Within the crazy Nairobi rush hour I had a chat with Karis (alias) a matatu tout on the Parklands-Town route. He wakes up at 3.00am to begin his shift and gets off at around 8.00pm when most people are back home from the daily hustle. He used to work for a Muhindi at a clearing and forwarding company for quite a while; he enjoyed his work but unfortunately the boss fell ill and passed on.
He was jobless for a while, seeking vibaruas every now and then. It was hard because his mother and sibling depended on him for everything. He then landed his current job as a tout, very hesitant at first but decided to give it a shot.
He is so happy he didn’t turn it down, it has now been three years and he makes an averagely good living. He acknowledges that God has brought him this far and he always talks to his colleagues about his beautiful walk in Christianity. He encourages fellow touts to refrain from spending all their income on drinking and partying and instead put some savings aside for the future. As for him, he can’t wait to start a family.
Just as God promises us through His word – the Bible, Be strong and courageous. “Do not be afraid or terrified because of them (circumstances), for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deutronomy 31:6
Image by: Francisco Aceldo
Sharon is a writer who creates content touching on daily life – including Lifestyle, Technology and Entrepreneurship. She is the Founder and Lead Editor of Masisha.