In the serene town of Kericho, we meet a young man named Manasseh Rotich.
He was born in Keringet, located in Nakuru County, where he has shown resilience and creativity in his journey to success.
Being the lastborn in a family of five, he attended Koiwa Boys High School, where he completed his secondary school education in 2023, scoring a B-.
In an interview with the Kenya News Agency (KNA), he says that he had aspirations to join the medical field to pursue a nursing course, but his cluster points didn’t meet the requirements, so he had to go back to the drawing board to find another path.
Determined to continue forging his way ahead, Rotich considered pursuing education, but he also knew that his sibling, who at that time was studying at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), needed to complete their studies first due to the financial constraints involved in the programme. It was tough to see his dream put on hold, but he was advised by his family to wait and let the sibling continue a bit.
At first, he ventured into selling porridge, but he quickly realised that the business was not as profitable as he had hoped.
“I knew I needed to find something more sustainable. It was then that my friend suggested I try selling handmade accessories such as wristbands, necklaces, and name designs using beads,” Rotich explained with utmost conviction.
Starting with just 2,000 shillings, Rotich launched his business in Kericho, near Uhuru Gardens, where he continues to operate today. “I began with the small capital, but I always believed I could grow it,” he explains. The business slowly gained traction, and today he’s able to make between 1,000 to 2,000 shillings daily when things are going well, though on slower days, he might only make 50 shillings.
Over time, Rotich has expanded his business to include a variety of products. Some wristbands cost as little as 50 shillings, while more elaborate designs, including double-name wristbands, range from 100 to 150 shillings. His custom-made watches also range from 150 to 350 shillings. His growing success has allowed him to invest in other ventures.
“I now have 20 chickens at home, though there were 50 at one point before diseases affected the flock,” Rotich shares.
The 18-year-old’s business also provides him with opportunities to save for his future.
“I plan to pursue nursing this September intake, eagerly waiting to return to my medical dreams once my sibling is almost through at KMTC,” Rotich says.
His hard-earned money is being saved to ensure he can join nursing school and fulfil his goal of becoming a healthcare professional.
Rotich’s journey in business has not been a walk in the park. One of the biggest frustrations he faces is when customers order items but then decide they’re not satisfied with the final product.
“It is frustrating when I put in all that effort, and the customer ends up not buying,” Rotich admits.
The wasted time and resources can be discouraging, but he remains focused on growing his business.
In addition to his entrepreneurial activities, Manasseh is also part of a chama, or savings group, where he actively participates, which helps him manage his resources and invest in his future.
“The Chama helps me save and plan for the long term,” Rotich reiterated.
In the business, his brother occasionally assists him with the business, offering help during busy periods while the father works in the medical field at Tenwek Hospital, providing encouragement throughout his endeavours.
Rotich concludes by urging all form four leavers that it’s good to be open-minded and have a couple of ideas to put into practice. This will enable them to generate income and achieve success.
By Kipyegon Mutai and Collins Bett
