This archive report was first published on 26 June 2020.
Surviving the Unseen ¶
June 26, 2020
Patrick Namwambah, the CEO of Saints Health Club in Nairobi, has been at the forefront of adapting his business to the Covid-19 crisis. With a 20-point safety framework in place since before the virus arrived in Kenya, Patrick's gym has been a beacon of hope for its members.
When the government ordered all public places and non-essential businesses to shut down, Patrick was faced with a daunting task. With a new investment worth over Sh3 million, he had to make tough decisions to keep his employees on the payroll. He declared redundancy and renegotiated payment plans for his bank loans, all while operating in a church environment where the landlord suspended rent.
Patrick's foresight and quick thinking have been instrumental in keeping his business afloat. He has been studying the feasibility of decommissioning 50% of the equipment, replacing it when business is fully back. This drastic measure has allowed him to lease out or sell equipment to clients training at home, generating revenue and keeping his employees employed.
As the world grapples with the pandemic, Patrick's gym has been a shining example of resilience. With a strong internet connection, he has been monitoring global fitness trends and adapting his business to meet the new demands. He has generated instructional material in video and PDF every week to share exclusively with members, and has given them the option to rent out equipment for use at home.
With social distancing measures in place, the gym will operate on a schedule-based system, with only 15 people allowed to train at a time. Locker rooms and showers will be off-limits, and male and female members will be admitted on a 5:4 ratio. The operating time has been contracted drastically, with the gym closing at 3:30 pm to allow for cleaning and disinfection.
Patrick's commitment to his members' safety and well-being has been unwavering. He has implemented a screening process, using hospital-grade disinfectants and sanitisers, and providing members with wipers to clean equipment. His staff will be monitoring everything at the gym to ensure that hygiene protocols are adhered to.
As the gym prepares to reopen, Patrick is optimistic about the future. He hopes to have 90% of his members back within 60-90 days, and is confident that his business will emerge stronger than ever. With a loyal client base and a steadfast commitment to his members' safety, Patrick Namwambah is a true champion of resilience in the face of adversity.
