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Part IV. Rise and Glory
were few. They were able to save enough to send money back home to the family.
From Mombasa the railway line had reached Nairobi. The central offices of the government were moved to Nairobi, which was made the capital. A lot of construction had begun in Nairobi. From Mombasa many moved to Nairobi, as the opportunities were even better. The population in Nairobi was increasing much more rapidly than in other places.
The news of similar opportunities in Mwanza, Tanganyika was received, therefore many people moved there.
The Oshwals in the early period mainly settled down in Mombasa, Mwanza and Nairobi. The largest numbers settled in Nairobi, then Mombasa and some in Mwanza. After opening small private businesses, many called for their family members and permanent settlement thus began in East Africa.
As time passed better educated people started coming. With good references and contacts they were able to procure better jobs as clerks and accountants in bigger and wealthier firms run by Indian Muslims. Because of clean, hard and honest work they were given more and more responsibilities and received better salaries. But most desired to be independent, therefore after acquiring enough experience they started their own small businesses.
Many people followed their example. Soon there were quite a few businesses flourishing in Mombasa and Nairobi. The community started gaining a foothold in small businesses. More and more people started coming to East Africa. They were given jobs, helped financially and were encouraged to open their own businesses.