This archive report was first published on 11 September 2021.
Aquarium Business Booms in Kenya ¶
Kenya's aquarium trade is experiencing a surge in popularity, with entrepreneurs like Martin Mwimbi and Nick Sitima capitalizing on the trend.
At 31, Mwimbi has been making and selling aquariums for five years. He started by learning from a friend who had a small aquarium in Chuka and has since built a successful business, Aquacentury Interior Solutions, with a presence at Star Mall on Tom Mboya Street in Nairobi.
With over 300 aquariums made and sold, Mwimbi's business has been thriving. He employs four people and has no upper price limit for his custom-made aquariums, with prices ranging from Sh13,000 to Sh130,000.
According to Mwimbi, most of his clients are women, who appreciate the detail of colors and other elements of décor. He also advises his clients on how to maintain their aquariums, including feeding the fish and ensuring the water quality.
However, Mwimbi notes that there is a knowledge gap among the population, with many people believing that maintaining an aquarium is expensive. He disputes this, saying that Sh300 is enough to feed ten fish in a month.
Another entrepreneur, Nick Sitima, is also making waves in the aquarium trade. As the founder of FishPet and Aquariums Kenya, Sitima focuses on fish ponds as well as aquariums. He has seven employees and offers custom-made aquariums, with prices ranging from Sh3,500 to millions of shillings.
Sitima notes that the changing local markets have made it easier for aquarists to operate, with local glass companies manufacturing glasses that can be used in aquariums. He also emphasizes the importance of sourcing fish from reputable suppliers, as some species cannot coexist.
Both Mwimbi and Sitima agree that rearing fish is not as costly as many people believe, and that it is less expensive than keeping other pets. They also note that aquariums have a calming effect, which is great for mental wellness.
