Charcoal trader overcomes challenges to build thriving business

A charcoal trader in Nairobi's Pipeline estate has built a stable livelihood through perseverance despite fluctuating prices, theft and customers who fail to repay debts.

John Kioko, who has been in the business since 2020, says determination and patience have helped him build a loyal customer base while earning enough to support himself and pay rent.

Kioko says he ventured into the charcoal business because charcoal has a long shelf life and does not spoil when properly produced.

"Charcoal doesn't spoil quickly. It can last for up to a year as long as it is properly burned," he says.

He sources his charcoal from Ukambani, noting that purchase prices fluctuate depending on supply.

"Sometimes I buy a sack for Ksh.1500, but the next time I go back, the price has risen to between Ksh.1700 and Ksh.1800," he says.

Kioko recalls that starting the business was challenging because he had no customers.

"On my first day, I made only Ksh.30 after spending the entire day selling. I didn't lose hope. I went home, rested and told myself the business would eventually pick up. The following day, I returned and continued working," he says.

His persistence has since paid off. Today, Kioko says he has built a steady customer base and earns a reasonable profit from every sack he sells.

He buys a sack for between Ksh.1500 and Ksh.1700 and retails it in smaller quantities, making an estimated profit of Ksh.1300 per sack.

He also sells charcoal in tins priced at Ksh.50, Ksh.70, Ksh.80 and Ksh.100 to cater to customers with different budgets.

Although he does not have a family to support, Kioko says the business enables him to meet his daily expenses and pay rent.

However, he says the journey has not been without challenges.

"Some customers buy on credit and never pay. Theft is also a major problem, and during the rainy season charcoal becomes difficult to obtain," he says.

"Every evening I secure my charcoal before closing, but when I return the next morning, I sometimes find that three tins have been stolen," he says.

Despite the setbacks, Kioko remains optimistic about the future and has no intention of giving up.

"I have already secured a storage space for my charcoal. My next step is to increase my stock and open more outlets over the next five years," he says.