Shoe shining is often viewed as an undervalued profession in Kenya, considered by many as an odd job. However, what most people don’t realize is that this line of work can be quite lucrative, with individuals earning a substantial income and managing to pay their bills comfortably.
In an interview with Presenter Ali, Hellen, a female shoe shiner who has been in the business for five years, shared her experience. She spoke highly of her work, explaining how it has provided her with financial stability over the years.
According to Hellen, she earns between Ksh. 2,000 and 2,500 daily before expenses. This translates to around Ksh. 60,000 per month, and approximately Ksh. 720,000 annually. Given the daily variations in income, she estimates her yearly earnings to be around Ksh. 1 million.
For those who don’t own their own shoe-shining spots, there are rental fees to consider. They typically pay the owners Ksh. 800 per day, leaving them with a daily profit of Ksh. 1,000 to 1,500. This adds up to nearly Ksh. 40,000 monthly, and about half a million annually from just shining shoes.
Despite the challenges she faces, particularly those related to Kenya’s current economic situation, Hellen remains proud of her work. She is optimistic about the future and exemplifies the idea that one doesn’t need a white-collar job to achieve financial success. Her hard work and dedication have proven that even in a job many overlook, one can become a millionaire.
