In the peaceful town of Kericho, 28-year-old Nicholas Langat’s transformation from a construction worker to a prosperous pineapple vendor serves as an inspiring story of resilience and hard work.
Born in Mulot, Bomet county, Langat’s upbringing in a vibrant community deeply shaped his entrepreneurial mindset, despite facing educational barriers due to financial constraints.
He completed his primary education but was unable to pursue further schooling.
Langat initially worked in the construction industry, otherwise referred to as “mjengo,” but he desired a more fulfilling career.
In 2012, he made the bold decision to leave construction behind and venture into the pineapple-selling business.
Although Langat had helped his father with selling pineapples in Kariokor, it was in 2012 that he fully embraced the business on his own.
He recognised the potential to take control of his future by entering the trade.
He sources his pineapples from Roret in Kericho County, known for its high-quality, fresh produce.
The move to sell the pineapples marked a pivotal point in his life, offering both personal and financial growth.
Langat’s early business model was simple, selling small pineapples for Sh80 and large ones for Sh100.
This pricing strategy made his products affordable to most local residents, helping him establish a steady customer base.
Despite lacking resources and initial capital, Langat’s dedication to providing high-quality pineapples, building customer relationships, and offering competitive prices, helped him succeed in the competitive market.
Over time, Langat expanded his sales to areas around Kericho District Hospital and the neighbourhood, growing his business and proving that hard work and strategic planning were key to his success.
Understanding the needs of his customers, Langat began slicing pineapples into affordable pieces for just Sh10, providing an additional product that set his business apart from competitors.
Although Langat faced challenges such as unpredictable weather affecting his supply and stiff competition from other vendors, he continuously adapted and used these obstacles as opportunities to refine his business strategies.
A major milestone in Langat’s journey came when he purchased a goat, a symbolic achievement that marked his financial stability and the fruits of his labour.
The goat represented his progress and the success of his hard work.
"It's a small step, but it's a big one for me," Lang'at said proudly.
Looking to the future, Langat plans to shift by entering the welding industry, particularly in glass industries and window fittings.
This forward-thinking approach aims to expand his skill set and broaden his market reach, demonstrating his entrepreneurial vision for continuous growth.
He encourages the youth to take initiative and create their own opportunities, noting that success comes from hard work and determination.
"I want to make sure my business keeps growing," Lang'at emphasised.
