How youth grew his empire selling mayai boilo, smokies

ALFRED OBARA is a graduate whose story of establishing a restaurant out of hawking eggs within Eldoret town touched many. CityBiz caught up with him to explain how he has managed to run a business empire that nets him Sh200K monthly and enables some campus students to make cash by working part-time.

Kindly tell us about yourself

I'm Alfred Oigara Obara from Kajiado County, Namanga town and the firstborn of a family of four children. I started my education at Namanga Mountain View Academy for my primary education and Oloolaiser Boys High School for my secondary education. I joined Moi University in 2016 to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Education.

It is interesting that you built a restaurant out of selling eggs, tell us how exactly you did this....

While on campus, I sold eggs and smokies to boost my finances without knowing it was an opening to my business career. Daily, I could sell more than 200 eggs thanks to my supporting friends on campus. I saved that money and opened one of the best restaurants within the vicinity of Moi University. After a year, I opened a branch in Mombasa. Both restaurants have been named Obra Restaurant.

You did not bother looking for a job after graduation, why?

I did a B.A. Kiswahili and to be honest, after graduation, I still continued with my business career. This was because of my unemployed friends and colleagues who discouraged me "Hakuna kazi Kenya"

Precisely, how much do you make in a good month out of this business?

I make at least 200,000 from both restaurants.

What is your greatest challenge currently?

Challenges must be there and one of my biggest challenges currently is managing both restaurants considering that they are a distance apart.

Do you have employees who help you?

Yes, I have employed 18 people including Moi University students who do their job part-time. I have given students priority in my work team because I understand how life could be hard for many of them, myself having gone through a similar experience. Therefore, it's my joy to see comrades sustain themselves through part-time work opportunities. Besides, I also support 20 needy students who cannot afford a full-time meal when they are on campus: 10 during lunchtime and 10 during supper.

Any plan to expand your restaurant business?

Sure, my dream is to have a five-star hotel in 10 years. I am working on it and by God's grace I'll achieve it.

Based on your experience, what is your advice to your fellow Kenyan youth?

I advise the youths in Kenya not to be lazy and blame the government for unemployment. This is a global crisis and the government has nothing to do with it. Be creative, don not be choosy. Baby steps count daily.