How young potter’s vision and self-drive earned him trust at Kongowea Market

It is 5 am and Karisa Nyawa, a seasoned potter and entrepreneur, is already immersed in his daily routine, offering his services to shoppers navigating the busy stalls of Mombasa’s Kongowea Market.

For Nyawa, Kongowea is not just a market; it is a lifeline, providing employment and hope amidst financial challenges.

Nyawa's journey to Kongowea, the second-largest market in East Africa, began with a dream dashed by financial realities.

"I could not join secondary school due to financial constraints in the family. I had to find work to support my siblings and parents," Nyawa told The Eastleigh Voice.

Initially eyeing opportunities in the Gulf, Nyawa's aspirations were cut short by exorbitant agent fees. "They asked for Sh250,000 just to get there," Nyawa said.

Undeterred, he turned his gaze homeward and found himself at Kongowea Market, where he started as a potter, assisting shoppers by ferrying their purchases to matatu stops at a fee.

"I charged between Sh50 and Sh500, depending on the size of the luggage," Nyawa said.

But he was soon forced to be more innovative after he suffered constant chest problems and muscle pains.

He invested in three carts, rented out two – each at Sh600 a day – and used the remaining one to continue with his work as a potter. From his earnings, he could now support his parents and siblings.

The busy Kongowea Market in Mombasa County. (Photo: Mishi Gongo)

"I have started renovating my family house. I hope to complete it by the end of the year. I have also drilled a well and I am planning to connect electricity once I am done with renovations,” he said.

His integrity and dedication to his work soon made him gain the trust of traders and customers alike.

"Word of mouth spread, and soon I had a steady stream of customers," Nyawa said with pride.

On a good day, he could earn up to Sh4,000, and with his business thriving, Nyawa’s commitment to Kongowea and its community was reaffirmed. He urged other young people to seek opportunities locally rather than risk their lives abroad.

"Many have perished seeking work overseas. We can create jobs here with determination and resilience," he said.

Nyawa’s vision is to expand his enterprise beyond Mombasa County, hoping to soon buy a truck to ferry goods across the country. In particular, he hopes to extend his vision to his hometown of Mkapuni in Kilifi County, where economic hardships often force the youth into risky situations.

"Parents struggle to educate their children. Many end up as domestic workers or attempt to travel abroad. The most affected are girls who are often forced to engage in illegal sexual activities or are subjected to early marriages to afford basic needs," he said.

He said in his hometown, early marriages often end up with women being subjected to gender-based violence.

"The young girls do not know their rights. Also, the traditions support violence against women. It is important for women to be empowered economically," he said.

Nyawa said the high unemployment rate in the country can be reduced if the youth focus on creating jobs rather than waiting to be employed.

Currently, Nyawa is attached to a garage in Bombolulu where he pursuing his childhood dream of becoming a mechanical engineer.

"Growing up, I have always wanted to become a mechanical engineer. This is the closest I can get to my dream. I work in the morning and study in the evening," he said.