In a quiet workshop nestled in the heart of Kabarak University, Martin Nicodemus meticulously shapes leather into artisanal creations. His journey from a curious student to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Martin’s Leather and Cottage Industry is not just a story of entrepreneurship but a testament to resilience and passion. It is, therefore, only right to centre this narrative around choices—a tale of a young man who unearthed his knack for leadership and nurtured a strong entrepreneurial spirit.

Martin’s journey began in 2003. His childhood was coloured by the toil of his farmer father and the nurturing presence of his housewife mother. This was amidst the rolling hills and vast landscapes of Makueni County.

There was nothing fancy about how he grew up. As a matter of fact, you can tell he grew up impoverished. Broaching the subject of his upbringing stirs some sadness, and his otherwise bright smile leaves his face. He and his eleven siblings often went without basic necessities like adequate food and clothing. “Attending school was a dream, but the chances were slim,” he recalled.

Young Martin, however, dreamt of education beyond primary school. He needed to escape the harsh realities back home and move far away. It was a do-or-die situation. And he plotted. “I did my KCPE exams in 2016 and at the back of my mind, I knew if I went to a secondary day school, everything would be over for me,” Martin said.

Soon after, the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) results were out. Martin scored 340 marks; ten points shy of his target. This was not enough to secure him a spot at a school far away from home. According to him, boarding school was his only pathway to a brighter future. He hated home that much.

With unwavering optimism and driven by the belief that education could transform his life, he decided to repeat class eight, hoping to secure at least 350 marks and get a scholarship for his secondary education. On a fateful day, his teacher went to class carrying different scholarship forms from the M-PESA Foundation Academy, the Wings to Fly program and the Makueni County Scholarship program. In a class of 32, these were only given to the top three students, one of whom was Martin.

They applied, and out of the three, Martin was lucky to get an interview invite from the Academy. After several home visits and due diligence takes from the Academy, he bagged a spot at the M-PESA Foundation Academy. Things were finally looking up. The KCPE results were also released, and he’d gotten 343 marks. For the next few weeks, Martin could not sleep from the anticipation of travelling to a new county and a new school.

The Academy was relatively new, located in Thika, miles away from his hometown, and the outcomes were unknown. “But life there was sweet,” he reflected with a smile, recalling the nurturing environment that encouraged his curiosity and innovation.

“At the Academy, I joined a student-led initiative known as Josiri.” Josiri is an enterprise programme that provides different skills such as printing, cloth and shoe repair, laundromat skills and cooking to students. Martin quickly immersed himself in shoe repair and learnt the intricacies of footwear. This saw him gain quite a reputation in school and he currently serves as the treasurer of the Foundation’s Alumni Association.

Besides Josiri, Martin was also a member of the Young Innovators Club. “We crafted everything from liquid soap to detergents, nurturing an innovative spirit that later blossomed.”

In 2022, he joined Kabarak University, pursuing Economics and Finance. “In December, I realised I had a skill; that the M-PESA Foundation Academy nurtured me, but I was not utilising that opportunity,” Martin said.

Armed with skills and some savings, he transformed his bedsitter into a makeshift workshop. With a sewing machine as his first tool, Martin began crafting during his free time and after classes before recruiting and training some of his classmates on the same.

“I tried to create some belts, and they turned out crooked. They were not perfect. I remember I only sold two; I used one and donated the rest because they were not fit for the market.” Martin said amidst a laugh.

Luckily for him, established alumni in the industry offered him guidance that was crucial in his development as a craftsman. “My leatherwork skills have since evolved. I started with basic belts, and now we’re making shoes,” he said proudly.

Over time, Martin’s Leather and Cottage Industry has moved premises and is now located in Rafiki town near Kabarak University. They now deal in a variety of products, from formal men’s shoes to stylish sandals and innovative designs using locally sourced materials such as leather, velvet and denim, striving to meet the everyday needs of millions of Kenyans.

Financial and economic challenges have been his biggest hurdle. He recounted the initial struggle to procure machinery and tools essential for quality production. “Starting with basic machines meant slower output and lower quality, compelling us to reinvest every shilling back into the business to upgrade our equipment.”

Balancing academics with business has also been tasking. “As students, juggling classes alongside business operations and leadership roles demands meticulous time management,” Martin reflected. He has, however, learnt to absorb the downside that comes with great ambition.

“The M-PESA Foundation Academy changed everything for me,” Martin emphasised. “If it weren’t for them, my life would be completely different today.”

Inspired by the opportunities he received, Martin founded the Unawiri Children Foundation, dedicated to supporting underprivileged children. “It’s about giving back what I received,” he explained. Through mentorship, scholarships, and sports programmes, Martin and his team aim to create opportunities for others, just as he was given.

Looking forward, Martin dreams of expanding his business and continuing to impact his community. “It’s about taking risks and embracing opportunities.” His journey from a small village in Makueni County to a leader in his community attests to his unwavering spirit and the transformative power of education.

“To achieve something big, you have to take that risk,” Martin concluded. His journey is a beacon of hope, illuminating the path for others to follow in pursuit of their dreams.