Kazi ni Kazi: Making a living from an age-old craft
Micah Njuguna began sharpening knives 17 years ago in Nakuru.
Micah Njuguna, a knife sharpener, has turned his craft into a thriving business over the past 17 years.
His journey began at a time of adversity, during the post-election violence in the country in 2007.
"I started this business after my maize-selling business was affected by the post-election violence, which prompted me to move to Nakuru," he said.
His work may seem simple to anyone who has never done it before, but Njuguna explains that learning how to sharpen a knife is not easy.
It took weeks of dedicated training from a friend, a veteran in the trade, for him to become a master in his own right.
With a starting capital of Sh8,000, Njuguna set up his knife sharpening stand and whetstone.
At first, he roamed the streets on foot, dragging his stand from place to place.
"After seven years of long, tiring walks, I decided to buy a bicycle to cover greater distances and reach more customers," he says.
Micah Njuguna untying him sharpening machine from his bicycle in Nakuru.
Although Nakuru has become an urban city, his knife sharpening services are still in demand in the town and surrounding areas, including London, Sewage and Kiondo.
His clientele consists mainly of butchers, vegetable vendors and sugar cane sellers, and he charges between Sh30 and Sh100, depending on the condition of the knife or machete.
Despite the success, the job isn't without its challenges.
"Many people look down on my work and some are rude when I ask for a job," he complains.
Micah Njuguna during the interview in Nakuru.
He also has to make sure he is physically fit to cycle around the city every day.
The 42-year-old finds fulfilment in his work, noting that on a good day he can take home up to Sh700, which has enabled him to meet his family's needs and fund his children's education.