Kenyan actor Tony Makau is selling groceries to make ends meet as the Covid-19 pandemic strains the world's economy.
Kenya Film and Classification Board CEO Ezekiel Mutua on Wednesday, May 13, 2020, stated that he was willing to extend a helping hand to the former Auntie Boss actor, praising him for innovating to cope with the economic constraints brought about by the pandemic.
"I have ready the story of actor Tony Makau who has turned into selling groceries to make ends meet. I am touched beyond words. This is a positive spirit and adaptability in the face of the Covid-19 crisis. I would like to help, even if to just boost his grocery business," Mutua stated.
In a feature aired on KTN News on May 11, Makau revealed that Covid-19 had brought with it many challenges in the film industry with production houses shutting down.
"I had to think of what to do. I sat at home for a week. All there is to do is eat, watch a movie and sleep. After two weeks, I felt that I could not manage that life, and I decided to look for work," Makau narrated.
"Where I live, I saw people have vehicles with which they sell fruits, vegetables, and thought to myself, why don't I do it also because I have a small vehicle," he added.
It is then that he asked the vendors where they got their produce from, and they offered him advice.
Despite being used to the on-stage suit game, Makau revealed that he had to cope with the poor state of the markets to earn his due at the end of the day. For the first venture, he sold fruits, before later diversifying.
"The first day went well. I sold a whole sack in two hours. The second, lasted three days and so I decided to mix it up a little. I carried out research on what specifically was lacking or not in abundance in most kiosks at our estate," Makau narrated.
The Maza actor admitted that the move he had made was a gamble since he had chosen to follow what he saw random people do, however, it turned out well for him.
"What pushed me is regardless of me being a celebrity or an actor or someone who does clean jobs, is the responsibility I have. I have a mum who depends on me and my kids. Let me do something to get something," he stated.
Makau in the course of his career has featured in; Maza, Moyo, Sumu la Penzi, Auntie Boss, Karen Blixen, and American science fiction drama web TV series Sense 8.
