This archive report was first published on 6 November 2019.
November 6, 2019
George Wayne, a 26-year-old computer science graduate, has opened the first co-working space in Nakuru, providing a haven for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and start-ups to run their businesses.
Wayne's journey to entrepreneurship began while still in campus, where he started renting out bikes in 2012. Although the venture faced some challenges, he didn't let it deter him. He went on to start selling jewelry, which did well, and eventually opened a shop in Nairobi.
With his background in Computer Science, Wayne decided to make good use of his degree and started an IT consultancy firm. However, his thirst for entrepreneurship remained unquenched.
It was during the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Conference in Nigeria in 2018 that Wayne felt a deep yearning to support entrepreneurs. He met Leah Mbogo, a potato farmer from Nakuru, and they discussed lessons they had picked from the session. Their chats brought them to the idea of starting a co-working space in Nakuru.
Wayne, Mbogo, and their friend Ian Muge decided to be partners and named their business Nakuru Box. In January 2019, the trio began customising the co-working space, providing a conducive environment for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and start-ups to run their businesses without the hassle of setting up and managing an office.
The co-working space, located along Oginga Odinga Avenue in Nakuru town, offers different packages tailored to meet the needs of the users. The daily rate is Sh600, while the monthly rate ranges from Sh8,000 to Sh15,000. All packages include access to all the facilities at the space, including tea and snacks at the restaurant.
Wayne and the team conduct trainings on innovation for interested clients, inspired by similar ventures such as Nailab in Nairobi. They hope to offer accelerator programs for start-ups in future and provide opportunities for funding to users.
Given the enthusiastic reception of their idea, Wayne plans to increase office space as their client base increases. 'We are off to a good start and have hired four employees to manage the space. The future is bright; I cannot wait to witness businesses mushrooming from our co-working space.'
