SMALL PALACE

 

Birth of James Ploti — Chapter 5: 

Small House, Palace Living Atmosphere

Moving to Nairobi was a great eye-opener for James. It taught him that opportunity does not belong only to a privileged few; it belongs to anyone willing to work, learn, and grow. He made a quiet vow that no opportunity would ever be locked out for someone determined to rise.

Back in the village, James had known a strong, hardworking young man who helped his father and family with daily chores. The young man had been nicknamed Ndaka, meaning “Mud.” He was determined, resilient, and ready to challenge any odds that stood between him and a better life.

When James began creating comedy skits to promote his beauty products, Ndaka became part of the act. He played the role of the old grandfather, bringing humour and life to the performances. His willingness to laugh, work, and support James made him more than a friend—he became part of the journey.

A New Home in Nairobi

James later invited Ndaka to move to Nairobi and look for manual work in Kariobangi. Ndaka was fortunate to secure a job at a timber yard, where he helped fix doors. It was not glamorous work, but it was honest work, and it gave him a foothold in the city.

That same year, James’s brother completed college and needed an industrial attachment. James welcomed him into his home and helped him secure an attachment at the hotel where he worked as a security guard. In this way, James’s small house became a launching pad for young men searching for their place in Nairobi.

They all lived together in a one-roomed house in Umoja 3, an area then popularly referred to as shamba. Umoja, in Nairobi’s Eastlands, had grown into a densely populated residential area, while nearby Kariobangi was known for its working-class estates and industrial activity.�

No Job Is Small

James taught the young men one important lesson: no job is a small job. Whether one was fixing doors, guarding a hotel, selling products, or performing in a comedy skit, every effort carried dignity and purpose.

They worked hard, shared responsibilities, and made sure they never lacked food on the table. Whenever James earned a few coins, he made sure there was always a supply of unga, rice, potatoes, and eggs—simple foods that made quick meals for young bachelors living on hustle and hope.

Their house may have been small, but it carried the atmosphere of a palace. It was filled with laughter, ambition, shared meals, late-night conversations, and the belief that tomorrow could be better than today.

The House Became a Haven

With time, James moved to a one-bedroom house. He then invited more friends from the village—and beyond—to come to Nairobi, stay with them, and look for opportunities.

In the mornings, the small house looked like an ant chamber. Young men would rise early, prepare themselves, and head into the busy streets of a growing Nairobi to hustle. Each carried a dream: to find work, earn a living, build a future, and one day stand on their own.

Nairobi was not easy. It demanded patience, courage, discipline, and sacrifice. But within that small house, the young men found brotherhood. They encouraged one another, celebrated small wins, and refused to give up when life became difficult.

Blessings and New Beginnings

God blessed them in different ways. One by one, the young men began to settle into their own paths. Some found stable work, others grew in business, and others moved forward into new opportunities.

Before James left Nairobi for the next chapter of his life in Burundi, the small house had already fulfilled a greater purpose. It was not merely a place where young men slept; it was a place where dreams were protected, character was built, and futures began.

James had learned that success is not only measured by what one gains for oneself, but also by the lives one helps to lift along the way.

Watch out for Chapter 6.