Justus Volo with some of the drums he makes at Kibuye market in Kisumu. Photo/Jacob owiti
When Justus Volo was sacked in 2002 by a fisheries company in Kisumu, he saw this as an eye opener to venture into his own business.
“As a family man, I had to find a way of getting income that can support me and my family,” he says.
After many false starts, which included selling second-hand clothes, Mr Volo was introduced to making traditional musical instruments by a friend— a business he says has brought good tidings.
“I have been able to count my rewards after getting into this business. It is much better than the others I tried my hands in.”
Using wood as the main raw material, Mr Volo makes different products including drum, tambourines, and kayambas.
From a capital of Sh3,000, he now gets around Sh10,000 per month, an amount he says is enough to support his family.
“It is its small capital that attracted me to the business so now I am happy with the pay-offs,” said Mr Volo.
Coming from the eastern side of Kenya where crafting is popular, Mr Volo says it did not take him long to polish his skills.
“I was taught art and craft in school and back crafts-making is common and I engaged in it even before I cleared school so I did not have any problem learning this one,” he said.
As a way of expanding the business, the 40-year-old father of three started making other products like cooking sticks.
“Making drums alone was not enough so I had to think of how I can get more money,” he said.
Targets Kisumu
He mainly targets Kisumu buyers though at times he and his partner get customers from other parts of the country and world.
Musical instruments like drums are popular and common in the region and are mainly purchased by churches and musicians.
“Ohangla is common in this region and drums are one of the must-have instruments for that genre of music so the musicians normally come here to purchase new sets,” said Mr Volo.
The prices of the products differ depending on the type with a set of four drums going for Sh4,500 while a single drum costs Sh700.
One cooking stick goes for Sh20 but it costs Sh10 for each if bought in bulk. Mr Volo adds that African churches are also among his target market.
“The Legio Maria church is based here in Kisumu, Israel churches are also common in the area and they mainly use drums as their musical instruments so that is an advantage to the business,” he said.
Even though what he earned during his employment days was higher than what he gets now, Mr Volo is not regretting anything as he says the retrenchment was an eye opener for him.
“I have learnt to be independent and not rely on anyone for salary, I have also realised that I can live a better life even if I am earning little money as long as I plan well with what I get,” he said.
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