This archive report was first published on 5 August 2020.
Robinson Kimani's story is one of perseverance and innovation. Born and raised in Kenya, he began his career as a matatu driver, navigating the chaotic roads of Nakuru and Nairobi. However, he soon realized that this line of work was not for everyone and that the reality on the ground was far from the impressive math on paper.
Kimani's experience as a matatu driver taught him valuable lessons that he still applies today. He learned the importance of being honest and reliable, skills that would serve him well in his future endeavors. He also discovered the value of diversifying his income streams, a lesson he learned from his mother, who sold mitumba (second-hand clothes) in the 1980s.
After saving up from his matatu driving days, Kimani invested in the mitumba business, which eventually became his main source of income. However, he soon realized that the 'American Dream' was not as elusive as he thought. He moved to the United States in 2013, where he worked odd jobs, including driving long-distance trucks. This experience taught him that success is not solely dependent on hard work, but also on making informed choices.
Kimani's time in the United States was a turning point in his life. He saved up and eventually returned to Kenya, where he started a car hire service, Rokim Shuttle Services. With six vans in operation, the business has been successful, with each vehicle generating a maximum of Sh100,000 on a good month. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the business, forcing Kimani to close doors and lay off staff for two months.
Despite the challenges, Kimani remains hopeful that the situation will normalize, and the economy will fully reopen. He has learned valuable lessons from his experiences, including the importance of listening to his employees' suggestions and diversifying his investments. As he looks to the future, Kimani is confident that his entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability will continue to serve him well.
