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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.
He explained that due to the financial challenges he faced yet he had to cater for his personal and family needs, he had to struggle doing all sorts of informal jobs for a small wage and in the hustle of the moment, is when he thought of shoe shinning venture which he eventually learnt the cobbler skills from other cobblers whom he acted as an assistant and finally decided to step out to try his luck in the shoe shining and repair business.
“I was so broke at that time I could not afford even a starting capital of Sh150 to at least buy two tins of black polish and two brushes. I borrowed the amount and started small,” he said.
Barchok said his basic duties on daily basis 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, shining and cleaning shoes to improve appearance and longevity.
“I also adjust the size or shape of shoes for a better fit, I repair leather parts on shoes, bags, belts, or other items manually by sewing. I also sell laces, polish, soles, and even handmade leather sandals,” added Barchok.
From that humble start, Barchok built a business that now earns him not less than Sh500 per day and from this, he said, he has for years managed to comfortably fend for his family.
“Can you imagine I have managed to even educate my three children from this shoe string budget, despite the harsh economic times, two have completed their secondary education, and the last born is currently in Londiani Girls High School,” he added.
Despite the small but steady income, the journey has not been without its challenges, Barchok said that before the County Government constructed shades for shoe shiners, for many years they grappled with harsh weather conditions since they operated in open spaces exposed to direct sunlight and heavy downpours.
He however lamented that’s insecurity remained a major concern, as the shades provided by the county government do not have doors or locks.
“Every evening I have to carry my tools home or cover them in plastic. We need a secure place, simple but lockable.” he added
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, saying the group has been supportive in times of need.
He explained the group, that is formally registered, has a total of 114 members, running a joint savings account and supports members in times of need and also advocates for the welfare of its members.
“I have mentored several people who have gone on to start their own businesses. That’s something I’m really proud of,” Barchok says.
Looking ahead, Barchok hopes to buy a plot of land and build rental houses, and also envisions opening a large shop to supply shoe shining products to fellow cobblers.
In a plea to government officials, Barchok calls for more support in the form of affordable loans, training opportunities, and permanent secure structures.
Even with 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
