Patrick’s story is a shining example of the power of determination. He started as a night guard for businesses in the Kakuma refugee camp before relocating to Nairobi in late 2018, where he started from scratch again. He moved with his brother to the neighborhood of Kitengela, where Patrick didn’t have many friends. He learned of a business opportunity to hire and operate a motorcycle taxi and give the owner of the motorcycle a cut of the daily takings. Motorcycles, commonly known in Nairobi as boda boda, serve a crucial part in last-mile connectivity for passengers and goods. Patrick jumped at the opportunity, as it gave him a chance to make some money and support himself. Patrick took driving lessons and soon began transporting passengers and goods on the motorcycle. After a short time, Patrick realized that he was working at a loss by giving the motorcycle owner a large chunk of his daily income, while fuel and maintenance costs were eating into his profits. Patrick decided to stop driving the motorcycle and instead took up walking across Nairobi as he sold mobile phone accessories on the street.
Patrick’s brother fell sick at this time, so they moved across Nairobi to save money and create a shorter commute to the hospital. Patrick struggled to provide for himself, his brother, his brother’s wife, and their children, so he started working as a casual worker on construction sites to supplement the income from selling phone accessories. Despite his best efforts, the income wasn’t enough to cover their basic living expenses and pay for the children’s school fees. At this time, Patrick sought assistance from a friend who referred him to RefugePoint.
RefugePoint began supporting Patrick’s family in late 2019 with rent and food assistance. We quickly helped his brother’s children re-enroll in school by providing them with uniforms and other school materials. As a result, Patrick was able to save money and pay the school fees for the children. RefugePoint also helped the family enroll in the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to cover his brother’s medical costs.
In 2020, Patrick participated in RefugePoint’s Business Development Skills training to learn how to start and run his own business and develop self-reliance. When asked what business he’d want to start, Patrick beamed as he proudly stated that he wanted to own a boda boda. Unfortunately, our small business grants are typically not enough to cover the total cost of purchasing a motorcycle, so we worked with Patrick to develop a savings plan. RefugePoint committed to supporting him with a $300 business start-up grant towards the purchase if he raised the balance. Patrick worked diligently to save $330. With support from RefugePoint and a loan from a friend, Patrick purchased a used boda boda for $930.
Within seven months, Patrick saved enough money to pay the loan off and take full ownership of the motorcycle. Since then, Patrick has been saving up and purchasing necessary household items like seats and a gas canister so that the family can cook using cleaner fuel. As his income has grown, Patrick has moved the family into a one-bedroom apartment––a significant upgrade from the single room they lived in.
Speaking about his challenges, Patrick shared the low levels of business due to COVID-19 lockdowns. His daily earnings fell from around $10 to $6. However, he still manages to save as much as he can each day. Patrick didn’t have a base of operations when he got his boda boda, making it difficult for him to get regular clients. However, he’s recently secured a spot at a ‘base,’ which he hopes will translate to better earning potential. Working from the ‘base’ is better for him, as the riders have representation with the local administration and bail each other out in case of trouble.
Looking forward, Patrick sees a brighter future for himself and his family. His brother’s wife is also getting assistance from RefugePoint towards running her own business, and Patrick hopes they will be entirely self-reliant in due course. After that, he wants to strike out on his own to start a family. When we asked him what message he could give to other refugees to give them some hope despite their circumstances, he said, “Work hard, do your best, and have a goal. Keep saving as much as you can. If you work diligently and patiently, your work will grow. Plan well to know what you can use and what you can save.”