Growing up, Jane Mango envisioned becoming a teacher, but the dream remained unachieved due to a lack of job opportunities.
The KCA University Bachelor of Arts degree in education revealed while her dream was to become a secondary school mathematics and business studies teacher, a lack of a decent job forced her into a different career path whose earnings are nothing but rewarding.
The 26-year-old now operates tractor business in her Mituri village, east Uyoma, Rarieda sub-county, Siaya county, a decision she does not regret making.
“I decided to do something else to eke out a living in the face of job scarcity. And I am doing quite well, having acquired two tractors which I operate in the entire Uyoma,” she said in an interview with The Standard.
“I had wanted to be an inspiration to many Gen Z graduates, especially to women who are currently struggling to get jobs and have since put pressure on the government to give them the jobs it promised them.”
Jane revealed that her decision to venture into the tractor business was also inspired by the high demand for tractor drivers, especially during peak seasons when many of them would go missing.
She currently operates two tractors bought for her by her father, Mango Ogwang’. She uses them for hire to cultivate farmlands for customers, supply clean water at functions like weddings, parties, funerals, social, economic and political gatherings, offer transport and carry heavy goods.
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In a week, she makes at least Sh20,000 during off-peak season and Sh40,000 during peak season. This income translates to about Sh80,000 – Sh120,000 in a month.
“This is far better than what l would have earned as a high school teacher or from any ordinary employment,” She added.
Her business has not been without challenges in the sector largely dominated by men. Jane revealed that some clients doubt her services arguing that a young inexperienced lady cannot deliver effectively using a heavy-duty tractor like that.
“Getting a good, committed driver who is trustworthy is difficult. I have two tractors and l can’t drive both of them at the same time, and there are times when both tractors are engaged by my customers, so hiring another driver has been a big headache,” she observes.
Looking ahead, she plans to add another tractor and venture into other businesses including opening a supermarket at local shopping centres.
Jane encourages other young Kenyans struggling with joblessness to think outside the box and embrace business.
