At just 28, John Otieno is redefining what it means to be a Jua Kali artisan. Hailing from Seme in Kisumu County, he is quietly but powerfully reshaping the lives of young people by creating employment opportunities within his workshop at Kamukunji, Jogoo Road.
In a country where unemployment continues to shatter the dreams of millions of youth, the Federation of Kenya Employers notes that young people aged 18–34 face the highest unemployment rate at 67 percent.
Otieno stands as living proof that determination, grit, an commitment to community can break barriers. His journey reflects the potential of Kenya’s informal sector when innovation meets purpose.
He joined the informal sector back in 2017, working for someone in his home County before deciding to move to Nairobi in 2018, where he continued with the same endeavor. As fate would have it, John established his workshop, Faith General Workshop, in 2022.
“There is nothing as terrible as unemployment. I came to Nairobi with one objective: to create a life for myself and my family. When I started the shop, I had no idea how it would run. I just wanted to make a living. Since then, my growth has been gradual. I am happy because through me, other people are also earning a living,” noted an ecstatic Otieno.
When Otieno learnt from his friend that the Mastercard Foundation, in partnership with the KCB Foundation, was offering training for small business owners, he didn’t think twice before attending the 2025 edition in Nairobi.
“That training was a game-changer for me, to be honest. Through the training, I was able to learn about bookkeeping, how to manage customers, marketing strategies, and business development skills. I have applied these crucial elements in my business, and I have seen the advantages,” added Otieno.
When he started, he could barely make KShs. 5,000 a month, but through his consistent innovation coupled with Mastercard Foundation’s training, he now makes KShs. 30,000 – KShs. 50,000 a month, a true reflection of his sheer hard work.
He manufactures a wide range of products at his workshop, including metal boxes, working tables, chaff cutters, posho mill machines, pans, and various other equipment tailored to customers’ needs.
The father of three has also ventured beyond the workshop into the world of agriculture. Back home, Otieno runs a thriving livestock enterprise and engages in several other farming activities, further strengthening his family’s livelihood and creating an additional stream of income.
