This archive report was first published on 25 October 2019.
From Passion to Business ¶
October 25, 2019
Duncan Wanjohi, co-founder of Smart Gyms, met his wife Vinita at the gym in Parklands Sports Club in 2005. Vinita, a health and wellness expert, had just returned from Canada with a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Saskatchewan. Duncan, who had spent 10 years studying and working in the US, was immediately drawn to Vinita's enthusiasm and passion for fitness.
After getting married in 2008, the couple began working together to realize Vinita's dream of democratizing the fitness space in Kenya. In 2016, they opened the doors to Smart Gyms at Junction Mall, a 9,000 sq ft facility that was the largest commercial gym in the country at the time.
Today, Smart Gyms is set to open its fourth branch at the Hub mall in Karen, with a focus on providing a convenient and affordable fitness experience for Kenyans. Duncan credits his wife's expertise and vision for the success of the business, saying, 'Vinita has been in fitness for a very long time as a personal trainer. She knows it and understands it.'
As for Duncan's own fitness regime, he tries to work out at least three times a week, with a focus on squash as his cardio activity. Despite the potential risks to his knees, Duncan says, 'You know, the older you get, the more you have to put your ego aside.'
