Elijah Kailikia Kithela, a 34-year-old vegetable trader, has built a thriving business specializing in cabbages at the renowned Kongowea market in Mombasa. Despite not being a farmer, Kithela—popularly known as ‘Mwananchi’—has carved out a niche for himself, transforming his life through sheer hard work and determination.
“I came from a humble background, seeking a better life in Mombasa. Through perseverance and dedication, I have not only improved my own life but also that of my family,” shares Kithela, a former student of Mombasa Technical Training Institute.
Today, he is a dominant figure in the cabbage trade at Kongowea market, extending his influence to neighboring counties like Kilifi and Kwale.
Born in Nkandone village, Igembe North, Kithela attended Naathu Primary School before proceeding to Muthuati High School, where he graduated in 2012. His dream of furthering his studies at the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) was cut short due to financial constraints that his family faced at the time.
“After leaving my studies, I moved to Mombasa in search of a livelihood. I ventured into small businesses to sustain myself and support my parents,” he explains.
Kithela’s entrepreneurial journey began with selling khat to traders and assisting them in carrying their goods at the market. His dedication paid off, and he managed to save Ksh 161,000, which he used to open a shop in Bamburi, Kisauni. However, challenges forced him to sell the shop in 2013, prompting him to try his luck in Eldoret, where he engaged in the khat and beverage business.
Unfortunately, things did not work out as planned, and Kithela returned to Mombasa, determined to start afresh. He found work as a cabbage seller under Steven Nderu, a well-known vegetable trader at Kongowea market.
“This was a turning point for me. I learned valuable business strategies from my employer, and I interacted with experienced vegetable and fruit traders,” he recalls.
Armed with these insights and a savings of Ksh 100,000, Kithela took the bold step of purchasing cabbages from farmers to sell at Kongowea market. His first attempt resulted in a loss of Ksh 30,000, but he remained undeterred, learning from his mistakes and pressing on.
By 2018, his business began to flourish, and he started sourcing cabbages in bulk from farmers in Naivasha, Nyandarua, and Subukia. His reputation for trust and honesty attracted customers from Kilifi and Kwale counties, who traveled to Kongowea market every morning to collect their supplies.
“My integrity earned me an opportunity to supply vegetables to the Naval Base camp in Mtongwe, Mombasa,” he reveals.
With increased profits, Kithela diversified his investments, opening a hotel and a shop in different parts of Mombasa while also building houses for his parents in Meru.
Despite his success, he faces challenges, including customers who fail to pay their debts.
“Some traders receive vegetables on credit, promising to pay after selling, but they later default, disrupting my business operations,” he laments.
Another challenge is the rainy season, which often leads to spoilage of vegetables, resulting in significant losses.
However, Kithela remains steadfast in his belief that dedication and perseverance are the keys to success. His advice to young people is simple: “Don’t wait to be employed—be innovative and take control of your future.”
