In the picturesque landscape of Lake Victoria, where the tranquil waters often belie the challenges beneath, a remarkable story unfolds.
Amos Oyier, a self-taught boat builder, has risen from humble beginnings as an apprentice to become one of the most sought-after craftsmen on the lake.
Here is his story as told by WoK.
Just over a decade ago, Amos Oyier embarked on a journey that would transform his life and the lives of those around him.
As an apprentice, he began to learn the intricacies of boat building, a skill that would soon become his ticket to success.
Though he had dropped out of school at Class Five due to circumstances beyond his control, Oyier’s determination to learn and improve was unyielding.
Despite lacking formal specialized training, Oyier’s keen observation, innate talent, and relentless practice allowed him to grasp the nuances of boat construction.
Inside Oyier’s workshop on Ndeda Island, he employs two permanent workers and can expand his team to include up to 10 casuals during peak business periods. H
“Ordinarily, we get two to four orders in a month from my clients who come from over 100 beache,” he told Enterprise.
The demand for Oyier’s expertise extends to various beaches, including Wakula, Osindo, Wichlum, Liunda, and Mageta.
Sometimes, he ventures away from his workshop to set up base in different locations to fulfill orders, a testament to the far-reaching impact of his skill.
Diversity is the hallmark of Oyier’s craft.
His adept hands can create a range of boats, each tailored to specific needs.
A small fishing boat, meticulously constructed, costs approximately Ksh30,000, while larger passenger boats, crucial for transporting goods across the vast lake, can command up to Ksh70,000, exclusive of the engine.
In addition to this, he has reaped significant financial benefits, earning a monthly income exceeding Ksh120,000 through the construction of new boats and conducting repairs on existing ones.
He claims his mastery of the trade has enabled him to fend for his family of three wives and ten children.
“Having come from a poor background and dropped out of primary school, I don’t want my children to go through what I encountered,” he says.
It usually takes him around one to two weeks to make a regular-sized boat, and up to three weeks for larger ones. Once a boat is built, it can go without needing any repairs for more than a year.
“A boat is not like a car that can be parked by the roadside when it develops a mechanical problem. Boats have to be built very carefully,” he explained.
However, Oyier’s path is not without its challenges.
One of the most significant obstacles he faces is the availability and cost of hardwood, a crucial component of his craft, imported from neighboring Uganda.
The potential delay in timber supply underscores the delicate balance between demand and resources.
Despite the hurdles, Oyier’s venture yields substantial returns, with daily incomes ranging from Ksh2,000 to Ksh15,000 on prosperous days.
Beyond his role as a boat builder, Oyier finds solace in the company of local fishermen and indulges in the simple joy of watching soccer with his peers.
