Renowned businessman and founder of Maathai Supermarket Victor Maina officially opened a shopping mall in Nairobi christined Wholesale Mall OTC.
The building, that was previously netted for a prolonged period as contruction activities where ongoing, used to house the now defunct Jack and Jill supermarket before the tenant was kicked out.
During the official opening, the business mogul who was accompained by his wife recounted his days as a hawker plying his trade at Marikiti market and later on Mutharwa.
Speaking during the event graced by Karangu Muraya, Ngoni wa Thuita among other big names in the Kikuyu entertainment circles, Mr Maina shared his journey impressing on young people to remain focused if they wanted to achieve their goals.
“Kusema ukweli, hakuna mahali mungu hawezi kutoa. Usikuje ukaona mahali uko huwezi fika. Kwanza vijana wetu ambayo wako hapa na wasichana, ukiwa young jua uko gold”, he told an eager crowd that had gathered to witness the grand opening.
He recalled his earlier days seeing people enjoying chips and sausages and wondering if he would find himself on the other side of the glass.
The tycoon equated life challenges to school exams.
“I was a hawker here in Marikiti, then moved to Muthurwa and other parts of the city. Am not saying this in jest, but to encourage you to put your best foot forward”, he shared in Swahili.
“Love what you do and treat it as a hobby”, he said.
He went on to encourage people to shop at his mall and take up the available space.