Books have laid food on my table, spread smiles upon the faces of my loved ones, and kept my children in school. Books have been the beacon of hope when everything seemed to be falling apart. Not many businesses offer inspiration and spiritual support as readily as a book salesman.

I didn’t wake up a book salesman. I’ve sold matooke before and sold beddings, but no job has ensnared me like the book business. I hope to open up a bookshop someday should my savings grow sufficient enough to allow me to afford a decent place. It’s a dream I have. I traverse the city suburbs selling books to schools and learning centres throughout the day. When the stars light up the sky, I find a convenient place along the lit streets to sell these used books till about 11 pm when I retire home.

I read up to three books every month; some books I read to completion, most I don’t because they get bought before I am through with them. You wouldn’t tell a customer you can’t sell them a book because you are reading it. I get most of my books from Kenya. A brother of mine who lives in Nairobi sends the books by bus. These paged things have educated my children. I have often negotiated with schools to allow my children to study. In return, I offer some books to the schools. Ultimately it’s a win-win situation for the school and me.

Katwakura Edward, 47