Mark Ojwang’ is a re-known cobbler at who runs a fast-growing shoe business at Maseno Market.
The former Bata Shoe Company employee designs and also makes shoes for his clients. Ojwang’ says he used to work with Bata company in Limuru between 1994 and 2006 where he gained 11 years’ experience before falling out.
The 45 years old shoemaker fell out from Bata in pursuit of greener pastures. The move was futile prompting him to be a cobbler at Maseno market. His business has nonetheless thrived as he has upgraded from shoe repair and he is now venturing in large scale shoe making. At his kiosk at Maseno market, an array of classy designed footwear is displayed, according to Ojwang’ all the shoes are on special order and all of them have been sold off awaiting collection.
“I am now working on 21 pairs of school shoes for form one students,” said Ojwang’.
Using his experience from Bata, he designs classy sharp shooter shoes that he says he has made tremendous sales especially to the varsity male students. John Kiprotich, a customer, who had come to pick his custom made shoe, said that he liked the shoes made by Ojwang’. “The shoes have a strong sole, affordable and they also have a classy look,” said John.
Ojwang’ nevertheless mentioned that despite the business being lucrative, he encounters several challenges. He said that he sources his materials (leather and soles) from Nairobi.
“This eats into my profits as I incur high transportation costs,” he said.
The shoes at Ojwang’s shop go for Sh1,500 male ware and Sh1,000 for children’s school wear. He says for one to be prosperous in business, they must exercise a lot of patience and put customer interests first.