Bungoma Youths Embrace Self-employment.
By Valary Sifuna ,Laura Mabunde,Geoffrey Siare
Youths in Bungoma town are turning to self -employment through small businesses and skilled trades after months of joblessness. With formal jobs hard to come by, graduates are now creating their own income through ventures ranging from retail and farming to digital work and transport.
Many of the youth finished college and university with certificates in different fields, but jobs have been slow to come. Instead of staying idle, a growing number are starting small businesses to cover their basic needs.
Retail is where most start. Many have opened small stalls selling clothes, shoes, and household goods, especially around Chepkube Market. Low capital and daily sales make it a practical entry point for graduates waiting for formal employment.
Agribusiness is also picking up. Youth are investing in poultry, dairy animals, and selling fresh farm produce. With Bungoma’s fertile soils and favorable weather, farming has become a serious option for those willing to learn modern methods and target urban markets.
Transport is another big space. Boda boda riders dominate the town. Some youth have formed SACCOs and others rent out bikes, which earns them daily cash. It’s tough work, but the steady income keeps many families afloat while they plan their next move.
The service sector has not been left behind. Barber shops, salons, and nail spas are opening in estates and the CBD. Young people with skills in beauty, tailoring, carpentry, and welding are also finding clients through referrals and social media.
Despite the challenges of high costs and limited capital, many of them keep grinding as they wait for white collar jobs. They say self-employment may not be glamorous, but it pays the bills.
They thus urge other youth who are still tarmacking as they look for jobs in huge offices to give self-employment a chance. For them, starting small is better than waiting indefinitely.
