Who is Kayerts from Short Story Masterpieces and what is their importance?

Kayerts is a character in the story, Outpost of Progress. He is the chief of an outpost station in Africa. Kayerts is described as a short, heavy set, who is working to make money to pay for his daughter's wedding. Once in Africa, however, it becomes clear that Kayerts is not suited for the life. In the end, Kayerts commits suicide.