Selling pencils might seem like an outdated and unprofitable business to many, but Edgar Otieno from Busia County has turned it into a thriving venture.
For over 20 years, Edgar has hawked pencils on the streets of Nairobi, earning an impressive Ksh 1,500 daily.
His success comes not only from his dedication but also from a unique approach to his craft.
A former employee at Barclays Bank (now ABSA), Edgar made the bold decision to resign from his job, believing he could make a difference in the hawking industry.
“In sales, people buy the seller before buying the product,” he often says. Living by this principle, Edgar ensures he always dresses impeccably, often in sharp suits, giving the impression of a corporate professional rather than a hawker.
Edgar’s polished appearance and ability to communicate in multiple Kenyan languages have been his biggest assets. These traits help him build strong rapport with customers and stand out in a field often associated with unemployment.
His style and mannerisms have even earned him nicknames like “Mwalimu” (teacher) among city council officers, and at times, he’s mistaken for an undercover detective.
Edgar’s journey began when he joined a company selling pencils and cutlery. After the company closed in 2005, his passion for sales drove him to start his own business.
Today, he sells a dozen pencils for Ksh 199, earning over Ksh 30,000 monthly. After paying Ksh 16,000 for rent in Donholm estate, he uses the remaining income to support his family and personal goals.
Despite societal misconceptions about hawking, Edgar has used his income to pursue education, enrolling in a diploma in social work in 2012.
However, he has turned down several job offers over the years, as none matched the earnings and flexibility of his pencil business.
While Edgar dreams of transitioning into becoming a stationer or corporate salesperson, he takes pride in his hawking journey.
