The rise in the number of learning institutions has increased the demand for lockers, desks, chairs and tables hence creating job opportunities for many artisans.
Samuel Ocharo, a businessman in Narok town, has acknowledged minting millions of shillings from the school furniture business.
He produces metallic furniture for various institutions, noting that many schools are abandoning wood for metal because it is more durable.
“Majority of schools in Narok town are now requesting that we use metal to make the school desks as the durability of these equipment is better than wooden equipment,” said Ocharo.
According to him, the business is usually at its peak during the school opening season due to the high demand for lockers, desks, and chairs as schools resume learning.
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“Our leading consumers right now are the junior secondary schools as the schools make new lockers and chairs for the students, who initially used to sit on desks,” he adds.
He sells one metallic locker for between Sh7,000 and Sh8,000, depending on the size, while a chair retails for Sh4,000 to Sh5000, also depending on the size.
The businessman made one of his highest sales early this year when a nearby school purchased 300 lockers and 300 chairs during the opening season.
“These metallic lockers are slightly expensive compared to the wooden ones upon purchase, but they reduce the cost of maintenance and frequent repair which makes them cost effective,” he says urging schools to embrace the metallic lockers.
The business has helped him to create employment for several people, with some working on a contract basis.
“Each person makes between eight and ten lockers per day. When the demand is too high, I am forced to employ more casual workers who help me to meet the demand,” he said.
Ocharo advised people intending to venture into entrepreneurship to consider the school furniture business as it is very profitable.