A few years ago, Rosemary Onjiri was working in one of the hotels in Kisumu as a waiter, but her pay was not always guaranteed at the end of the month.
That is when she decided to quit and try a totally different ball game.
She decided to venture into akala (tyre sandals) business. That was way back in 2008.
“I used to work in a hotel but my pay was not always guaranteed. After persevering for some time, I decided to leave and try my hand in making Akala and to tell you the truth, I have no regrets at all,” she said.
She learned the ropes of akala making from a male neighbour who was good at the trade.
“When I left the hotel, I was not sure of what to do next for economic sustainability. Luckily, there was this neighbour in Kisumu’s Car Wash estate where we stay. I used to watch him each day making akala. I watched him for some time, learned and even became better than him,” said Ms Onjiri.
The mother of four says initially, her husband was not supportive of her doing the job but later on he became supportive.
“On a good day, I can make Sh1,000 profit. At the end of the month, I can pay rent, pay school fees for our four children and ensure free flow of food in the house without breaking a sweat. Which husband can fail to support a wife who does all that,” she quips.
She has taught her younger sister Jackline Atieno ropes for making akala and they now work hand in hand on a daily basis at their base in Kisumu’s Kibuye market, along the fence of St Theresa of the Child Catholic Cathedral – Kibuye.
The two make different sizes, kinds and colors of akala. One pair is sold between Sh200 and Sh300.
Given the fact that they are stationed close to the busy Jomo Kenyatta Avenue in Kisumu, residents are their biggest customers.
Ms Onjiri and her sister receive orders from as far as Siaya, Kakamega, Migori and Homabay Counties.
“A normal akala takes me only five minutes to make. I only need a piece of tyre, ropes, inner sole and glue and I am good to go. These raw materials are readily available here in Kisumu,” she says.
When they have orders, they can make a combined 45 pairs of akala with Ms Onjiri making up to 30 pairs with her sister doing the rest.
They are working under a tree which makes it difficult for them to carry on their activities during rainy seasons.
“We are working under a tree but we are still required to pay Sh30 to the Kisumu County government revenue collection officers every day. We have begged the county government to allow us construct a shade here but they say we are next to a road where no construction is allowed,” Ms Onjiri lamented.