Upon earning her First Class honors in health services management from Kenyatta University in 2015, Risper Kerubo anticipated a plethora of white-collar opportunities to unfold before her. The health sector, with its perceived wealth of prospects, seemed to promise a bright future.
Contrary to her expectations, Risper soon grappled with the harsh reality of post-graduation life as she struggled to secure employment, despite her stellar academic achievements. Faced with the disheartening prospect of unemployment, she decided to explore unconventional avenues to make ends meet.
Drawing inspiration from her kinsmen in Kisii, who thrived by selling bananas and avocados from the countryside in Nairobi, Risper identified a potential opportunity in this field. Reflecting on her decision, she stated in a previous interview with Business Daily, “Coming from Kisii, I had watched for years my kinsmen making money by getting bananas and avocados from the countryside and selling them in Nairobi, and I thought this is something I could do as well.”
Following thorough research on sourcing commodities from farmers at fair prices, Risper took a leap of faith and established a small shop in Nairobi’s Imara Daima estate in 2016.
Embarking on her fruit vending business was not without challenges. Risper had to contend with doubts and internal conflict over the incongruity of her academic achievements, having earned a prestigious First Class degree, and her new role as a fruit vendor. However, as time passed, she not only embraced her situation but also discovered a genuine passion for the enterprise.
Her daily routine kicks off at 4 am as she navigates Nairobi’s bustling Wakulima Market, competing to secure the best produce as soon as the lorries arrive. Faced with the pressure to satisfy her loyal customers and attract new ones, Risper must act swiftly to select the finest bananas and avocados. Once her stock is secured, she hires assistance to transport it to the matatu stage, from where she catches transport to her shop.
At her shop, the real work begins as she sorts and prepares the fruits for her customers. This laborious and often challenging job, especially for a woman, presents its own set of obstacles. Nevertheless, Risper’s perseverance and dedication shine through, as evidenced by her successful venture, selling up to two 90kg sacks of bananas and nearly five crates of avocados each day.
“In a day, I sell up to two 90kg sacks of bananas, and nearly five crates of avocados. I make a daily net profit of Sh1,000,” she proudly states.
While her business has effectively met her family’s needs and allowed for savings towards future expansion, it hasn’t been a smooth journey. The societal perception of a university graduate working in what seems like an unrelated field has been a persistent challenge. Some clients, and even her parents initially, suggested she should pursue a “good job” instead of continuing the business.
Despite facing criticism and naysayers, Risper’s resilience and hard work have garnered admiration from some who recognize her courage to pursue what she loves, even in the face of societal expectations. As she reflects on her journey, the health services management graduate acknowledges that while she wouldn’t mind working in her field of study and even pursuing a master’s degree someday, her passion for the fruit vending business is unparalleled.
The experience has transformed her perception of success, showing her that fulfillment and accomplishment can be found in unexpected places. Risper Kerubo, once envisioning a conventional career path post-university, now embraces her identity as an entrepreneur at heart. Juggling her business responsibilities with the care of her two-year-old child, she has honed her skills as a businessperson and discovered her innate ability to thrive in entrepreneurship. Risper’s inspirational journey serves as a poignant reminder that success can be found in unexpected places, and that passion and perseverance can lead to fulfilling paths beyond conventional norms.
