8 Side Hustles to give a try in 2021. (Youth Empowerment)

By Yuvenalis Wakoli. (Founder & Owner of Venali)

2020 was quite a tough year to everyone and it led to many people lose their jobs. This made many people to shift in their side hustle or start a side hustle inorder to cater for their financial needs. If you reading this and you have not yet started a side hustle, then it’s not that late, 2021 is your year.

A side hustle is any type of employment undertaken in addition to one’s full time job. A side hustle is generally a freelance or piecework in nature providing a supplement income.

A side hustle is more than just another stream of income , it’s also the new job security. When you receive paychecks from different sources, it allows you to take more chances in your regular career. More income means more options. More options equals freedom.

You don’t need an entrepreneurial experience to launch a profitable side hustle. You don’t have to have an MBA or know how to code, or be an expert marketer. You don’t need employees or investors. What you need is an idea, some time and the determination to see your dream through the end. If you can make it work, the financial rewards can be well worth your time.

Here are 8 Side hustles that you can venture in that will earn you a good amount of money hence becoming a respectable member of your community or the people around you.

1. Fast food restaurant.

This is one of the best hustle to venture in as people have to eat. Since youths find the joy in fast food meals, having a restaurant that carters for their needs will bring the necessary financial muscles you need to develop. A nice strategic location eg near a University, Collage or Polytechnic will play a key advantage in advancement of your business.

2. Executuve salon and Barber shop.

People have to be neat, tidy and presentable and hence one has to visit a nice salon or barber shop inorder for their hair to be trimmed. You can employ a few personnel to work for you as you work on your main hustle. This business pays that well if you get a nice strategic location.

3. Selling clothes and Accessories Online.

With the advancement of technology, people nowadays are buying online products because they are easily accessible. You can sale your products online either through Kilimall, Jumia, Jiji etc or through social media pages eg Facebook, Instagram or twitter. Selling online can earn you money without breaking a sweat. Plan your time well and be consistent with your service. Give it a try and thank me later.

4. Farming.

Yes, I mean Farming. Farming entails planting of crops and rearing of animals. The idea of farming has been shunned away by people especially youths but if you give it a try you won’t look back. It is among the hustles with few competitions and chances of gaining large amount of money is that high.

You can begin by rearing Hens or any other poultry with quite a good number of them, you can sale them at profitable prices. If you got a piece of land you can go ahead and plant various vegetables and fruits then afterwards sale them at your home town or at your grocery. Quite a good idea? Yes!. Try farming.

5. Blogging.

Blogging is all about writing contents on topics/niche you are intrested in. The income range for bloggers is quite dramatic. This is because it does not cost much to start a blog, so the entry barrier is low. More effort is needed to earn than most people believe, so many blogs dont make money at all. (But not for you). However those who keep going and maintaining consistency have the potential to make thousands and even millions of dollars.

You can earn from blogging through Affiliate marketing, Advertising, offering services eg free lancing, social media management etc or you can also earn through selling digital products. Find your niche and start blogging.

6. Movie/PS shop.

A movie shop is one of the best businesses to venture in. Despite the growing rate in the business it still stands tall as the business will earn you a good sum of money since people watch movies daily. A good location near or around the university, collage, polytechnic or KMTC will earn you many customers as students love to watch movies and series.

7. Grocery.

When i talk of a grocery, many will think about ladies. No! Men too can come up with a grocery. This involves selling of vegetables and fruits. Grocery pays well as people will have to buy vegetables or fruits daily. Getting a nice location will help bring you many customers. Tell your close friends within about your grocery. They will be coming and supporting your hustle by buying your groceries.

8. Selling smokies and boiled eggs.

It is one of the growing business and I bet you won’t regret venturing in to this business. People have a taste in smokies and boiled eggs and i promise you they will buy your products.

The good thing with this hustle is that you not only located in one place but you can move around as you sell your products. This business works well in market places and towns. You can earn a good sum of money with this hustle.

Their are many hustles you can venture in but this are just but a few that I came up with. Come up with something that you got a passion in and keep moving while maintaining consistency in what you do.

Great business leaders create a vision, articulate it and relentlessly drive it to completion. They got the ability to follow through even during tumultuous moments and persevere until fruition.

I wish you a Happy and prosperous 2021 full of blessings as you prepare to come up with a side hustle. Good luck!.

How your Car defines your personality.

A section of cars in a traffic. Photo: Courtesy

By Yuvenalis Wakoli.

The car you drive says alot about your personality. From the make and model to the state of interior, your car reflects several aspects of your attitude, practicality and the way you approach life.

In this fast paced world, maintaining your personality and leaving good impressions matter alot. The way you socialize, talk and walk , everything tells something about you. Your choice of accessories , friends and even clothes reflect small details of your personality.

Similarly even your choice of car can convey some important details to the public about you. Infact your vehicle is a reflection of who you are. Below is a list of cars that define one’s personality.

1. BMW/ Discovery/ Benz/ Audi/Range Rover/Prado.

This are mostly driven by big names such as tycoons, C.E.Os, Managers, public figures, Doctors etc. Most of them are always quite and working harder than others. They live a flashy lifestyle that every teen keep dreaming of.

They are never stopped at the traffic for police check and a police going to an extend of stopping one may end up losing his/her job. They move with time and they can’t risk loosing a single minute. Most of them play golf during the weekend.

2. Subaru/Jaguar.

This are most driven by men in their late 20s and early 30s. They never go to full tank. They think highly of themselves but are mostly playboys and speed merchants. They claim to know everything about any car model.

You better chew their girlfriends or wives than trying to overtake them in a highway. They will put around six exhaust pipes in their car for the noise just for people to recognise their presence. They believe no car can overtake them, if one dares, then it would be a race of life and death. He better burns the engine but win the race. They would rather spend a million in pimping their cars than taking their wives/girlfriends for a vacation in Mauritius.

3. Land cruiser V8.

This are mainly driven by corrupt honourable politicians, business people with shady sources of money, Gold scammers, money launderers, contractors who sign contracts but deliver nothing etc. Most of them are very kind and generous but very ruthless if you cross their way.

4. Toyota Wish/Voxy

The drivers of this cars are very humble guys, most of them are into sales and use this car as a family car.

5. Probox/Caldina/Noah/Gx 100

Most of the drivers of this cars are into shady deals, smuggling and black market dealership. They tend to transport goods but on hidden sections of the car their are hard drugs eg cocaine/bang or ammunitions.

Not all of the owners are into illegal business but some are into legal business that earn them a living.

6. Harrier

Most of the people who drive harrier are Rich illiterate business people or some work in big offices courtesy of corruption but they didn’t get the qualification required for the job.

Most of them are full of pride and tend to speak English at their job places.

7. Fielder

Most owned by teachers, and low earning civil servants who own some few plots and rentals. Most of them are kindhearted people who live a simple life and they rarely brag of their small achievements.

8. Rav4/ Vitz/ Passo/Demio/Porte.

Mostly owned by single independent Moms, very arrogant, bad hearted and rarely forgive. They are very toxic when you spend time with them. They dress expensive clothes and they only love their kids and car.

Most guys who own this cars are low earners who have just bought the first car and they got a higher self esteem because they think they have made it in life.

9. Pajero/Vanguard.

Mostly owned by Rich people above 45 years of age. They live a flashy lifestyle but don’t brag of it. They have invested in various sectors that makes them maintain their league. They are generous people if you happen to spend time with them.

10. Pick up.

Mostly owned by farmers who are really serious with farming. They tend to carry their products to various places using their pick up. It is also owned by entrepreneurs who carry their duties using the pick up. Most of the people who own pick ups are very hardworking people who are focused in life.

11. Lexus/VW/Ford Explorer/Ranger.

Drivers of this swanky model of cars are upcoming millionaires who are very hardworking on what they do. They mentor others and they also live a good lifestyle. They are humble and live a simple lifestyle.

12. Porsche/Lamborghini/Bentley.

This cars are not owned by the rich, but they are owned by the Super RICH. Most of the people who own this cars to them money is not a problem. Most of them buy them for show off and are mostly owned by celebrities.

They tend to live flashy/expensive lifestyle and they are nice to spend with because they will spoil you with goodies in a day out.

Let’s hear on the comment section if you agree or disagree with this allegations about your car’s personality.

Elsa Majimbo wins the E! People’s Choice Award.

Kenyan comedian, Elsa Majimbo. Photo: Courtesy.

By Yuvenalis Wakoli

The 19 year old Kenyan comedian has won the E! People’s Choice Award. This was after being nominated for the global E! People’s Choice Award for African social star 2020.

The People’s Choice Award is an American award that recognises people in the entertainment industry. The nominees are voted online by the public and their fans.

Elsa stood as the youngest ever nominee for the category, going up against the likes of South African Sho Madjozi among 7 other personalities in the world.

On her twitter handle, Elsa wrote “I WON THE E! PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD!!!!

I LITERALLY COULD NOT HAVE DONE IT WiTHOUT ALL YOUR AMAZING SUPPORT!!!

A big thank you to @entertainment for recognising game”

Most of her fans went through to congratulate her for the achievement of the award.

How Internet addiction plays a key role in unproductivity.

By Yuvenalis Wakoli.

Do you spend most of your time browsing your phone?, Playing video games on the internet?, Can’t keep up without checking on your WhatsApp, twitter, Instagram or Facebook?, A you addicted on watching YouTube videos?, Is your excessive use of computer/ phone use interfering with your daily life?. If any of the answer is ‘Yes’ then you suffering from Internet addiction disorder.

Internet addiction or Problematic Internet Use (PIU) is generally defined as the problematic, compulsive use of the internet that results in significant impairment in an individual’s function in various life domains over a prolonged period of time.

Internet addiction is at high risk among the idle youths who spend most of their time on the cell phones browsing, watching YouTube videos, googling trending staffs, reading memes, playing online video games etc. This has led to unproductivity among the youths.

The rate of internet addiction will soon replace drug use, alcohol, gambling, laziness etc hence being a threat among the youths. This will play a key role in killing youth’s dreams especially on the increased rates of unemployment among the youths.

The addiction is leading people to fragmented attention. You can’t focus because everytime you want to check that notification or to refresh the news feed. It affects productivity and promotes laziness among the addicts.

Many experts within and outside the tech know of this dangers, and try to moderate the role of technology in their private lives. They avoid using the latest gadgets, limit their kid’s screen time and send them to Warldorf Schools. These schools favour hands on learning and cultivating imaginations. So children don’t get to use computers/internet until their teenage years.

Most technologies make use of an age long human weakness, behavioral addictions. Instead of injecting a substance, you directly get a pleasurable feeling everytime you log in- whether playing a game or scrolling down an endless feed. This your brain reward for repeating a low cost of activity that brings you alot of value eg posting a picture in Facebook and getting a slew comments.

Some countries are setting up rehabs for internet addicts in order to increase productivity among the people who are addicted to the internet. Do you know anyone whose addiction to the internet is preventing him or her from being productive at work?, In school or at home?

How Ruto overcame his demons during the BBI Launch.

Deputy President William Ruto addressing delegates during the BBI Launch at Bomas of Kenya. Image: Courtesy

By Yuvenalis Wakoli.

Energy levels among delegates at the Bomas of Kenya hit the roof top, the audience cheering his radical proposals on entrenching gender equity and elevating the senate to an Upper House while at the same time attracting heckling from a section of the pre vetted audience over his critisms of reforms seeking to expand the executive.

Despite the heckling, the Deputy President soldiered on addressing issues that were covered in the BBI report that were not withstanding according to him. He addressed issues on Judiciary, IEBC, the Youths, women leadership, the police service, county allocations and the role of senators as stated in the report.

On the Judiciary, the Dp said that the proposal on the establishment on the office of the Ombudsman, which will be appointed by the executive is a derogation of the independence of the Judiciary. Ruto said that that this might take the country back to the days where the president used to issue guidelines to judges in some cases via a mere phone call.

He addressed the reforms that were to be made on the IEBC stating that political parties participate in appointment of IEBC commissioners then used football example “How fair will be a league, where the referee is appointed by teams? He wondered. “… unless you tell me it’s ok for some teams to appoint the referee..and if it is that you saying, I have my reservations”.

He also questioned the independence of the police force under new proposals of the BBI report. He said that the 2020 constitution was very clear that police must act independently of any politician and to recommend that the police council be chaired by a cabinet secretary is a derogation of the independence of the police.

While addressing on youths and employment, he responded to a question raised by a youth speaker who was against ” 16th century tools'” which include the wheelbarrow and Carts. The Dp said “I’m sure he (speaker) was referring to me..how comes on the 21st century, millions of citizens ate still dependent on wheelbarrows and mikokoteni? That’s a discussion that involves millions of Kenyans” he said.

On inclusivity, the Deputy president said the document does not address what he termed as “elephant in the room”. “Explain to me how having a President who will appoint the prime minister from the winning coalition and runners up being opposition leader will sort out the ‘winner takes it’ all question. Forgive me if am slow”. The Dp said again amidst the jeers from a section of delegates.

On devolution, the Dp said that increasing resources to county government from 15% to 35% will need to be accompanied by strengthening the senate. He also highlighted his opinion on removal of Women Representative positions from Parliament needs to be revisited.

On the heckling delegates, the Deputy president lamented, “Today you may have the latitude to do what you think is right to you. Tomorrow the shoe will be on the other foot”. He insisted on Kenyans to be given time to read and understand the report well and not to hurry for referendum.

Single Moms deserve more.

By Yuvenalis Wakoli.

First and foremost I will begin by giving credit to all single moms out there for being a doctor, a teacher, a nurse, a maid, a cook, a referee, a heroine, a provider, a defender, a true super woman etc. Wear your caps proudly.

I was motivated to write this article by a friend of mine who was raised by a single mum in a family of three children. On this article i will call him by the name “John”.

John’s Dad passed away during the 2007 political clashes while he was 8 years old, leaving behind her mom and two other younger siblings. Since John’s Dad was the family bread winner, that was a major blow to their family.

It was high time for John’s mother to take the mantle for being a Dad and a Mom. Something that she wasn’t sure if she could make it at first. She hoped relatives could come through and help her but none was willing to offer her help. It was a high time for her to grow a thick skin.

John’s mother could work extra hours, toiling and moulding in smouldering heat and dripping rain to carter for the financial breakthrough of the family. Be it food, medical expenses, clothing, education etc.

Being an iron lady with ‘confidence humility’ paired with faith and passion, she managed to stand tall and faced all the challenges that came her way regardless of her gender and status. She made sure all her three kids received the basic needs.

Her son John is awaiting graduation from a Kenyan university after persuing Computer Science, her second born child is in form four awaiting for his final KCSE exam come next year March while her last born daughter is in form two in a National School in Bungoma County.

John’s mother is among the single moms who have tried and made it despite the obstacles in their ways. They never give up as they believe in their families, even when things are tough. The single moms should be loved, supported and respected in order to give them the motivation to move on.

As a single mom their is even more pressure because you have to do everything by yourself. From paying the bills to cleaning the house to entertaining the kid/s. It is all in your shoulders, and it can be stressful at times. And that’s why single moms are SUPER HEROES!.

The Pros and Cons of the BBI Report.

By Yuvenalis Wakoli.

The Most awaited final BBI report is out and Kenyans are urged to read, understand it and make informed decision about it.

This after the two leaders Raila Odinga and Uhuru Kenyatta shook hands to create an opportunity to unite the country and set in motions a process to identify comprehensive changes that will strengthen the rule of law, unite Kenyans, deepen our constitution and launch a comprehensive reform process to consolidate this momentous opportunity.

The report has its pros and cons and Kenyans have come up with various views according to their understanding of the report. Some have read, some haven’t read and some don’t know what is going on.

Kenyans are urged to quote clauses on the BBI report when making decisions of disagreeing or agreeing with the report rather than moving sentiments of “reject BBI” without giving reasons of rejecting it.

The BBI report has come with its pros and cons, and the pro part of it is that it has addressed issues affecting youths, gender balance, Health sector, corruption, tribalism and the wellness of the county governments etc.

On the part of youths, the BBI states that their will be minimization of taxation to new and small businesses, by giving them a tax holiday of atleast 7 years as a support to youth entrepreneurship and job creation, reducing the cost of doing business and impediments to starting enterprises, repaying back of HELB loans after 4 years by graduates etc.

On the gender side, the report states that the 2/3 gender rule will be passed to enable women in elective posts, hence recognising women in various seats. The report also States that 30% of opportunities in the counties and wards are reserved for youths, women, PWD and minorities to support SMEs.

Their will also be affordable and reliable access to digital platforms in the villages and wards to promote e- commerce in grassroot level. Increasing lending to small businesses etc.

On taxation, the report states that their will be elimination of double taxation at the national and county level. Ensuring tax revenues are located towards development outcomes that benefits tax payers, minimizing taxation of small and medium businesses by giving them a tax holiday of atleast 7 years as support to youth entrepreneurship and job creation.

Stakeholders also pushed for an economy with the means to enable the country to be able to offer the kind of social and economic protection and support referred to article 43 of the constitution.

Corruption cases will also be heard between a period of 2 years and judgement made hence this will help reduce corruption. The report also states that it will solve issues facing unemployment rates in Kenya etc.

On the cons side of the report, the report will give the president much powers hence risks of turning into a dictator. Too much posts which are unnecessary, the report states that their will be one 1 President, 1 Vice President, A Prime minister, 2 deputy prime ministers, Opposition leader, 94 senators- two from each county, Governors, deputy governors, cabinet ministers, MPs etc.

The report also will give burden to ordinary tax payers who will pay salary for those all positions. The report favours much the leaders but not ordinary citizens,

The president will nominate the judiciary ombudsman with the approval of National assembly hence risk of the President interfering with the work of the judiciary, the president appoints 4 IEBC official hence given powers to control elections. The IEBC should be an independent body, same to judiciary and legislature.

Finally the report seems to state the winner takes everything since the president appoints almost every elective post. Hence tribalism will still prevail.

Kenyans should read the report and come up with their views if it will be good to pass the report or fail it. The list above is just but a small portion of what is on the BBI report.

Download the final BBI report.

By Yuvenalis Wakoli

President Kenyatta received the BBI report together with the former Premier Raila Odinga at Kisii state lounge.

The report will be launched on Monday at the Bomas of Kenya. The president urged Kenyans to read the BBI report as individual citizens and not with political hats calling on citizens to read and make their contributions with a view of making it even better.

Uhuru said the changes will entrench political inclusions, equity in the distribution of resources and opportunities and end violence every electrol year.

Download the final BBI report http://Report-of-the-BBI-Steering-commitee-21.10.2020pdf

Continue reading “Download the final BBI report.” →

10 Predictions on the BBI Report.

The President with the BBI initiative’s taskforce. Image: Courtesy

By Yuvenalis Wakoli.

BBI’s key proposals aims to ensure inclusively as well as end divisive politics that has continued to hit the country after every general election.

Here are the 10 predictions on what might be on the BBI report.

1. A President directly nominated by the people. No running mate. He or she then appoints a Vice President who is the principal assistant to the President.

2. A President after winning appoints the prime minister who will be from any member of the majority party or a coalition of the majority.

3. The Prime minister is the supervisor and coordinator of all ministries. The prime minister has two deputies all appointed by the President from the majority party or coalition of the majority.

4. The Prime minister and his deputies can be relieved off their positions by the president without approval of Parliament.

Ministers can be appointed from Parliament and those appointed from outside Parliament become ex official members of Parliament.

5. All the current 290 constituencies to be retained in the national assembly.

6. Members representing the individual constituencies in the national assembly will be based on a county party list presented to the elections body prior to the elections date.

7. All the current 47 counties will be retained in the Senate. The senate will have 94 members. Each county will be represented by two elected representatives of separate genders.

8. All 47 county governments will be retained. Nairobi will have a special status with some of the critical functions being managed by the national government.

9. The Governor will run on a sole ticket without a running mate and will appoint a deputy on election from the opposite gender.

10. The counties will be allocated a minimum of 35 percent of the national assembly.

NB: This 10 predictions are not on the final report. But are just predictions on what might be on final report of the BBI.

5 Best Hotels in Nakuru.

An Aerial view of Nakuru town photo: Courtesy.

By Yuvenalis Wakoli.

Nakuru is a developed town located in the Rift valley region of Kenya. Nakuru not only offers the best schools and transport facilities but also offers the best hotels in the region.

Here are the top 5 must visit hotels in Nakuru that offers the best accommodation that you’ll want to visit again and again.

1. Sarova Woodlands Hotel & Suites.

It is a luxury accommodation situated in Lake Nakuru National Park, off the highway of Nairobi-Nakuru, Milimani area. The hotel is affordable and convenient for visitors staying in Nakuru or planning to visit Nakuru.

With its panoramic view of Sarova woodlands, the park and surrounding ateast, the facility offers more services including A restaurant that serves different meals both continental and African.

The facility also offers a blue swimming pool, free parking, conference centre, health and fitness centre, Excellent and clean beddings.

2. Merica Hotel.

Merica hotel is a small luxury hotel located in Nakuru. The hotel features a concierge and room services. Merica hotel puts the best of Nakuru at your fingerprints, making your stay both relaxing and enjoyable.

The facility offers free parking, fitness centre, business centre, conference centre, a swimming pool. The hotel also offers a flat screen TV in the rooms, and is easy to stay connected during your stay as free Wi-Fi is offered to the guests.

3. Hotel Waterbuck.

The hotel is located in Nakuru. A 3 mins walk from Kampala coach. The facility is also 500m away from Uchumi supermarket (Nakuru).

The hotel offers the following services/activities; free parking, fitness centre, golf course, evening entertainment, hiking, fitness class Airport shuttle etc.

Rooms include a terrace with pool views and free Wi-Fi.

4. Taidy’s suites.

The hotel is set in Nakuru. 1.9 km from Westside mall. The facility offers accommodation with a restaurant, free parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a bar.

Other facilities at the hotel include; 24 hour front desk and room services along with free Wi-Fi throughout the facility. The accommodation provides evening entertainment and a shared lounge.

5. The Legacy Hotel & Suites.

Located in Nakuru, 1.3 miles from Westside mall. Legacy hotel and suites provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, free high speed Wi-Fi, fitness centre, Business centre, swimming pool, children activities, housekeeping, Room services etc.