Elijah Kailikia Kithela, aged 34, is a vegetable trader specializing in the sale of cabbages at the bustling Kongowea market in Mombasa.
Despite not having a background in farming, Kithela, commonly referred to as ‘Mwananchi,’ has gained widespread recognition for his cabbage-selling enterprise, a venture that has significantly transformed both his own life and that of his family.
Hailing from a modest background, Kithela sought a better life in Mombasa. Through unwavering hard work and dedication, he managed to turn his fortunes around, as recounted by this former student of the Mombasa Technical Training Institute.
At present, Kithela stands out among the business community in the primary Kongowea market, playing a pivotal role in the trade of cabbages not only in Mombasa but also in the adjacent counties of Kilifi and Kwale.
Born in Igembe North, in the village of Nkandone, Kithela attended Naathu Primary School and later Muthuati High School, graduating in 2012.
The pursuit of higher education at the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) faced a setback when financial constraints prevented his parents from paying his fees during a challenging period. Undeterred, Kithela decided to seek livelihood opportunities in Mombasa, engaging in small businesses to sustain himself and support his family.
His journey involved selling khat to traders and transporting their goods upon their arrival at the market. Through these endeavors, he managed to accumulate savings amounting to Ksh 161,000.
With this capital, Kithela ventured into establishing a shop in the Bamburi area of Kisauni, Mombasa, in an attempt to secure his financial footing. However, faced with challenges, he eventually sold the shop in 2013 and tried his luck in Eldoret, exploring a different business involving the sale of khat and various beverages.
Fortune smiled upon him, leading Kithela to return to Mombasa and rekindle his aspirations in the Kongowea market.
In the face of challenges, akin to a broken cooking stick not marking the end of preparing ugali, Kithela chose to work as a cabbage seller under the tutelage of Steven Nderu, a renowned vegetable vendor at the Kongowea market. This marked the commencement of a new and successful chapter in Kithela’s business journey, where he imbibed valuable techniques for prospering in the cabbage trade from his employer.
Kithela narrates that his turning point came when he interacted with esteemed vegetable and fruit traders from the mainland. This experience prompted him to leave his job and venture into the cabbage business.
Armed with determination, he utilized his savings of Ksh 100,000 to purchase vegetables from farmers, selling them to traders at the Kongowea market. Although his initial attempt incurred a loss of Ksh 30,000, Kithela persevered, refusing to succumb to setbacks.
By 2018, his business flourished as he sourced cabbages in bulk from farmers in Naivasha, Nyandarua, Subukia, and other regions. Drawing customers from Kilifi and Kwale counties, he gained their trust and secured an order to supply vegetables to the Naval Base camp in Mtongwe, Mombasa.
With the accumulated profits, Kithela expanded his endeavors by establishing a hotel and shop in various areas of Mombasa. Additionally, he constructed houses for his parents in Meru.
Despite his success, Kithela acknowledges challenges in his business, such as customers, who are also traders, evading payment of their debts. The rainy season poses another hurdle, causing damage to vegetables and resulting in losses.
However, Kithela emphasizes that the cornerstone of business success lies in dedication and perseverance. He advises young people not to wait for employment opportunities but to embrace innovation in their chosen endeavors for future success.
