After attending a hair design school, Frank Ratemo decided to be job creator rather than job seeker. Frank, 24, opened a barber shop in Kisumu’s Nyamasaria estate where he lives.
“Knowing the challenges experienced in search of employment, I settled on creating my own business where I could employ myself and give a chance to other teens to improve their skills,” explains Frank.
With a starting capital of Sh5,000 which he used to purchase hair treatment products and a shaving machine, Frank became an entrepreneur.
"When I started, I used to get electricity from my neighbour but now I have my own meter, which makes my business run smoothly.”
READ MORE
Why the built environment is slow to absorb job seekers
Labour Court warns employers against underpaying security guards
How Kenya risks being old before becoming rich
How man and woman swindled Sh5.4 million in fake KDF, police jobs
With the quality services he offers, Frank has managed to attract several customers. And this has prompted him to bring in his friend who is also specialised in that field.
Frank’s day starts at 6am because he has to be "early to offer my services to those reporting to different offices”.
On average, Frank attends to 20 customers and his charges are mainly determined by the style an individual wants.
His daily earning is anything from Sh1,000-1,500. This gives him about Sh45,000 a month.
"People think that once a young person is exposed to lots of cash they self-destruct. I dismiss this as a old belief since I am responsible for all that I do,” he says.
In future, he plans to study business management because he sees himself opening barber shops all over the country.
“No job is an accident, love what you do and it will work out for you.”