When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. Much as this cliche saying serves as an inspirational phrase for those facing harsh moments in life, it is also supposed to be a reminder that life can turn around for the better given hard work and discipline are factored in.
In 2022, Ken Owuor Ondeng’e went viral after his narrative captured the hearts of many. Having schooled at one of the most decorated high schools, Starehe Boys, studied at the University of Nairobi for a degree in communication, things weren’t seemingly going well for the man.
There was an oversaturated job market that seemingly couldn’t absorb him into the labour force. Given his education status, Ken Owuor aspired for more than just survival.
Ken went to great lengths, requesting for internship positions where he could apply his skills and knowledge. Eventually, he landed a job as a security guard, a position he never imagined he would work in.
He became a disillusioned man, struggling to make ends meet on a meagre salary. However, two years later, his life has changed, and he now radiates joy with ear-to-ear smiles.
Meet man working as high school sciences teacher during day, watchman at night
He is now the director at 3SB Security. Ken Owuor decided to venture into the security industry after learning the ropes from his first job.
Speaking in an exclusive, Ken noted that he opened the security company in solidarity with three of his former High School friends; James, Kelvin and Isaiah.
“They raised adequate resources, motorcycles, and a patrol car to start the 3SB security company,” he said.
One of Ken’s friends, Kelvin, is an advocate of the High Court who decided to offer pro bono services to ensure that the company was registered. With just enough of his savings, 3SB came to life.
He explained that most of his business initially came from referrals by older Starehe Boys alumni and also members of the public who believed in him.
“With time, I made inroads into the market within Nairobi, Kiambu, Nakuru, Mombasa, Narok, Homabay, Kisumu and other big towns,” he said.
Now a distant figure from his past self, Ken Owuor has undergone a complete transformation from a security guard to a CEO. He is now an employer and wields the opportunity to offer internships that weren’t available to him.
He aims to have 500 security guards by the end of 2024 and become a security industry leader in the country. Ken remains extremely grateful to his friends who helped him when he was at rock bottom.
Known for delivering top services and outstanding results to ensure client satisfaction, Ken is often a call away at 0705969576. Among the services he provides include estate guarding, patrol guarding, escort services, crowd control and more.
“I provide guarding services, CCTV installations, electric fences, alarm monitoring, private investigations and biometric security systems among others,” he remarked.
As a parting shot, Ken shared with Bizna Kenya that with his communications degree, he aspired to work in the media industry.
However, after sending thousands of job applications, he found himself in a different industry he never envisioned. He advised the youth to maintain an open mind and seize the opportunities that come their way.
“Now I believe. Pursue your dreams with an open mind and never be selective in terms of any opportunity that comes your way,” he said.