledge.

"Youths should refrain from the notion that they can only be employed but instead venture into self-employment which is now paying very well," he advised.