In the bustling city of Nairobi, often referred to as the “city of opportunity” due to its promise of employment and prosperous futures, Michael Mureithi, also known as Jopinto, has carved out a unique niche for himself. For a fee, he provides valuable guidance to individuals who find themselves lost or uncertain about navigating the city’s diverse locations.
Reflecting on his experiences in Nairobi, Jopinto recognized a consistent demand for directions among the city’s inhabitants. In response to this need, he made a strategic decision to establish his own enterprise, offering directional assistance to the multitude of people streaming into the city daily in pursuit of livelihoods.
In a recent interview, Jopinto attributed the inception of his business to the challenging economic conditions and high unemployment rates prevalent in the city. He candidly remarked, “I have to perform this duty since it pays my bills.”
Discussing the operational aspects of his enterprise, Jopinto revealed that, on average, he serves over 100 customers daily. His services come at a cost, with a fee of KSh100 for providing directions and KSh150 for personally escorting customers to their desired destinations.
In terms of financial returns, Jopinto disclosed that, through a quick assessment of the numbers and services rendered, he can earn up to KSh10,000 or more on a successful day. Extrapolating this over a month, assuming he works continuously from Sunday to Sunday, translates to a minimum of KSh300,000.
This income surpasses the earnings of many junior and mid-level employees in both the public and private sectors, underscoring the lucrative nature of Jopinto’s entrepreneurial venture in providing navigation assistance within the dynamic city of Nairobi.
