Anthony Muthungu is an entrepreneur who got tired of faulty and fake USB cables in the Kenyan market and decided to find a solution for this. He immersed himself into studying, and armed with a sharp wit and obstinate determination began manufacturing locally made USB cables.
Through this, he founded TOTOSCI, a venture that would earn him several awards including top 40 under 40 men by Business Daily Africa (2018/2021), top 100 Kenyans 2019 by Kenyans.co.ke and Face of Science 2018 by Africa Science Week-Kenya.
WoK caught up with Muthungu and brings you his journey of triumphs and challenges in a quest to power Kenyans with high quality cables.
Beauttah Oyamo: Hello Anthony, kindly introduce yourself and mention what you do.
Anthony Muthungu: My name is Anthony Muthungu, an entrepreneur and the founder of TOTOSCI, a technology company that locally manufactures USB cables here in Kenya.
BO: What is your educational background?
AM: I studied at Mathakwaini Secondary School in Nyeri County. Later, I joined Karatina University for a Bachelor of Science in Physics and further pursued a Diploma in Computer Engineering at Zetech University.
BO: How did you start your company and what was your mission?
AM: I founded TOTOSCI in 2020 after being a victim of USB cables that broke shortly after purchase. I saw the need to build reliable and durable cables that could guarantee a service life of more than one year.
BO: What are the various types of USB cables that you manufacture?
AM: We manufacture over 10 different types of USB cables, including DC cables and USB-C to USB-C cables. In fact, there is no mobile phone brand for which we don’t have a compatible cable or charger.
BO: Could you take us through the process of manufacturing a USB cable from scratch?
AM: Our process involves assembling all the components into a complete product. The key steps include:
- Cable cutting and outer stripping
- Cable inner stripping
- Cable and connector soldering
- First round of testing
- Internal molding
- Second round of testing
- External molding
- Laser branding
- Visual inspection
- Recycling waste plastics for reuse
BO: What is unique about the USB cables that you make?
AM: Our products are more durable and break-resistant than most in the market. This is because of our unique design and choice of raw materials. We also offer customization of any color, length, or branding according to the client’s preference.
BO: How do you ensure that you remain afloat despite high competition from foreign companies?
AM: We focus on quality and reliability. Our cables provide real value for money and come with a one-year warranty, where we replace any product that fails within the warranty period.
BO: Where do you source your supplies and raw materials?
AM: We source some materials locally and others from China. While some parts can be produced locally, sometimes it is more practical to get them from specialized suppliers abroad.
BO: How do you handle various managerial aspects of your organization?
AM: We work with both internal and external service providers and rely on ERP systems for supplies, record-keeping, and human resource management.
BO:How has government policy on manufacturing and taxation affected your business?
AM: We don’t mind paying taxes—we know they build the nation. The challenge is overtaxing, which makes us less competitive and affects our ability to sell compared to neighboring countries.
BO:What are the various challenges that you face and how do you solve them?
AM: Challenges are part of entrepreneurship. For example, high electricity bills are a major cost. To solve this, we installed solar power, which now supports our production. We always look for proactive ways to manage risks and challenges.
BO: What is the future of your company?
AM: The future is big. Just hang around and watch what TOTOSCI is building.
BO: One word for a young Kenyan who wishes to be like you.
AM: Start now. There will never be a perfect time to begin.
BO: How can you be contacted?
AM: You can reach us at 0724 871 079.