On the bustling streets of Kericho town, the rhythmic sound of a hammer meeting leather fills the air.
At a small makeshift workstation, George Njuguna Karanja diligently repairs a pair of worn-out shoes.
To passersby, he might seem like just another cobbler earning his daily bread, but George’s story is one of remarkable resilience, determination, and love for his craft.
Born in 1983, George, now 42, grew up facing life’s challenges head-on. With a disability, he learnt early that perseverance would be his greatest ally. Today, George not only supports his family of six but also inspires others with his journey.
Before he found his place in the cobbler trade, George’s life was anything but easy. In the early 2000s, he earned a living selling water to residents of his rural village. Without resources to buy his own donkey, he borrowed one from a neighbour, using it to transport water in jerrycans. For years, he toiled under the scorching sun, saving every shilling he could until he was able to buy a donkey of his own.
“It wasn’t easy,” George recalls, “but I knew I had to start somewhere. Every step, no matter how small, counted.”
In 2013, George’s life took a turn when he moved to Uganda in search of better opportunities. While there, he discovered his passion for shoemaking. He began working with organisations that made footwear for people with disabilities, learning skills that would later define his career. For four years, he dedicated himself to perfecting his craft, helping others while building a future for his family.
In 2017, George returned to Kenya and settled in Kericho. The town’s vibrant streets became his workshop, where he repaired and made shoes for locals.
“This work is more than just a job,” he says. “It’s a way to connect with people and give them something they need every day—a good pair of shoes.”
George’s income supports his wife and their four children, who are at different stages in their education. His firstborn recently graduated from university, an achievement that fills George with pride. The second-born is currently in university, the third just completed high school, and the youngest is still in primary school.
Through his hard work, George has managed to invest in a small plot of land—a testament to his determination to build a stable future for his family. Now, his dream is to buy a larger piece of land where he could construct a permanent home.
Despite the challenges of his trade and the physical limitations he faces, George’s love for his work remains steadfast. “Anguka nayo, simama nayo,” he says—a mantra that translates to “Fall with it, rise with it.”
For George, every stumble is an opportunity to rise stronger.
He acknowledges that life as a cobbler isn’t always easy. On some days, business is slow; on others, the demand for his trade could be physically taxing. But his dedication to his craft and his family keeps him going.
Today, George is not just a cobbler but a symbol of resilience in Kericho. His journey, from selling water with a borrowed donkey to becoming a skilled craftsman, is a powerful reminder that success is built on persistence and faith in oneself.
“I love what I do,” he says, his hands busy stitching a shoe. “Every shoe I fix is another step toward a better future for my family.”
George’s story is a testament to the power of determination and the ability to rise above challenges, no matter how insurmountable they may seem. He continues to walk his journey one step at a time, leaving behind not just repaired shoes but a legacy of hope and inspiration.
By Kipyegon Mutai and Santia Chepngetich
