Mixed Reactions as NYOTA Beneficiary Buys 5 Coffins with Ksh 22,000 Grant

A beneficiary of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme has sparked mixed reactions after revealing how she used the Ksh 22,000 government grant to start a coffin business.

Speaking during the NYOTA Tranche II disbursement on Friday, July 10, in Eldoret, Sharon Chebet shared her story while responding to questions from Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.

Murkomen began by asking Sharon what she does for a living.

“What work do you do, Sharon?” he asked.

Sharon replied that she is a coffin seller in Uasin Gishu County.

Murkomen then asked how she got into the business.

“How did you get into the coffin-selling business?”

Sharon explained that she initially worked as a broker and had saved a small amount of money before receiving the NYOTA grant.

“At first, I was a broker and I managed to save a little money. While I was waiting to raise more capital, the NYOTA programme came along. I received the Ksh 22,000 that our President gave us.”

Murkomen asked what she did with the money.

“What did you do with it?”

Sharon said she added the grant to her savings and bought five coffins.

“I added the money to the little savings I already had and bought five coffins. I started selling them gradually, and after making sales, I was able to open my own shop.”

Also Read:Govt Clarifies When NYOTA Beneficiaries Will Get Second Start-up Capital Payment

‘The Business Took Me Back to School’

Murkomen also asked how the business had changed her life and how much profit she makes.

“How has this business benefited you? How much profit do you make?”

Instead of giving a specific figure, Sharon explained how the business had improved her life.

“I had dropped out of school because of early marriage, but I have now gone back to school. I thank the President because this money helped me return to school. My mother now has what she needs, and my children also lack nothing at home.”

Murkomen then asked Sharon how she plans to use the additional Ksh 25,000 she received during the second tranche of the programme.

“Now that you have received this Ksh 25,000, what will you do to grow your business?”

Sharon said she intends to use the money to expand her stock.

“I will add it to the money I already have. I have already placed an order for six more coffins. My customers are asking for larger coffins, and I did not have enough money to buy them.”

Also Read;Ruto Announces Ksh25,000 Payout for 122,000 NYOTA Beneficiaries Again

Kenyans React to the NYOTA Benefiary Statements

Sharon’s remarks quickly went viral, with many Kenyans sharing mixed reactions on social media.

Vee wrote, “Clients will be provided by the police and state when they murder Kenyans. Makofi tena.”

Gwacire commented, “It’s difficult to see why you’d not be successful. The government gives you capital, and brings you (kills) customers in their thousands. You’d only need to be extremely incompetent to not succeed.”

Joe said,”Mimi mnipee hio 25k nifungue duka ya miti za jembe na mawe ukirusha inatoka na speed ya risasi…”

Jack wrote, “These guys can act! Interviewer ako sawa! Hio script ni moto”

Vinnie commented, “With 25k you can buy those boards for making coffins, one costs ksh 1200 and it is big, buy 4 litres of paint @ ksh 2500, a white sheet. Yes, 25 k is enough to make that number of coffins then because customers think it is expensive to make them, sell for them one at 30k and above”

Another Kenyan added, “Kenyans find it hard to convince them that your coffin business is flourishing, because anyway, what’re you insinuating?”

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