Male beauticians to beat joblessness in Nakuru

Evans Muiruri (left) and Simon Mirithu (right) attend to their clients at their workplace in Nakuru town. [Photo: Joseph Kipsang/Standard]

In many Kenyan estates and shopping centres, the high rate of unemployment is often manifested by the spectre of groups of youths trying to pass time and kill boredom through activities such as chewing miraa (khat).

However, this is a trend some youths have declined to adopt and have instead ventured into the beauty industry, a field perceived to be women’s turf, in order to earn a living.

Despite societal expectations, Evans Muiruri and Simon Mirithu partnered to start a manicure and pedicure business that would see them realise their daily basic needs.

The duo operate in a two-metre stretch of space along a corridor that is sandwiched between two buildings in Nakuru town, a clear statement of their determination to make ends meet.

Muiruri, a certified public accountant, reveals he ventured into the business after looking for a job without success.

He also did not want to indulge in dubious activities to earn a living.

“My friend and I raised capital to start this business by working in a salon that paid us on commission basis. We had hustled enough for jobs that were not forthcoming and realised job hunting had become another disguised job,” he explains.

Muiruri says the undertaking, though not very profitable, is worthwhile since they earn respect in the society by being independent and contributing to the economy of the country, albeit in a small way.

“We are taxed and licensed as well, so we are able to carry out our daily activity without fear.

"Again, unlike other young people who indulge in alcohol, we keep busy, earn our money and spend it well,” says Mirithu.

But one would wonder why women would frequent the squeezed corridor, literally queueing to have their nails done by these young men while there are posh salons that provide the same services.

Some of the clients praise the men for offering better services, in terms of time management, affordability, accessibility and good customer care.

“Women salon attendants may not be as cheerful as these young men are, or as friendly. They know how to talk to clients and are patient and courteous enough to get along with female clients, in a manner fellow women may not withstand,” explains Janet Njeri.

Small talk

“They are also fast and thorough in what they do. They are not interrupted by small talk as women attendants usually are.

"They therefore save our time and are pocket-friendly too,” adds Maggie Kabera.

The men say their work is marred with challenges, such as newcomers in the market who usually quote very low prices, thereby winning the hearts of customers.

Business is usually not good during rainy seasons since women shift to wearing closed shoes and therefore do not come for manicure and pedicure.

However, Muiruri says they have faithful clients who will always seek their services, which also include tweezing and threading of eyebrows.

“We have customers who come here and others who call us to their offices to do their nails, shave, tweeze or thread their eyebrows,” he adds.

Muiruri wants to see the business move to a higher level, but says financial constraints are a major obstacle to progress.

He acknowledges the many funds set aside by the Government to empower the youth countrywide in the recent past, but concedes they have been inaccessible due to the many conditions, corruption, discrimination and a lot of bureaucracy.

“Money is there but it's hard to access. For instance, the Uwezo Fund. It is not logical to give a group of 15 people Sh50,000.

"The Government should find a way to fund individuals with great ideas or already have something up and running like we have and many others,” notes Muiruri.

“It is unfortunate that if you know no one, accessing those funds is an uphill task. The Government should have their officers in the streets just to see what the youth are doing and support them,” he adds.

He, however, advises fellow young men to be productive instead of complaining of joblessness and make life worth living.