A day in the life of a bicycle repairer

KENYA - Bike repairer, Paul Mwangi starts his day at 8 a.m by assembling his spare tires next to a tree that provides shade for him. His workstation is an open area at Komarock phase 3b. Next to the tree is a broken bicycle that he will work on later in the day.His workplace is also in a busy area as buses, motorbikes, and matatus with loud music pass by. Opposite his workstation is a ditch with flowing water. There is also a businessman who is creating furniture opposite him.

After a while, he is joined by friends who laugh out loud as he works on a bicycle.They are intrigued by politics and argue about which political party is more popular. One of them has a newspaper that he uses as a reference to argue his points.A few minutes later, some children bring in their bicycles to be repaired.

Mwangi started his occupation in 2005. As a child, riding bicycles was his hobby.When he grew up his first job was of a bicycle repairer at the industrial area, Nairobi.When he realized he had enough experience, he decided to start his own business." I decided to start my own business by buying tools with the capital that I had saved", he said.
The location that he chose for his start-up was strategic. According to him, he chose Komarock because many children ride bicycles in the area. Fixing bicycles has enabled him to pay school fees for his children, at the same time all of his needs have been met.He said,"This job is what I enjoy doing, I can take my children to school, all of my needs are met, I am good".

His pricing is pocket-friendly.They are prices that parents and children can afford.whenever there are political events such as elections or rainy days customers do not visit his work area.

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