How a Kisumu College Student Juggles Construction Work and Selling Veggies at Night to Survive

Lavenda Akoth wakes up before sunrise and finishes late at night — not because she wants to, but because life left her with no other choice. At just 24, this Kisumu college student balances hard labor on mjengo sites by day and selling vegetables by night just to stay afloat.

Her story is one of grit, determination, and responsibility — a reality faced by many young Kenyans struggling with rising costs and limited opportunities.

Early Life Was Tough

Lavenda lost her mother when she was still in nursery school. Her father disappeared soon after, leaving her and her younger siblings to be raised by their grandmother.

Growing up, she sold porridge and githeri just to help her grandmother cover basic needs. But instead of giving up on her dreams, she pushed on.

Dreams Interrupted — But Not Defeated

After completing high school in 2020, Lavenda hoped to become a teacher. She even got a letter from St Paul’s University in Kondolee but had no money to pay the fees.

Instead of quitting, she sold food to raise cash — a small hustle that taught her how to survive with nothing but determination.

A New Path — Mjengo Work and Night Hustle

A chance introduction to civil engineering opened a new door. She enrolled for the course and started working at construction sites during the day to earn money.

Still, construction wages weren’t enough to cover fees, rent, and household needs. So in the evenings, she operates a vegetable stall to supplement her income.