Just before 4am, Kariuki is always up and about on the road transporting his customers on his motorbike to different places. The 31-year-old man has been in this business for three years, and counting.
But it hasn’t been easy – he has survived bad weather, accidents, and police arrests among other troubles. And if the determination on his face is anything to go by, he is ready to concur all the challenges that come with his job if only to cater for people who depend on him.
I wake up at 3.10am and first thank God for the blessings of another day. I then take a shower and dress up heavily to brave the morning cold and strong winds while riding my motorbike. My work gear includes gumboots, safety jacket, gloves, and helmets.
I leave my house shortly before 4am to pick my first customer for the day. I take a break shortly after 8am when the number of customers reduce and settle down to have breakfast. Mostly I have tea and sweet potatoes. If there is no sign of a customer, sometimes I take my motorbike for servicing in a nearby garage.
At 11am I take another cup of tea and chapati or bread to give me energy to continue with my work, which is quite engaging. I usually eat my lunch at 1pm and afterwards take rest until 2pm. My favourite meal is ugali with vegetables and beef stew.
I resume work shortly after 2pm. Customers are usually few at this time, which allows me time to read newspapers.
Business picks again from 5pm, because this is the time people start leaving work for home. I continue with work until 11pm and go back home to rest after a tiring day. I take a shower, eat and then retire to bed.
On Saturday it’s work as usual, and it is the busiest day of the week for me. Many people go out to party. Mostly I work for the better part of the day and extend to the night, especially at the beginning of the month.
I attend church service on Sunday and resume work in the afternoon till evening. However, I go back home earlier than other days to have enough rest ahead of another busy week.
