The shoe shinning business is one of the popular informal businesses in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).
Many elevated shoe-shining racks strategically placed in designated points in the city are usually busy points early in the morning as Nairobians get a Kiwi shine as they head to work or to their daily errands.
The business is usually at peak weekdays in the morning and evening hours and during rainy seasons where shoe shiners take advantage of the heavy downpour to earn a living.
Many people however despise this business despites its potential. Hellen who relies on the business as her main source of income says she makes Sh2,000 on a good day before excluding daily expenses.
Speaking to presenter Ali, the businesswoman revealed daily expenses include shoe polish and paying the owner of the workstation who charges Sh800 per day.
Hellen charges her customers between Sh30 and Sh100 depending on the type of the shoe. She notes that shoe shiners also pay Sh2,000 fee to the county government per year.
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”On a good day, I can make between Sh1,000 and Sh1,500 after sorting my expenses. Expenses include shoe polish and paying Kanjos although we pay them per year,’’ she said.
She notes that the business has a fair share of its challenges including clients coming for services on credit.
”We also face challenges; not all customers come with money, and some want to get our services on a credit basis, but that mostly applies to daily customers,’’ she explained.
Luke Sakasa, a tout who also does shoe-shining from 10 am says he makes Sh1,000 per day. He notes that touting also pays him Sh1,000 daily.
Through the ventures he has purchased a land in Bungoma and educated his siblings thanks to his saving culture.
”Each day, I wake up with the determination to make good of my situation. I save a minimum of Sh200 everyday and sometimes Sh800 on a good day,’’ said Sakasa.
