33-year-old Eric Omondi is a determined welder who has been consistent in the jua kali industry.
The father of four hails from Kisumu county but has set his workshop in Nyamage village, Kisii county.
With a first class honors degree in Forestry, Mr Omondi could not secure a job which forced him to try the Jua Kali business.
This made him travel to Kisii where he joined his friend in welding.
After saving for three months he started his own workshop in 2008.
Omondi starts his days at 8am and closes at 5pm every weekday.
During the weekends he travels home and joins his family.
"I work everyday but during the weekends I travel to Kisumu to join my children and wife," Omondi said.
With 10 years experience in his job, Omondi earns Sh50,000 a month.
In some cases, he fetches more when hired in construction sites.
"I make more than Sh.50,000 in my business but at times it might be higher when i get some contracts in constructions sites," Omondi said.
With his job, he is able to pay all his bill and school fees in time.
He is currently constructing a mansion for his family.
However, the journey has not been easy as he under went financial crisis in his business and extreme competition.
"Competition is a major challenge here. We have various welders around which makes competition stiff. Financial issues was a challenge but i tackled it," Omondi said.
He advised the youths to venture into self employment as it's the best way to get money.
"Don't loose hope when you are not employed in an office after a degree. There is life after that degree. Be creative and unique and what you do. Be your own boss," Omondi concluded.