Selling boiled maize feeds her family and builds her future

The Igbo of Nigeria have a wise saying: "The stomach does not leave legs to rest." To put food on our tables each day, we must work.

For Everline Njuguna, a single mother of one, her daily routine ensures that her two-year old child is fed and she is able to save for what she calls "tomorrow's dream".

And though the treks to and from the market are long, she knows that is where her hope lies.

Everline, who lives in Kasarani, walks to Githurai market daily to buy maize.

"I wake up at 5am. I have to be early at the market so I can get the best cobs at a good bargain. I have to be on my way back by 6:30am so I can boil the maize," she says.

She has acquired business acumen over the two years she has been selling boiled maized. Each day, she invests Sh600, which earns her Sh1,200 at the end of the day. She buys 30 cobs of maize at Sh20 each.

From 8am, Everline moves from one construction site to another, selling the maize.

She says, "Construction sites have been my source of good sales. In fact, I know most of the sites. Sales are usually good in the mornings. I go round to collect money at the end of the day, as most contractors pay their workers at around 5pm."

Her earnings may seem little, but Everline manages to save a little each day.

"I put part of my profits into a savings account. I also have a women's group where we contribute some money and give each other in turns. These contributions have enabled me buy a few items for my house. For now, I only know that the future of my child lies in this business. I do, however, hope to venture into a big business in future."

Come rain or shine, Everline must be up on her feet seven days a week because her survival, and that of her daughter, depend on it.

Photo: www.onceuponachef.com