This archive report was first published on 8 January 2020.
Benjamin Kibet's love for cars began while he was still in university. He volunteered at a local car yard, where he learned the ins and outs of the business. Although his assigned role was to park cars, he took the opportunity to observe the yard owner's interactions with clients, gaining valuable insight into the systems he would need to install if he were to venture into the business himself.
After university, Kibet struggled to find employment, but he eventually turned to his passion for cars and leased a vehicle from a friend to start a taxi business. This experience taught him the importance of customer service and relationship-building, skills that would serve him well in his future ventures.
With his taxi business up and running, Kibet decided to take the next step and enter the car dealership business. He established relationships with car yard owners, who would inform him of available cars for sale, and he would then connect with potential customers to facilitate the sale. For each successful transaction, Kibet would earn a commission or a set amount, depending on the agreement.
Today, Kibet primarily deals with locally used cars, but he still hopes to one day import cars and own his own car yard. To further his knowledge and gain valuable insights, he was linked up with Kevin Kinyua, the owner of Vina Auto Centre, who offered mentorship and shared his expertise in the field.
Kevin Kinyua's advice to Kibet and other entrepreneurs in the car business includes offering value-added services, sourcing capital from profits, and being honest with clients. By following these principles, Kibet has been able to build a successful car dealership business and continue to grow and learn in the industry.
