In the picturesque landscapes of Nyakach Sub-County in Kisumu, Kenya, a remarkable story unfolds.
Meet Dawin Orina, the Deputy Commissioner of Nyakach Sub-County, who, for over a decade and a half, has been building not just bricks but also a successful business empire.
“I started making bricks in 2007, after the post-election violence. I learned the trade from my parents, though they did it on a smaller scale compared to now,” says the 29-year-old Orina.
With a meager capital of Ksh 10,000, he kick-started his venture.
After school hours and during weekends, Orina toiled under the sun, mastering the art of brick-making.
Slowly but steadily, he honed his skills, gaining expertise that would eventually turn his small operation into a thriving business.
Today, Orina’s brick-making enterprise operates in Cherangany, a region within Trans Nzoia County.
What began as a one-man show has now evolved into a team of three permanent employees and seven casual laborers who assist during peak workloads.
Orina’s dedication to his craft is evident in his hands-on approach, as he often visits the production site to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Orina’s business success can be attributed to his commitment to quality. He uses clay soil, a traditional and reliable raw material for brick production.
“I encourage people to venture into this business, especially those who are unemployed. I have achieved a lot through this trade. Also, it’s not necessary to undergo formal training to start,” advises Orina, who currently has over 20,000 bricks ready for sale.
The bricks he manufactures come in various sizes, tailored to the specifications of his diverse clientele.
However, the most sought-after dimensions are 8 by 4 by 6 centimeters, meeting the preferences of many customers.
Serving a wide customer base, Orina not only supplies bricks to individual buyers but also caters to the needs of construction contractors.
His pricing strategy is flexible, with bricks priced between Ksh 8 and Ksh 15, depending on the size and specific requirements of the customers.
He procures the raw materials from local suppliers, contributing to the economic growth of his community.
Nevertheless, Orina’s journey has been riddled with challenges.
The primary hurdle he faces is the constant need for capital to expand his business further.
The brick-making industry, like any other, requires significant investments in machinery and technology to remain competitive.
Additionally, securing a consistent supply of raw materials and skilled labor can be a daunting task.
Another challenge Orina encounters is the seasonal nature of the business.
Demand for bricks peaks during certain months, such as April and December, leading to periods of intense pressure to meet customer orders.
Despite these challenges, Orina remains undeterred.
