Soapstone business attracts tourists in Nairobi

NAIROBI - Soap Stone Carver , Erick Mirieri Mogunde has displayed his main source of income for sixteen years at malls , galleries, markets and shops in Nairobi for tourists and Kenyans to purchase his pieces.The soapstone is found in Kisii Town , Tabaka hills in Western Kenya.It is mined 30 km away from the town. After it is mined, they start the carving process.

Also known as a steatite, it is a talc-schist, a type of metamorphic rock which is soft and very easy to carve and manipulate.

Mogunde said , "I started my business after I visited my sister who lives in Nairobi. We went to Maasai market to buy some gifts for her friends. When we were at the market we came across my friends who were working there ", he said.

He added , "After a few days I came back to the market to talk to one of my friends who convinced me to start the carving business".

Mogunde looked for capital of up to Ksh. 30, 000 for the start-up. The carving business was a great opportunity for him because he made a lot of profit afterwards selling to tourists who are his main customers.

"The business start up has been great to me , I am able to make profit and pay all my bills.Most of my customers are tourists", he said.

The soapstone business comes with many challenges as well, for example during elections there was no means of transport, he was unable to transport his goods.

Carving soapstones requires one to keep trying and not give up easily. He said that he has come across many people who started the business but after a few days , they decided to quit. His advice is to work hard , nothing comes easy.

Most of the time he normally showcases his products at private markets .

"Every Friday you will find me at Village market, Sundays I am usually at Yaya centre, on Thursdays I am at Nakumatt Juction, and wednesday, Capital centre , Mombasa road.I don,t have a specific place, I normally rotate.

His future plan is to expand his business and make maximum profit to cater for his family needs.

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