Nairobi's youth turn to street vending to make a living

With limited employment opportunities, the vendors have turned to small businesses to create an income for themselves. However, making a profit is not always guaranteed.

Solomon Shemezimana, a street vendor in Nairobi's Kilimani area, says one of the major challenges he faces is having to deal with dishonest customers; people who make mobile payments and later cancel or reverse transactions.

"Hii imekuwa shida kubwa sana kwetu. Watu wengi hawa-heshimu kazi yetu, lakini ni kazi, na inalipa," Solomon said.

The other challenge is on pricing and high cost of eggs, tomatoes and other related products, making sales to plummet.

"Some customers just want to buy food products cheaply driven by the fact that the cost of living has shot up," said John Ombiema, a food vendor in Westlands.

"You will find a customer eating smocha, then offers you 30 bob, instead of Ksh70, saying that's all they have. That means we make a loss," said Ombiema.

The other challenge comes during rainy season. Without permanent shops or designated spaces to operate from, the weather can disrupt their businesses and make it difficult for them to get customers.

Despite these challenges, the vendors continue to report to the streets every day, hoping to make enough sales to take care of their daily needs.

For them, the small businesses provide more than just a source of income.

They are an opportunity to create their own livelihoods at a time when formal employment remains difficult to find.