Last month, a ‘mayai smokie‘ seller became an online sensation in Kenya when people on social media rallied to support his business.
They flocked to buy his food every evening, helping him clear his stock.
However, things have taken an unexpected turn.
A few days ago, a Twitter user named @Gesonso1, who runs a ‘mayai smokie’ stand near the Kenya National Archives in Tom Mboya Street, launched a campaign.
His goal was to raise money for a college education to improve his culinary skills and get a better-paying job as a chef.
Initially, this idea sounded noble.
But as days passed, many found it rather unrealistic.
They questioned the wisdom of raising 1 million Kenyan shillings for cooking classes when the internet is full of self-taught chefs who make a good living from creating food content.
Critics argued that Gesonso had misplaced priorities.
They believed that with a million shillings, he could start his own small restaurant and hire qualified chefs while learning cooking skills online or from a private tutor.
Some pointed out successful self-taught chefs like Dennis Ombachi and Chef Maliha Mohammed.
They didn’t spend a fortune to learn basic cooking techniques.
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Despite the well-intentioned advice from concerned individuals, Gesonso remained determined.
He even responded rudely to some of his followers, insisting that he was committed to attending school and had a solid plan.
Many Kenyans on Twitter were frustrated that Gesonso seemed to be taking advantage of their kindness and wanted more from them.
They were also upset that he chose an international school, making the situation more complicated.
Gesonso opted for Boma International Hospitality College, which claims to be a top Pan-African Hospitality College with origins in Sweden, and Europe.
When asked why he chose Boma over local hospitality colleges, he replied confidently, “Why did you Choose Boma, of all the available Hospitality colleges?”
In response, a well-known Twitter personality, @MwendeFrey, said, “First Boma is an International college chances za kumaliza na kupata kazi outside the country are high unlike kuenda Local training college (laugh emoji)!”
In summary, the ‘mayai smokie’ vendor’s ambitious plan to raise money for culinary school has sparked a debate online, with some questioning the feasibility of his goal, while others continue to support his efforts.
