Daniel was shortlisted
in the 2009 YBI Entrepreneur of the Year competition.
More on the competition.
"I’ve been privileged to add
value to others by creating employment, training and even educating
my siblings just because Kenya Youth Business Trust transformed me
to be the entrepreneur I am today. I can now say I’m a responsible
citizen of Kenya; Kudos to them."
Daniel Matheri
Daniel Matheri:
Mbao Craft, Kenya
Supported by: Kenya Youth Business Trust
Daniel Matheri chose to venture into carpentry as soon as he
left high school, starting as a casual labourer at his cousin’s
workshop.
Daniel set up a small workshop of his own but initially a lack
of proper equipment and business knowledge meant sales were not
good. He struggled with the makeshift workshop for two years,
trying to provide for the future and help his single mother raise
the family.
A good friend introduced Daniel to Kenya Youth Business
Trust, who helped him work through his business ideas and awarded
him a loan that enabled him set up Mbao Craft in December 2007.
The loan from Kenya Youth Business Trust paid for equipment
and materials and he was later awarded a further loan to put him
back on his feet after the post-election violence in Kenya which
had badly affected his business.
From that day Mbao Craft gained ground. His main marketing
strategy and strength, as Daniel puts it, was to gain the trust of
his customers by delivering a quality product tailored to their
requirements.
Daniel and his team work from a rented unit producing a wide
range of large items. He also allows customers to pay after
receiving their furniture, providing good after sales services and
ensuring a consistent quality of output.
Furthermore, Daniel also stands out with his commitment to
sharing his success. In addition to employment opportunities, Mbao
Craft has been training some young people in carpentry.
Daniel feels there is good potential for growth in his business,
and is hoping to set up a showroom in the upmarket areas in
Nairobi. He would also like to set up a technical institution that
will identify, develop and expose young furniture designers hailing
from the less privileged areas within the city.
More about the Entrepreneur of the
Year Award 2009