Bolton Bosire, a viral smokie vendor who identifies himself as Masao and uses the username @Gesonso 1 on X, has sparked an online debate.
After graduating from the Africa Nazarene University with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, accounting option, Masao resorted to selling boiled eggs- among other street foods in Nairobi to make ends meet.
He broke into the limelight after photos of his street food business, better known as “Smokie Pasua” or “Mayai Pasua,” surfaced on X.
The photos sparked an abrupt surge in fame and publicity, which has since transformed his business at a stunning rate.
In a show of comradeship, Kenyans on Twitter, a community of influential and active X users, turned out in significant numbers to promote his hustle.
How KOX made the smokie vendor famous
Different users flocked to his spot, situated adjacent to the Archives landmark in Nairobi’s Central Business District, in what turned out to be a trend of buying Masao’s smokies and posting photos on the X timeline.
Speaking exclusively to The Kenya Times, Masao confirmed that his daily sales have increased significantly since earning the publicity on X.
From one user to another, members of the KOX community dropped by his site and at times in groups to savor the street delicacies together.
With the photos shared online came compliments and words of encouragement coming from X users who were out to motivate one of their own who had shown determination to beat the challenge of unemployment.
However, things took a sudden turn on September 4, when Masao appealed to the online community for help in raising KSh 1 million to pursue a Culinary Diploma course.
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Users on X expressed their rage and disapproval of the idea, with many floating ideas on how Masao could best use the overnight publicity to grow as an entrepreneur.
Judging by the reactions, the idea of raising KSh 1 million to help a hustler pursue his dream course was not well-received.
Masao’s Side of the Story
However, Masao is adamant that he had a point and deserved to be heard out. In an interview, the now-popular smokie vendor says that he began cooking at an early age and hence developed a passion for catering.
According to him, a Culinary Diploma is likely to lead to a career in catering, not only in Kenya but also abroad.
When asked about his insistence on a college that offers the course for a fee far higher than at some local institutions, Masao asserts that credentials from a recognized international institution would increase his chances of landing a job abroad.
“First Boma is an international college, chances of graduating and finding a job outside the country are high unlike enrolling in a Local training college,” he asserts.
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Family
In addition, Masao mentions his family as one of the reasons he would like to succeed in his ambition.
While making it clear that his family has always managed to solve problems, the now-popular vendor expressed his desire to help his family in the future.
His dream to enroll for the course remains valid, according to him, despite the uncertainties over how to raise school fees.
To the users trolling him for his stance and dreams, Masao has one message to part with: that “God will make a way for all of us.
“Kenyans who are trolling my dream, I may tell them nobody knows what tomorrow holds. We are all on the same journey,” he stated.
