As Kenya Marks Mashujaa Day, Samchi Boss Says Real Heroes Are Those Who Work Hard to Put Decent Meal on the Table
As Kenya celebrates Mashujaa Day, Samchi Group Chief Executive Officer Dr. Esther Muchemi has called on the nation to honour a special category of heroes – the ordinary Kenyans who wake up every day and put in extra effort to put a decent meal on the table and earn an honest living.
In her Mashujaa Day message, Dr. Muchemi said while the country rightfully celebrates freedom fighters and national icons, it must also celebrate the unsung heroes in markets, workshops, streets and small businesses who keep the economy moving through sheer resilience.
“As we celebrate Mashujaa Day, let’s celebrate those who put an extra effort to put a decent meal on the table. Those who strive to earn an honest living. The SMEs, the jua kali artisans, the mama mboga, the boda boda rider, the tailor, the carpenter,” Dr. Muchemi said.
According to Dr. Muchemi, who heads the diversified Samchi Group with interests in hospitality, real estate and agribusiness, true heroism today is found in the daily hustle of millions of Kenyans who refuse to give up despite tough economic times.
She noted that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) remain the backbone of Kenya’s economy, contributing over 33 percent of GDP and employing over 80 percent of the workforce. Yet these entrepreneurs operate in the most difficult conditions – with limited capital, high cost of production, and unpredictable markets.
“Our SMEs are our true mashujaas. They borrow to start. They wake up at 4am to go to Gikomba, to Wakulima, to Kawangware. They persevere. They employ one, two, three other people. That is heroism that must be celebrated,” she said.
Dr. Muchemi singled out the jua kali sector, saying its innovators embody the spirit of Mashujaa Day – courage, sacrifice and selflessness. From the welders in Kariobangi to shoemakers in Kariokor, mechanics in Industrial Area and metal workers in Gikomba, she said these Kenyans have turned raw ideas into livelihoods without waiting for government employment.
“The jua kali artisan does not wait for things to happen. He makes things happen. He takes a piece of metal and turns it into a gate. He takes an old tyre and makes a sandal. That is creativity, that is patriotism, that is heroism,” she added.
The Samchi Group CEO said this year’s Mashujaa Day should be a moment of reflection on how to better support these everyday heroes. She called for deliberate policies that make it easier to do business in Kenya, including affordable credit for SMEs, reduction of harassment by county authorities, access to decent workspaces, and recognition of informal sector skills.
She challenged financial institutions and the government to walk the talk on supporting SMEs, not just with slogans but with practical, low-interest capital and business development support.
“Let’s give our SMEs and jua kali sector not just applause on Mashujaa Day, but real tools to grow. Let us celebrate them by making their business environment better, by buying Kenya, building Kenya, and believing in their hustle,” Dr. Muchemi said.
Dr. Muchemi, who is herself celebrated as one of Kenya’s most resilient entrepreneurs having built Samchi Group from humble beginnings to a leading enterprise, said her journey has taught her that honest work dignifies humanity.
She said putting food on the table through honest labour is the highest form of integrity in a society where shortcuts are tempting.
“To everyone who is earning an honest living today – you are a shujaa. You may not be on TV, you may not have a medal, but your children see you, your family sees you, your community feels your impact. Kenya stands because you wake up and work,” she said.
As the nation marks Mashujaa Day, she urged Kenyans to support a local small business, appreciate a jua kali artisan, and acknowledge the dignity of labour.
“Happy Mashujaa Day to all Kenyans. Today we celebrate you – the worker, the hustler, the small business owner. You are the reason Kenya moves forward,” Dr. Muchemi concluded.