Inside The Mkokoteni Business in Nairobi Where Businessmen Are Rakikg Millions
Both day and night, Nairobi City is characterized as a hive of activities. Transport is always a big deal in the country’s capital, from buses, trucks, Taxis, and Boda Boda to handcarts or Mkokoteni in Swahili.
Given the number of people that flock to the city center every day, it is undoubtedly that people in the Boda Boda, Taxi, and Matatu industry take home some good cash.
As such, many entrepreneurs have invested heavily in the above sectors, with some owning fleets of buses plying different routes. But how many have ever thought about the Mkokoteni Industry?
Moving around the city center, you will spot some men pulling their handcarts and jostling for space with motorists on the busy highways.
The handcarts are common sights in Nairobi’s busy streets, including Luthuli Avenue, River Road, and Country Bus. Strategically placed in various locations, these carts are owned by men who rent them to pullers daily at a fee.
Some of these businessmen also double up with dollies that are commonly used at bus stops to help passengers with heavy luggage.
Kioko Mbaluka, an owner of 20 dollies and three handcarts, says the emergence of the dolly has changed the business… for the better.
“I have been in this business for over 20 years… I used to own handcarts, but I have since transitioned to trolleys as they are now in fashion because of their ease of movement in traffic.”
Mr. Mbaluka hires out his dollies for between Sh.50 and Sh.70 and the handcarts for Sh.100. Another owner, Peter Njuguna, hires his 17 dollies and two handcarts at Sh.80 and Sh.150, respectively.
Gabriel Mucheru, who has been in this business for ten years, owns 15 handcarts and hires out each between Sh.30 to Sh.150, depending on the size.
A Mkokoteni puller disclosed that hiring a cart is cheaper than buying one.
“I normally charge Ksh.50 per bale depending on the distance and carry up to 30 bales. That totals to Ksh.1,500 per trip, and I make up to three trips per day,” he stated.
According to various sources, a new Mkokoteni retails at between Sh.10,000 to Sh.15,000, while a dolly goes for between Sh.5,000 and Sh.10,000 depending on the metal quality.
It is estimated that over 2,000 hand carts and over 5,000 dollies are operating in Nairobi’s CBD. The metal baskets are hired out for between Sh.50 and Sh.150, money that is paid directly to the owners.
The Mkokoteni business is always at its peak during festive seasons when people travel to and from the city.
The handcarts are also used to transport water in estates with a water shortage.
*Final Word*
As we always tell you, there’s no marathon race that has ever been won by those who did not start the race. If you like the idea discussed above and you have what it takes to actualize it…then don’t wait to start…just do it.
Also don`t forget to join our training on Raising Business Capital.
We have created a WhatsApp group called, *RAISING BUSINESS CAPITAL*
In this group we are going to train and teach you for 21 days, various ways of raising funds to start your business or grow your already existing business.
About six years after I have been studying every aspect of entrepreneurship, I discovered that the same tactics we men are using to woo ladies (and which ladies are using to attract men) are the same tactics that smart entrepreneurs are using to get all the capital they need to start or grow a business.
That is why in this business training, I will be relating getting capital with getting a girl you love.
Since love affairs between men and women are practical life`s situation all of us can relate with, you are going to enjoy this training. You will not only enjoy this training; it will change your financial life forever.
By
Timothy Angwenyi
Business Consultant
Justine Nyachieo
Business Man & Mentor
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