Meet Kisumu's mutura lady

After years of being jobless, Joy Achieng from Kassagam in Kisumu County had one wish — to start her own business.

She, however, did not know which business was the best to start and after going through different options, the 20-year-old lady ventured into making/selling the African sausage, a delicacy commonly known as mutura.

“I found it wise to venture into the mutura business because I had acquired the mutura making skills from my friend,” Joy says.

With a starting capital of Sh4,000, Joy went straight into the business that is often thought to be a preserve of men and one that she greatly enjoys.

“Being the only lady in this business in this estate has boosted my daily sales,” she says.

Her day start at around 7am when she reports to Mamboleo slaughter house where she picks materials for making her product. She ensures her mutura is ready for consumption early enough and this ensures she makes good sales at the end of the day.

“On a bad day, I go home with a profit of Sh500 after selling 10 to 30 mutura pieces of different sizes and lengths. I love my job and I report to work everyday filled with joy knowing I am opening up an avenue for other women to give this type of work a chance. I do not care what people say,” Joy says.

The young lady says her secret to drawing more clientele is the quality of customer service she offers.

“I value my customers, they are the source of my inspiration and through them I get re-energised to keep going. I also have a dream to expand my business and incorporate other like minded youth,” she says.

The business is, however, not without its fair share of challenges, the greatest being that Joy does not have proper shade to protect her from the elements.

“I saw no need to have a roof over me but I am thinking of changing this. I bought an umbrella but it gets blown away during windy rains,” she says.