- Edgar Ignatius Otieno, known as the well-dressed pencil hawker along Nairobi’s Kenyatta Avenue, has stirred curiosity among locals for nearly two decades
- Despite suspicions labeling him as an undercover agent, Edgar remains steadfast in his pursuit of earning a livelihood through selling pencils
- With a daily average income of Sh. 1,500, Edgar sustains his family of three, emphasizing that his pencil hawking is his primary source of income
In the bustling streets of Nairobi’s Kenyatta Avenue, among the sea of pedestrians and honking cars, one figure stands out—a well-dressed man confidently selling pencils to commuters stuck in traffic.
This man is Edgar Ignatius Otieno, a household name known for his impeccable attire and unconventional occupation.
For nearly two decades, Edgar has been a fixture along Kenyatta Avenue, plying his trade as a pencil hawker.
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Donned in tailored suits, complete with a pocket square adorning his coat, he exudes an air of sophistication that belies his humble profession.
However, behind the façade of corporate attire lies a story of resilience and determination.
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Despite suspicions from onlookers, who often speculate that Edgar might be an undercover agent gathering intelligence, he remains steadfast in his assertion that he is merely a hardworking citizen striving to make ends meet.
Born and raised in Busia, Edgar’s journey to the streets of Nairobi is a testament to his unwavering commitment to providing for his family.
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In a recent interview, Edgar revealed that he earns an average of Sh. 1,500 per day from his pencil sales—a modest yet sustainable income that supports his wife and three children.
His decision to pursue this unconventional career path stemmed from a desire to break free from the constraints of traditional employment.
Educated with a diploma in social work from the University of Eldoret, Edgar’s transition from a sales representative at Barclays Bank (now Absa) to a street hawker raised eyebrows among acquaintances.
However, he remains unfazed by criticism, emphasizing that his pencil hawking business is his main source of income and has enabled him to educate his children.
Sourcing his pencils from shops in River Road, Edgar strategically positions himself at traffic hotspots, notably around the General Post Office (GPO), where he can engage with potential customers.
Despite facing challenges inherent to street vending, including fluctuations in foot traffic and inclement weather, Edgar maintains a positive outlook on his chosen profession.
