How to thrive as a car wash attendant in Nakuru
Mildred Adhiambo cleans a matatu at a carwash in Nakuru city.
Taking on the task of cleaning someone's car isn't an easy task. Often, it's a huge responsibility.
The responsibility to ensure the car is not damaged in the process and you haven't moved the position of the driver's seat.
For some, like Mildred Adhiambo, car cleaning has become a source of livelihood, providing for her family and children's education.
She notes that she began in 2018 out of necessity and seized the opportunity presented to her as a car wash needed an attendant.
Adhiambo notes that she didn't have an option to choose from to decline the opportunity but she had to rise and work; a decision she says she's happy to have made.
However, the job isn't without its hurdles.
“There are demanding customers who closely supervise our work. But we have developed a thick skin and understand that people are different,” she says.
She adds that some of the customers test her honesty by intentionally leaving valuables and money in the cars.
"In this job, you cannot afford to be greedy since some people leave valuables in the car some intentionally but you have to leave the customer valuables intact or return once removed," Adhiambo notes.
She emphasizes the need for honesty in her line of work, where integrity is paramount.
Adhiambo charges between Sh 50 and Sh 150, depending on the size of the vehicle.
Similarly, Geoffrey Makana stresses the importance of reliability as it's important for customers to trust you to take care of their valuables once they leave the car under their care.
He highlights the risk of losing customers due to theft or negligence, noting that he ought to be very cautious with spare tires since they get easily stolen especially when there is an influx of customers.
With economic pressures, Makana extends his work hours, sometimes into the late hours of the night, to boost his earnings, as he's paid on commission.
The 30-year-old reveals that he earns Sh 50 and Sh 60 from washing matatus and private cars respectively.