In 2019, Sarolyne Mwendia left her role as a marketing manager in an iron sheet manufacturing firm to establish her own venture in the same field.
What followed was the birth of Mabati Bora Limited, a company specializing in manufacturing high-quality iron sheets.
Situated on the Nakuru-Nairobi highway, just beyond the bustling town of Nakuru, Mabati Bora Limited’s premises today hardly reflect the fact that this thriving enterprise was a mere concept just over a year ago. With 19 staff members , the firm’s estimated value now exceeds a staggering Sh50 million.
Sarolyne, at 40 years old, shared her incredible journey shedding light on the trials and tribulations she encountered while building her business empire.
“I decided to enter the iron sheets manufacturing industry because I understood its dynamics,” Sarolyne explains. “I started as a distribution point on the outskirts of Nakuru town. Even then, I knew that one day, I would own a manufacturing company.”
Sarolyne’s journey commenced as a distributor for just two months before she made the bold leap into manufacturing, partnering with her co-director, Peter Wainaina.
Her decision to enter a male-dominated industry was fueled by a desire to shatter gender stereotypes and prove that women could excel in ventures typically associated with men.
“I observed that most manufacturing industries were male-dominated,” she recounts. “So, I also wanted to challenge certain gender myths. We can also do what men can do. Moreover, my business aligns with the government’s goals of Agenda Four, which focus on manufacturing and housing.”
Sarolyne’s determination was evident from the start. While many might opt for easier business ventures, she sought challenges. And challenge her, it did.
In the early stages, capital was a significant hurdle.
Sarolyne didn’t have ample financial resources, but she had an unwavering vision that she passionately presented to financial institutions, seeking credit.
“A business like this is undoubtedly capital-intensive,” says the mother of two, who had studied administration at the National Youth Service. “But I quickly realized that business is not solely about capital; it’s about having a viable idea. I knew I had a great idea.”
However, even with a crystal-clear vision, Sarolyne encountered skepticism from financial institutions.
Convincing bank managers to invest in her idea, especially when she had nothing concrete to show, was an arduous task. But she persevered, and eventually, her unwavering commitment won them over.
With approximately Sh60 million in capital secured, Sarolyne embarked on her entrepreneurial journey.
In a remarkably short time, her business witnessed rapid growth, and she’s now contemplating expansion beyond national borders.
“We currently employ 19 individuals, including managers, sales and marketing teams, drivers, and the production team,” Sarolyne reveals. “Our target market is the affordable housing sector. In the next five years, we aim to expand into East African Community member states.”
Mabati Bora Limited specializes in various types of corrugated iron sheets and customizes products to meet clients’ specific needs. Sarolyne Mwendia also envisions diversifying her product offerings in the near future.
While the future appears bright for her company, the path has been far from smooth. Sarolyne candidly acknowledges the challenges she faced along the way.
“It has not been easy,” she admits. “The initial challenge was capital, as I mentioned earlier. At present, we require a substantial amount of money to procure enough materials. Moreover, as a new factory, we face stiff competition from established companies in the sector. Penetrating the market has not been a walk in the park.”
Nevertheless, the realization of her business has fulfilled her childhood dreams and is an inspiration to many.
“I feel an immense sense of fulfillment because I am an inspiration to that village girl,” Sarolyne says passionately. “When they see someone succeed, considering where they come from, it encourages them. Before starting this company, I visited my village, looked at the young girls, and told myself that I needed to have a success story for them to emulate. I wanted to show them that you can start from nothing and become someone in life.”
Sarolyne Mwendia, with her wealth of experience and entrepreneurial spirit, offers valuable advice to aspiring businesspeople. She emphasizes the importance of having a sound and viable idea before investing money into a business.
Research, planning, and a clear vision are the cornerstones of a successful business venture, according to her wisdom.
