Unemployment in Kenya is estimated to be about 36% of the total population. This paints a glim picture of the standard of living of the population. There is, however, a silver lining to this dark cloud. Skills, more so are hand skills that have stood the taste of time.
Since not everyone can be absorbed into the employment sector, there is an urgent need for you to explore lucrative opportunities to your advantage. Below are hands-on skills that are yet to be exploited to their full potential here in the Coast.
1. Henna Painting
One of the most lucrative skill to mint money. The Ancient art of body painting using dye from dried leaves of the henna plant. The adornment of henna is popular with ladies during weddings and eid celebrations or special occasions. Henna is mostly applied on the hands and feet. You can learn this intricate art from a proficient artist and practice regularly for you to become a pro. Depending on your clientele, you can adopt Arabic, Asian, or Swahili design of painting.
2. Fresh flowers garlands
Gralands are an assortment of flowers arrangement in a circular band for ornamental purposes. This ancient art has been passed on from generation to generation. Many cultures use garlands as a sign of purity, beauty, peace, love, and passion. Fresh flower garlands made from a combination of jasmine,roses and leaves are in high demand during weddings and public functions. You can price your garlands based on the design and workmanship involved.
3. Snack Business
According to statista.com, the snack food market in Kenya is projected to grow by 7.53% between 2023 and 2027.Coast region is famous for its finger licking snacks, both sweet and savoury. These homemade munching include flour based snacks such as donuts, baobab fruits snacks, mango pickle, coconut grated snacks, milk-based snacks, popsicles and ice cream and nuts.
4. Lamu Furniture
This craftsmanship dates back from the 12th century and has been passed on from father to son to grandchildren .It involves carving out intricate designs on special hardwood. The art takes time and a lot of patience but fetches a handsome reward for your sweat. There is a growing demand for Lamu furniture both locally and internationally. You can opt to make furniture from scratch or fetch and renovate old ones. They are both functional as well as antiques for collectors.
5. Pottery
The demand in real estate and interior decor in the coast region has created a vast appetite for flower pots. More people now value in and out door plants nested in beautiful clay moulded pots. Few people have taken to pottery as a profession. Yet the demand far outweighs the supply. You can learn this involving art through online classes or visit the wachangamwe people in Jomvu for face to face training.
The coast is endowed with money making opportunities to earn your daily bread and more. There is light at the end of the tunnel for those who are willing to break a sweat.
