HIS COLLEAGUES NOW CALL HIM ‘HIGHWAY MAN’

We met Raphael Sino in 2023 shortly after we started implementing the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP). Raphael had been working in a garage as an auto electrician- a skill that requires a diagnostic tool to detect any faults in a vehicle.

Raphael was referred for the entrepreneurship skills training by Rev. Ezekiel Aseka, who runs the Centre of Hope and Transformation Ministries, a community organisation in Mathare, Nairobi.

‘I was working daily, but I didn’t have any tangible results of my work. I was struggling to meet daily needs and could not even scale up, Raphael shares, ‘After sharing with Rev. Aseka about my situation, he referred me to EPTF.’ 

During the training sessions, Raphael highlights the skills he learned and what he’s been able to put into use. He emphasised the importance of financial literacy and the need to diversify one’s income sources. Raphael has seen a shift in his business through customer relations and recordkeeping. He’s been able to understand how to manage his business, charge and expand in ways that favour both him and his customers.  

“I learnt that having other sources of income is helpful not only to you but also to your family, so I started doing poultry farming, which added to my income. I sell a chicken at Ksh 800 ($6.17). I was also able to teach my family back in the village how to do a kitchen garden. Now they have reduced the budget for groceries.”

Raphael learned from the training the importance of investing and saving for the future. With support from the SLP funds, Raphael received another diagnostic machine in addition to the one he already had. This, he admits, has increased his customer base and income. He has now joined a SACCO where he saves monthly.

He joyfully shares that he’s been able to build a wider customer base through recommendations within and around the city of Nairobi.

According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, the factors influencing the success of Juakali (informal) artisans include access to finance, managerial skills, education level, and market competition. Raphael has proved to go against all odds. Starting a business with the skill he pursued professionally in school has helped him in challenging times and has opened his mind to new skills through EPTF training, allowing him to manage his business and understand the market. 

Raphael now has a nickname, “Highway”, among his colleagues at the garage because of his many recommendations in several locations, beyond the garage. Raphael represents entrepreneurs who exemplify success in the informal sector and family empowerment, aligning with EPTF’s core value of holistic impact, aiming to transform the whole person.  https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wn2otyZrIfQ