Kericho: In a quiet corner of Kericho town, the rhythmic sound of saws and hammers echoes through the air. Among the workers is Agnes Musimbi, a 46-year-old carpenter whose story is as inspiring as the crafts she creates.
According to Kenya News Agency, Agnes’s journey began in 2007 when she moved to Kericho from Eldoret, leaving behind her childhood home after dropping out of school at Class three. Life as a single mother of four was not easy. To make ends meet, she started washing clothes for people, a job that demanded grit and resilience. But Agnes had bigger dreams. At times she would not be paid, and the mouths back at home would be left unfed, awaiting the next day.
In 2023, after years of struggle and sacrifice, she ventured into carpentry, an industry often dominated by men. ‘Work is work,’ she says with a determined smile. ‘If you put in the effort, you can make it in any field.’ Perseverance has been her potion since it has not been a walk in the park. Her words are a call to action for women, challenging traditional gender roles and inspiring others to break barriers.
Agnes’s days are long and demanding. She wakes up at 5 a.m., preparing her household for the day before heading to work at 8 a.m. Her work is not without challenges. Some weeks pass without earning a shilling, yet she perseveres. On her best day, she made Sh30,000, a moment she treasures as proof that hard work pays off.
Despite the hurdles, Agnes remains focused on providing for her children. Her firstborn, now 24, works in Mombasa, while her youngest, aged 12, is in Grade 5. ‘They are my motivation,’ she shares. A lot of individuals have discouraged her multiple times, insisting it’s a man’s field and requires hard labour and sweat, but she is more than content in her field, for she is self-employed with no one to quarrel with. Although at times clients bargain to the extent of bringing loss to her business, she remains hopeful, for no matter how long the night is, the day must come and the sun must shine. ‘Sometimes God might surprise you, and you can even get 30,000 shillings in a day.’
Looking ahead, Agnes dreams of owning a cereal shop, a vision she hopes to turn into reality. Until then, she continues crafting furniture, carving a path not just for herself but for other women who dare to dream beyond societal expectations. Agnes Musimbi is more than a carpenter; she is a trailblazer, a testament to resilience, and a beacon of hope for women everywhere. Her story reminds us that with determination and courage, even the most unconventional paths can lead to success.