No turning back for teacher who started with Sh600

After training as a primary school teacher in 2013, William Ligami, 25, decided not to look for a teaching job.
Instead, Ligami, who lives in Narok County, decided to sell vegetables.
“I was alive to the fact that I was not going to get employment in the Government. I also did not wish to teach at a private school. I convinced myself that as I waited for a permanent job, I could be selling vegetables,” he says.
Armed with only Sh600, Ligami got into the business: “In fact, I did not require any structure. I chose a tree shade, which became my business base.

I only approached a supplier and with that I hit the road running. The Sh600 was all the money I had saved and I used it as capital. But I was determined to use the money prudently.”

Within a week, he was making Sh2,500 from the small business. He was impressed and knew that putting more money in the business would see it blossom.

“The faith I had in the little money I made me believe I could succeed. I was getting something under the tree. I needed to expand my business,” he says.

In June last year, Ligami decided to expand his business. He shared the progress of the of business with his parents and they were impressed.

“My mother gave some money, which I used to expand to new markets. Even my college friends expressed interest to help me expand. I was moving to a new level in this business,” he says.

Ligami currently runs a savings account through which he plans to take a loan that he will use to erect permanent structures for his blossoming enterprise.

“I am looking at growing my business to new regions. Savings are the only way I can expand...,” he says.
Meanwhile, as his income continues to grow, Ligami is not in a hurry to be employed by the Government.
“Even if it takes 10 years to come, I will wait.

At least, I am earning something,” he says.