Sports

Kenya’s walking champion Ndingiti resorts to making jikos in Kisii

Tuesday, September 21st, 2021 12:38 | By
Kenya walking race champion Dominic Ndingiti showcases his work in Kisii County: PHOTO/COURTESY

Kenya walking race champion Dominic Ndingiti is making a fortune out of his skill in making modern jikos, with the demand of his product on a season high.

The Under-20 10,000 m race walking champion ventured into making modern jikos to combat tough economic times brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.

In an interview with People Daily Digital, Ndingiti says he developed the interest of making jikos as a young boy, but shelved the skill after being called up to the national team.  

“You don’t wake up and be perfect in a certain craft and I developed the interest of making jikos since I was in class seven, that’s before I joined team Kenya. I took some time off because of the intense training for various competitions,” Ndingiti said.

With business and livelihoods affected by the measures put in place by the Ministry of Health to curb the Covid-19 virus, Ndingiti says it’s a blessing in disguise.

“The ease of some of the set regulation’s by the President was a perfect timing call especially for entrepreneurs like us, now I can be able to deliver my products easily across the country,” Ndingiti said.

According to Ndingiti, travelling to deliver his product was a tall order for him, despite clients placing orders for the fast moving commodity.

This forced Ndingiti to walk around with a small notebook to be able to record and be at per with the orders.

“Due to the high number of orders, I had to keep track with my esteemed customers to make sure the deliveries are done on time to each and every client,” Ndingiti said.

When asked the affordability of his product, Ndingiti says the affordability of his services depends on the size of the jiko and location.

Ndingiti reveals he has created a loyal clientele over the years with his clients residing in various parts of the country including Nyeri, Eldoret, Nakuru, Mumias and Kisumu.

“Most of my customers are women and if I get to deliver the product within Kisii County and its environs I will charge Ksh 2000, however for clients outside Kisii County it will cost Ksh 5000,” he said.

In 2019 the Kiendege Secondary School alumnus finished as the first runners-up for the Sports Personality of the Year Award (SOYA) Most Promising Boy category, a feat that motivated him to go for more.

During this year’s 17th edition of the SOYA awards held in Naivasha, Nakuru County Ndingiti was awarded the winner in the innovation category for his skill in making the energy saving jikos.

Ndingiti despite being an entrepreneur is also the World racing Under 18 bronze medallist.

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