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Kenya: Golfer Turns to Selling African Attire As Covid-19 Bites – Video

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4 years ago

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Sportsmen have been forced to seek alternative sources of income to sustain their livelihoods during the ongoing pandemic and Muthaiga golf club-based caddie Peter Mbatia is no different.

On a typical day, you would find 52-year-old Peter Mbatia on a golf course creating magical moments with pro golf players as a caddie.

But, with the suspension of sporting activities in the country, Mbatia has resorted to selling African print-inspired shoes and handbags to make ends meet.

“I have tried to sustain myself in selling the African products like the handbags and the sandals the hurts and of course the purses but at the moment with the economy, as it is, they are not selling. So I’m trying to get into the boutiques where they sell ladies items the clothing but they are still saying that their businesses are not struggling and they don’t have customers so at this moment they can’t order anything,” he told Nairobi News.

Mbatia, who has been a caddie since 1995, has earned a living from some of the top golfing tournaments including the Magical Kenya Open and the Kenya national golfers championships that have enabled him to earn a living in the city with an overflowing number of clients in any competition filled golf year.

“Being in this bag selling business has been a big culture shock for me especially in terms of getting clients and making money because since sports activities were suspended I get at least one client in a good week otherwise I am doomed.

“Members from all the clubs came out to assist their caddies in terms of cash, and of course food packages during the first wave of Covid-19 last year. I’m calling on well-wishers, or anyone can partner with the KNCA or any other club, call upon captains of these clubs tell them you want to bring this kind of food packages so that caddies can survive,” he adds.