Reach for the Stars:
Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) are at the heart of job creation, income generation, and local progress, especially for women, young people, and vulnerable communities. Because of their size and flexibility, they play a big role in shaping strong, inclusive, and sustainable societies.
Silas, a young entrepreneur in Muchatha, embodies that spirit. His journey started not in an office or a formal training center, but in a field, literally. As a child in primary school, Silas showed a natural curiosity and passion for farming. His parents, recognizing this spark, gave him a small piece of land to tend. For many, it may have seemed like a simple gesture. For Silas, it was the beginning of a vision.
He planted kales, cabbages, and eventually began keeping cows. Even at that young age, he approached farming with intention and discipline. It wasn’t just something to do after school, it was his foundation. It was how he began shaping a future with his own two hands.
The Struggles Beneath the Soil
But Silas will be the first to tell you, “it hasn’t been bread and butter.”
He speaks honestly about the discouragement he faced. There were times he would predict a good harvest, only to find that yields were lower than expected. Insects destroyed parts of his crops, and these setbacks hit hard, especially when farming was his main source of income. Fortunately, guidance from an agricultural professional helped him learn about pest control and the proper use of insecticides, equipping him with the knowledge to recover and protect future harvests.
A Second Hustle Begins
As Silas matured, so did his dreams. Alongside his work in the fields, he developed a strong interest in becoming a boda boda rider, drawn by the freedom and opportunity it offered. While many young people feel stuck due to financial constraints, Silas had already planted the seeds of his future. He used his farming income to buy his first motorbike, turning years of hard work into a new income stream.
But just like farming, the boda boda business comes with its own set of challenges. Silas openly shares that there are slow days; days when the earnings don’t match the effort. He also highlights the interpersonal struggles in the rider community, particularly price disagreements that create tension and mistrust among colleagues.
Today, Silas balances both worlds; a farmer and a boda boda rider. Both hustles require time, energy, and resilience. But they also offer him dignity, freedom, and a sense of purpose.
Why Silas’ Story Matters This MSMEs Day
As we observe MSMEs Day 2025, we are reminded that entrepreneurs like Silas are not just building businesses, they are building communities. The United Nations calls us to recognize MSMEs as the heartbeat of sustainable economic growth. These enterprises keep our economies moving, even when conditions are tough.
His journey mirrors the resilience of many youth-led MSMEs in Kenya: deeply rooted in hard work, constantly adapting, and fueled by hope.
Let’s Support MSMEs Like Silas
We run youth-focused programs that equip young people with the skills, mentorship, and resources they need to become self-reliant. You can be part of this impact by supporting our work by donating to help us reach more women and youth or partnering with us to offer mentorship, tools, or training.
