At just 19 years old, Victor Muthambure from Majengo estate in Thika, is proving that art is not just a pastime but a pathway to both self-reliance and a promising future.
Muthambure, a first-year student at Buruburu Institute of Fine Arts in Nairobi, has turned his natural talent into a source of income that helps him cover personal expenses and even supplement his school fees.
He traces his journey back to Class Five, when he admired a classmate who sketched cartoons. Inspired, he began replicating characters from television, gradually honing his craft. His biggest cheerleader was his mother, who not only encouraged his budding passion but also bought him pencils and watercolours that became the foundation of his artistic growth.
Balancing college studies with a growing art career, Muthambure follows a strict routine. He dedicates an hour and a half each morning to academics, followed by an equal amount of time to drawing, and repeats the same in the evening after classes. Weekends and holidays are dedicated to commissioned pieces and roadside sales of his paintings, which attract both passersby and clients.
Nature and wildlife inspire his work. From rivers, forests, and mountains to elephants, lions, and portraits of customers, Muthambure seeks to capture Kenya’s beauty and culture on canvas. Depending on complexity, his paintings take between a day and three to complete.
His efforts are paying off, literally. He earns about Sh25,000 a month, enough for pocket money and at times to offset tuition shortfalls.
“It hasn’t been easy, but every finished piece is a step closer to my goals,” Muthambure said, outlining the dedication required to manage both school and business. “I believe talent can feed, educate, and build futures if given the right environment.”
Yet, like many creatives, Muthambure faces hurdles: the rising costs of materials, such as canvases, frames, and paints, often stall his work. Worse still, some clients fail to pay, resulting in financial losses for him. At other times, roadside displays also come with risks, such as dust and sudden rains occasionally damaging his pieces.
READ ALSO:
Jubilation as Elgeyo Marakwet teacher wins global award for child protection initiative
Despite these setbacks, he remains determined. “The biggest challenge is definitely the cost of materials; good quality paint and frames are expensive and can sometimes eat into my profit,” he stated. “But you just have to keep going, keep painting, and keep believing in your work.”
His customers are strong advocates for his talent. Everlyne Wamuyu, a client, praised his unique eye for detail.
“Victor’s creativity is incredible; each unique piece adds so much charm and elegance to my home,” Wamuyu commented.
Another customer, Dennis Gitonga, agreed, saying, “It’s amazing to see such quality work from a young Kenyan. His dedication shines through in every stroke.”
In a country where unemployment remains high, the arts offer a viable alternative to traditional livelihoods. For Muthambure, the message is clear: talent can feed, educate, and build futures if given the right environment.
Muthambure’s aspirations go beyond personal gain. He dreams of opening an art gallery to showcase his paintings locally and internationally, while also providing a platform for other young talents.
Muthambure’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and foresight, a reminder that Kenya’s youth, with the right encouragement and structures, can turn talent into triumph.
By Felix Wanderi
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
