This archive report was first published on 22 June 2021.
June 22, 2021, marked the beginning of a unique mobile barbershop service in Kenya, courtesy of Barkat Ali Manji.
Manji, a Kenyan barber, has converted his van into a mobile barbershop, allowing him to visit clients' homes in Nairobi and its environs.
With a daily client base of around 10 individuals, Manji charges Ksh3,000 for a haircut.
Manji's business idea was inspired by the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to wary clients inviting him to their homes for services.
After conducting research and several visits, Manji decided to convert his van into a barbershop, catering to the needs of billionaires, politicians, and celebrities.
"My friend and I were just watching videos on YouTube about the mobile barbershops in the UK and we thought it was a great idea and immediately I decided to take the risk," Manji stated.
Despite initial difficulties in installing water and electricity in the moving van, Manji persevered and learned from the experience.
His goal is to create a comfortable ambience for his clients, making them forget they are in a car.
However, traffic on major highways remains a significant challenge for Manji, forcing him to sleep only four hours a day and sometimes arrive at clients' homes as early as 5 am.
Notably, prominent personalities such as former Kiambu governor William Kabogo and musician Otile Brown have embraced Manji's mobile barber service.
Manji's determination and risk-taking have paid off, and he believes that his service will continue to grow in the near future.
