Life of an offloader at Nakuru's NCPB office

The long rainy planting season has begun for many farmers, and as preparations for planting ramp up, a significant number of them are lining up at the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) to collect fertilizer.

While the queues grow, another group of workers is ensuring that farmers receive their fertilizer on time and in the correct amounts.

These are the off loaders who play a crucial role in the efficient unloading, processing, and distribution of the fertilizer.

Using manual labour, the off loaders unload fertilizer bags from the lorries, moving them swiftly and carefully to designated areas within the warehouse.

Mike Oloo, who has worked as an off loader for 41 years, shares that he began the job because he had no other options at the time and was readily available.

"I started this job because there was nothing else for me to do, and I was available," Oloo explains. "I've been doing this job for over four decades, and although it's tough, I’d rather work than stay home and rely on others."

Thanks to this job, Oloo has been able to provide for his family and support their education up to the university level. His workday typically starts at 8:00 a.m. and can stretch until 7:00 p.m. during peak season.

"The peak season runs from October to April, and during this time, we work long hours—sometimes until 7:00 p.m. unloading the fertilizer," Oloo says.

One of the major challenges, according to Oloo, is stagnant pay. When he first started, he earned Sh. 3 per bag, and the rate has only increased to Sh. 5 per bag over the years.

"I wish the leadership would review the pay. The cost of living has risen significantly, but our pay has stayed the same for the last twelve years," Oloo adds.

David Ndung'u, who has worked as an off loader for 30 years, echoes Oloo’s concerns, emphasizing the need for a pay review as their daily earnings average just Sh. 600.

Ndung'u reflects on how the job has helped him support his family, buy land, and build a home.

"The job is tough, but over the years, it has allowed me to support my family and own a home," he says.

He also values the sense of camaraderie among his colleagues, who provide support during difficult times.

"Despite the challenges, the bond we share as co-workers has helped me through tough moments," Ndung'u says.

Nakuru NCPB has 30 off loaders and the number increases when the workload is high.