In the heart of Kericho town, a young couple is defying odds and redefining success in the Jua Kali sector through grit, talent, and a shared dream. Kevin Okoth, 31, and his wife Hellen Njoka Okoth, 28, have spent the last four years building a thriving carpentry business that is quickly gaining recognition for its high-quality, handmade furniture.
Their workshop, modest in size but rich in craftsmanship, specializes in beds, chairs, tables, shoe racks, and painted furniture, all custom-made to client specifications. What began as a humble venture fueled by skill and determination has grown into a sustainable family business supporting not just their household but also employing four other young artisans.
“We started from scratch with only our skills,” Kevin said. “It hasn’t been easy, but we’ve kept going. Customers appreciate our creative work, and now our pieces are in high demand.”
Kevin, who learned carpentry through hands-on experience over six years, combined his expertise with Hellen’s practical background, acquired while helping in her father’s Jua Kali workshop. Their complementary skills laid the foundation for their family enterprise, which now earns them an average of Sh8,000 per day.
With demand for their handmade furniture increasing, the couple is preparing to scale up operations. Plans are underway to purchase better tools and expand their workspace, particularly to meet growing orders for sofa sets and beds. They also intend to hire more staff, focusing on training passionate youth.
“We believe in empowering others,” Kevin said. “We prefer taking in people who are eager to learn, and we train them practically on the job.”
For Hellen, the journey has come with unique challenges as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field. She has faced skepticism from clients and peers who doubted her ability to handle labor-intensive tasks, but she has consistently proven her capabilities through quality craftsmanship.
“Sometimes people don’t take me seriously,” Hellen said. “But I’ve learned to stay strong and keep doing my best. Over time, people are beginning to appreciate my work.”
Balancing her roles as a mother and entrepreneur, Hellen also prioritizes her family. “I make sure my children are cared for and help them with homework. I’ve mastered how to balance work and family time,” she said.
Passionate about inspiring others, she encourages more women and youth to explore opportunities in the Jua Kali sector. “There’s dignity in hard work,” she emphasized. “It’s better to earn something on your own than rely on others.”
As Kevin and Hellen look to the future, with ambitions to open a fully equipped workshop, launch new branches, and create more employment, their story stands as a powerful example of resilience, innovation, and the transformative power of working together.
Written By Rodney Mbua
