Sarah Nandi alias Mama Toto is a single mother who runs a small grocery (Kibanda ya mboga na matunda) in Kiratina estate.

Ms Nandi started the business from some savings she had made during a short stint as a casual labourer.

Despite the estate being occupied by low and middle class people, Ms Nandi is content with her work as Mama Mboga.

When Mtaa Wangu visited her work place, the jovial Ms Nandi revealed that she has been in the business of selling fruits and vegetables in the area since the early '80s when she came to Nakuru from Bunyore in Western.

Through her business, she notes that she has been able to cater for her needs and those of her two children.

In fact, she narrates that the business has boosted her children’s education as she used to pay for their expenses before a local church stepped in with aid.

“I believe in hard work and that is why I will wake up early in the morning to go to the market and get vegetables and fruits for my stall,” she says.

Ms Nandi adds that the friendship she has created with her customers is the most fulfilling part of her job.

Her story is that of a low income woman who goes against all odds and challenges to make ends meet.

The mother of two who has stayed in Kiratina since the early 1990s also called for the revival of the Kiratina Wholesale market.

She adds that the market can be a boost to small businesses who rely on fresh produce such as vegetables and fruits.

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Inside the life of a Mama mboga

Author Spotlight

Pristone Mambili