Ugali (cornmeal) is a popular staple food in Kenya. In this article, WoK brings you the story of the successful business of Mzee Salim Bin Ahmed– the tycoon who founded Kitui Flour Mills which produces the maize flour brand Unga Wa Dola.
Background
Mzee Salim Bin Ahmed Bajaber founded Kitui Flour Mills in 1975 as a wholesale company in Mwingi town, in the Ukambani region. According to the company’s website, it was not until 1987 when the founder transformed the company into a maize milling plant with the vision of being the largest milling company in Africa. The company produced 1 kg maize flour which was supplied on a daily basis to the nearby households. The company has grown over the years to have several milling plants across the country and produces five different brands of maize and wheat flour.
“Through our products we have been able to transform family meals and eventually homes. Throughout the years, the Kitui Flour Mills family has been united and fortified by love, loyalty, sharing and solidarity. We strive to unceasingly provide quality superior products,” reads a part of a statement from the company’s website.
Kitui Flour Mills
Kitui Flour Mills prides itself with having the most powerful and modern equipment and systems that comprises the Buhler Technologies, ERP SAP Software and the Vivo Tracking system. The company has been existence for the past 30 years and employs over 2,000 staff. Some of its products include the Unga Wa Dola Flour, Baba Lao, Dola Bakers Flour, KFM Chenga and Jahazi Flour.
The milling company is the recipient of the Halal certification, won the Marketing Society of Kenya Awards 2021 and the Art of Service – Mombasa Business Awards 2021 among a plethora of other awards. The Unga Wa Dola is among the 20,000 renowned brands in more than 85 countries globally that have received the prestigious Superbrands status.
Death of the Founder.
On Monday, August 22nd 2022, the outgoing Tourism Cabinet Secretary took to social media to announce the untimely death of Mzee Salim Bin Ahmed Bajaber.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing on of our elder Mzee Salim Bin Ahmed Bajaber, founder and owner of Kitui Flour Mills Limited. May the Almighty God rest his soul in peace and give his family the strength at this time of grief,” he wrote.
Mombasa County governor Hassan Joho wrote; “It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of one Mzee Salim Bin Ahmed Bajaber. He was a great philanthropist and well known as a fountain of wisdom. May the Almighty Allah (SWT) grant him Jannatul Firdaus.”
Until his death, he served as the Founder and Chairman of Kitui Flour Mills.
