Sh400 tomatoes daily keep his dream alive

While 26-year-old Elvis Musembi, a diploma holder in plant mechanics, waits to be employed, he has found a source of income. Every day, Elvis, who lives in Dandora, walks to the nearby Korogocho market where he buys tomatoes worth Sh400 for resale and from this investment, he is able to take care of his daily needs and save for his future.

The idea to start this venture came when he went to to the market buy a second-hand shirt.

He says, "I went to the market to buy a shirt. As I walked through, I realised that some women were buying tomatoes from one point of the market and selling them on the other end of the same market at a profit. I was fascinated by this creativity and decided to try it. Given that I did not have enough money, I decided not to buy the shirt. The following day, armed with Sh200 and banking on Lady Luck, I bought tomatoes. Although the first two days were a challenge, there were signs that with determination, a profit was possible. I decided to stick to my new business."

From mid-last year, Musembi increased his daily seed funding from the initial Sh200 to Sh400. Since then, he has been making Sh1,500.

He adds: "I ensure that by 7am I have secured fresh stock. I have cultivated my own customer network. This and new visitors earn me an average of Sh1,500 a day. My one-year experience in the market has taught me a lesson. Although the market is located in a slum, a creative business venture can earn one a living and be the beginning of other prospects. I have never regretted my move and now I work daily to increase my earnings."

Musembi is determined to go further his training. The fact that his fund is growing daily is enough to encourage him to keep at his business venture. He says that is how he keeps his education dream true.

"Opportunity meets those already making attempts to succeed even in simple strides," advises Musembi.