In the bustling urban landscape of Mombasa, where daily challenges often intersect with limited prospects, one individual’s resourcefulness is having a profound impact.
Confronting the stark reality of job scarcity that afflicts numerous Kenyans, Samuel embarked on a journey that not only sustains his family but also delivers vital services to those in need.
After completing his O-levels at Ngenia High School in 1998, he found himself navigating the daunting terrain of employment.
Driven by unwavering determination and a fervent desire to effect change, he turned to odd jobs to make ends meet. It was during this period of survival that he chanced upon a distinctive business opportunity.
Subsequently, while residing in Mombasa, he identified a business niche in providing hot water, particularly to new mothers in the maternity ward.
“I noticed that every time I looked outside the hospital, I saw people selling food, yet patients admitted here at Makadara suffer due to a lack of hot water. That’s when I realized I could set up a small stove,” he elucidates.
According to him, this venture has enabled him to sustain his livelihood. He sells five liters of hot water for Sh50, cognizant of the perpetual demand, especially from new mothers giving birth daily.
“However, I encounter my share of challenges. During scorching hot seasons, there are scarcely any buyers, and when doctors go on strike, I lose customers. Additionally, the cost of firewood poses a significant burden on my business,” he adds.
“On a good day, I generate a substantial income, which aids me in supporting my family, paying my children’s school fees, and covering my monthly rent of Sh5,000,” he notes.
One of his customers, Rose Nyamwera, commends his business, emphasizing that it has been an immense help, especially for patients admitted to Makadara Hospital.
“I have a patient admitted here at Makadara, and I have known Samuel for a long time. I have benefited greatly from the hot water we purchase from him because there is no hot water available inside the hospital,” Rose explains.
Traditionally, relatives with patients in hospitals like Makadara would have to transport hot water from home or seek alternative solutions each time their loved ones required it.
Samuel’s innovative enterprise has not only made life more convenient for these families but has also served as a beacon of hope in Mombasa’s challenging environment.
