In the picturesque coastal city of Mombasa, where sun-seekers converge to bask in the warmth of the sun, feel the soft sand beneath their feet, and embrace the soothing waters of the Indian Ocean, one man’s entrepreneurial spirit has transformed a humble venture into a thriving business. Meet Anthony Mwalekwa, a 40-year-old father of five, the mastermind behind the flourishing enterprise known as ‘Millionaire.’
Mwalekwa’s journey commenced in 1998 when he departed from his rural home in Taita Taveta County, Kenya, with aspirations of securing a white-collar job in Mombasa. Like many hopeful job seekers, he faced a week of relentless door-knocking, only to be met with rejection at every turn. Frustration and disappointment clouded his life until a fortuitous encounter at Mombasa’s Jomo Kenyatta public beach altered the course of his destiny.
On a sweltering afternoon, as Mwalekwa gazed out at the expansive Indian Ocean, he observed a couple struggling in the water. It dawned on him that a flotation device could enhance their experience. The following day, armed with two worn-out vehicle tire tubes, he strategically positioned himself near a group of students on an educational tour.
Seizing the opportunity, Mwalekwa agreed to let two students use the tire tubes for swimming, charging them a modest fee of Sh20 each. Little did he know that this simple act would mark the inception of an extraordinary journey. Today, he is a registered tire tube renter with the Ministry of Tourism and East African Affairs and a proud member of the Public Beach Tube Renters Association (PBTRA).
Jomo Kenyatta public beach has evolved into a favored destination for both locals and tourists, offering a plethora of activities, including face painting, boat rides, camel rides, and the therapeutic experience of swimming in the Indian Ocean’s salty waters. Mwalekwa charges Sh100 for adults and Sh50 for children to use his tire tubes, boasting over 200 tubes neatly displayed in ‘Millionaire,’ each meticulously marked to prevent loss or theft.
On a successful day, Mwalekwa takes home Sh2,000, allowing him to support his family and even open a savings account. To adhere to water sports regulations, he has undergone life-saving training, including a first-aid course facilitated by the Kenya Red Cross Society. A skilled swimmer, he has selflessly volunteered to rescue distressed beachgoers in the ocean.
Mwalekwa extends his impact by overseeing a group of beach operators collaborating with marine rangers and tourist police to ensure beachgoer safety. Thanks to the support of the Tourism Trust Fund and the government, organizations like PBTRA and the Mombasa Boat Operators Association have legitimized and mainstreamed the activities of beach operators along the public beach.
Mwalekwa acknowledges and appreciates these efforts, recognizing their role in empowering entrepreneurs like himself to earn a decent living while making meaningful contributions to their community.
