Safari boots are synonymous with policemen, tour drivers and trekkers.
That said, washing and cleaning the boots is a serious hustle to the lovers of the comfy, but hardy shoes. They sparkle when kept clean, but turn into ugly footwear if not properly kept and cleaned.
Cleaning and adding sparkle to these boots has seen a man in Limuru eke a living to sustain his family and pay his bills.
Anthony Muturi, 28, got into this business in 2007 by accident. He had just muddied his Safari boots and had to come up with a way to clean them. That’s when he stumbled on some whitewash and decided to give it a try in order to maintain the whitish colour of his boots. The result was amazing, and with that, a business idea was born.
The casual labourer whose mjengo work was unpredictable and unreliable, had just hit a jackpot.
Muturi, commonly referred to as Kinyonyo in Limuru, set up a boots cleaning base in Limuru town... and customers came in large numbers.
“My business grew fast due to the fact that the Bata shoe company is just next door. That means Safari boots are a common fixture in the town. That advantage still drives my business,” says Muturi.
Muturi says he uses whitewash powder, a special stone and a comb to clean the boots. The comb, he says, is used to ‘brush up’ the hairs on the boots.
He explains that business booms during the rainy season, because the area gets very muddy.
But how much does he charge for this arduous task?
“I charge Sh70 to clean a pair of boots for adults, while cleaning kids’ boots is Sh50 for a pair. On a good day, I can clean up to 10 pairs of boots, while on a bad day, I clean about seven pairs,” says Muturi.
“It requires time and patience - combing the hairs, scrubbing the sole and drying the boots can be quite tedious and time consuming,” adds Muturi.
Muturi says he has to get everything right - the whitewash must be mixed properly with water. “You just have to get it right,” he insists.
He explains that word travels fast in the villages. That’s why his business has attracted customers from as far as Ngecha, Ndeiya and Tigoni.
The influx of customers prompted him to employ additional hand - a man to help him meet the needs of customers.
Muturi’s day starts early - before sunup. He wakes up early and has to be in Limuru town by 7am. His day ends at 6pm.
There are those who bring their boots early in the morning and pick them in the evening just before the town goes to sleep.
Among Muturis customers are politicians, Administration Police officers, businessmen and locals who love the boots.
“Safari boots are popular in Limuru. I am happy I have this job. I cannot ask for a better job, at least for now,” Muturi adds.
“It’s a job I love very much. It pays my bills and my family is comfortable,” Muturi told City Biz.
He has since opened a store in town and hopes to grow his business to greater heights.
