Kericho: At the heart of Kericho's bustling main stage, under a modest shade built by the County Government, sits Josea Kipokorir Barchok, a 48-year-old shoe shiner whose quiet perseverance has become a symbol of resilience and ambition. Barchok spoke to KNA about his journey that began over two decades ago after dropping out of school in class 8 due to his parents' financial constraints.
According to Kenya News Agency, Barchok explained that due to the financial challenges he faced, he had to cater to his personal and family needs by doing various informal jobs for a small wage. During this period, he thought of the shoe-shining venture, which he eventually pursued by learning cobbler skills from other cobblers, whom he assisted initially. He finally decided to step out on his own in the shoe-shining and repair business.
Barchok recounted that he was so financially constrained at the beginning that he could not afford even a starting capital of Sh150 to buy two tins of black polish and two brushes. He borrowed the amount and began his venture on a small scale. His daily duties include fixing worn-out soles, heels, torn seams, or broken zippers on shoes, removing damaged soles and attaching new ones using glue, nails, or stitching, and shining and cleaning shoes to improve their appearance and longevity.
'I also adjust the size or shape of shoes for a better fit, repair leather parts on shoes, bags, belts, or other items manually by sewing, and sell laces, polish, soles, and even handmade leather sandals,' Barchok added.
From that humble start, Barchok built a business that now earns him not less than Sh500 per day, which has allowed him to comfortably support his family. Remarkably, he has managed to educate his three children from this budget, with two having completed their secondary education and the youngest currently in Londiani Girls High School.
Despite the small but steady income, the journey has not been without its challenges. Barchok noted that before the County Government constructed shades for shoe shiners, they contended with harsh weather conditions, operating in open spaces exposed to direct sunlight and heavy downpours. However, he lamented that insecurity remains a major concern, as the shades provided by the county government do not have doors or locks, forcing him to carry his tools home every evening or cover them in plastic.
As an active member of the Kericho Central Shoe Shiners, a group formed in 2014 and now composed of 78 members, Barchok has found strength in unity. The group, which is formally registered with a total of 114 members, runs a joint savings account, supports members in times of need, and advocates for their welfare. Barchok proudly shared that he has mentored several individuals who have gone on to start their own businesses.
Looking ahead, Barchok hopes to buy a plot of land and build rental houses and envisions opening a large shop to supply shoe-shining products to fellow cobblers. In a plea to government officials, he calls for more support in the form of affordable loans, training opportunities, and permanent secure structures.
Despite the odds stacked against him, Barchok remains optimistic not just for himself but for the youth he encourages to follow in his footsteps. 'Even with just a little money, you can start something. Don't sit and wait; get on your feet and work hard. You can transform your life,' said Barchok.