Bolton Bosire, a young man who graduated in 2022 from African Nazarene University with a degree in Commerce, Accounting option found success in selling smokies, eggs and kebabs in the CBD.
Like many recent graduates, he embarked on the difficult job hunt, sending countless applications to both white and blue-collar job listings, only to face rejection after rejection.
However, Bolton Bosire had a vision and an unwavering belief in the power of self-employment.
He knew that his future success lay in his own hands. So, he decided to return to his roots, spending a year in the countryside while contemplating his next move.
In an interview, Bolton shared, “I finished my graduate studies at Africa Nazarene University in 2022. I was forced to go home, and I stayed there for almost a year. You cannot stay in the countryside tending your parents’ livestock and earn nothing. I reached out to my friend in the city to come and try my luck.”
Upon returning to Nairobi, he teamed up with a friend to enter the egg and smokies wholesale business.
However, Bolton’s entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there. He took a leap of faith and decided to sell snacks in the bustling streets of Nairobi’s CBD.
Bolton’s journey to success was not without its challenges, but he persevered. He revealed, “It was not easy coming to the city. If you leave the city, coming back is not easy. I looked for one of my firends, who welcomed me for tow to three weeks. Then he pitched this business idea to me… he linked me with someone in the business to learn and get a place I can start from. That is how I started.”
Today, if you stroll by the National Archives in Nairobi, you’ll likely see a crowd of customers eagerly waiting for a taste of Bolton’s delicious smokies, eggs, and kachumbari.
With his warm smile and inviting demeanor, the 23-year-old has become a well-known figure in the area.
Bolton shared the details of his daily operation, with an estimated daily stock of KSh. 5,000, including items such as chapatis, smokies, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and eggs.
He proudly stated, “In a typical day, before I pay returns, I make between Sh. 4,000 to KSh 5,000… Once I pay returns, the profit comes to between Sh. 3,500 to Sh. 3,800.”
Bolton’s business has thrived, thanks in part to his effective use of social media, particularly X.com (formerly Twitter).
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He engages with customers online and invites them to visit his stall, attracting a loyal following.
He emphasized the importance of good customer relationships and effective communication.
As a recent graduate himself, Bolton had valuable advice for fellow youth: “Before you secure a job in your chosen profession, engage in productive activities, connect with friends, and build a network. They might provide assistance. Avoid engaging in unhealthy activities like drug abuse.”
Bolton Bosire’s inspiring journey from graduate to successful street food entrepreneur reminds us that determination, innovation, and seizing opportunities can lead to success even when faced with adversity.
