Life is hard but hustlers have put their ingenuity into use

The Kenyan economy has been battered by many forces starting with Covid-19, terrorism before that, drought, floods, elections, and now political dramas. Add fallout from the war in Ukraine. 

The collateral damage has been hustlers, men and women in the lower echelons of the economy.

They are the majority and live on the edge, even when there is no economic or political crisis. How have they reacted to the changing fortunes? They have gone beyond crying and lamentation.

The few hustlers I have talked to have convinced me their ingenuity should be respected.

They quickly realised like any sophisticated firm that reducing costs is the best and easiest way to ride through economic doldrums. One told me how he laid off one employee and decided to do the job himself.

He realised that his supervisory role was a waste.

He also realised that by self-working, he understood his business better. And detecting fraud was easier! 

Another closed his office. Rent is one of the key costs. He can now break even. He quickly realised his customers do not come to the office.

They came to see him! He now meets his customers in hotels or their workplaces. He is in the service industry.

Breaking even

Another closed his shop and went online. He just connects suppliers and customs using Bodaboda for logistics. He is now breaking even. He realised customers want the product not where it’s kept! 

Someone started a completely new line of business to supplement income. Hard times force us to be creative and innovative. 

Another started outsourcing for his business. Transport, cleaning, and many other activities.

He has reduced fixed costs. Noted the increased hawking - avoiding fixed costs again. Roadside businesses try to avoid the same. 

Others came together to share costs like office rent, power, receptionists, carpooling and more. One could argue that teaching online in higher education reduced operating costs like transport. 

One mandazi seller mixed cheaper maize flour with wheat flour and then added spices. Customers queued for spicy mandazi! 

It’s clear that hustlers are flexible and adjust to economic cycles, sometimes better than old established firms. Let’s add that some could not cope and closed shop. We also live and die. Others turned to gambling, drugs and alcohol.

Reality can be hard. How have you reacted to hard economic times precipitated by events beyond your control? Share your insights, please.