By Prudence Minayo
Reuben Kimani is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Username Investments Limited. The real estate company was founded in 2013 by Reuben, Julius Karanja and Joseph Gitonga using their savings as start up capital. Reuben has previously worked at Safaricom PLC for a period of five years and some months.
Education
2004 to 2008: Computer Technology at Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology. Graduated with First Class Honors.
2009 to 2010: Institute of Technology. Graduated with a diploma in oracle- Developer and administration
Career
From May 2009 to December 2009, he worked as a systems support analyst at Kenya Revenue Authority. His duties included;
- Training computer users on compliance to IT security
- Providing support to 3000 computer users for efficient daily operation of KRA ICT systems.
- Testing and implementing cost effective ICT security compliance solutions.
According to his Linkedin account, the Username CEO worked as a Graduate Management Engineer from January 2010 to March 2011. The position involved going through an 11-months rotation programs in all divisions with Safaricom. The rotation exposes the individual with a purpose of making innovative suggestions and/or recommendations on assigned projects. This is done with the aim of improving the business while maintaining compliance with ISO standards.
From January 2011 to July 2015, he worked as a systems engineer (subscriber data management) for Safaricom PLC. Some of his duties were:
- Implementation and integration of new hardware
- Internal process improvements
- Planning and design for new solutions.
- Evaluating of new and existing hardware
- Risk management, ICT security and change management.
In July 2015, he became CEO of Username Investment Limited. His duties involve handling: strategy, talent management, product development, innovation and overall leadership of the organization.
Awards
In 2019, Mr. Kimani was feted the African Business Personality Award at Voice Achievers Award dinner held at Louis Leaky Memorial Hall in National Museums of Kenya. He received the award alongside other celebrated leaders including Hon. Raila Odinga, Prof. PLO Lumumba, governor Kivutha Kibwana and Hon. Ababu Namwamba. Deputy president William Ruto was among the distinguished guests who graced the event.
Also Read: How Billionaire George Wachiuri Established Optiven Limited From Scratch
Also Read: Legal Process of Buying Land in Kenya and acquiring a Title Deed
This award was established in Netherlands by The Voice Magazine. It’s aimed at recognizing outstanding men and women who have made positive impact in Africa and its people.
The same year, 2019, he also received Realtor Founder of the Year Award. The award seeks to recognize and appreciate young resilient founders developing the nation while creating jobs through entrepreneurship.
The username CEO has also bagged diversity and inclusion Business Executive Champion Award, Entrepreneur of the Year by Kenya Professional Realtors Association and JKUAT Alumni Achievement Award.
Username Investment Ltd
Username Investments Limited has grown to become a leading real estate company in the country. One of their main goals is to provide Kenyans living locally and abroad with homes at affordable prices. They partner with ABC bank as the financier for diaspora clients willing to invest back home. Their properties are made attractive by such value additions like fence, electricity, water, graded access roads and perimeter fence. This makes them ready for development.
Reuben has led the company into making properties very affordable with some going for as low as Ksh199,000. Through his able leadership, the company has accomplished over 37 projects, and issued over 6,000 title deeds to Kenyans in the country and those in diaspora.
The company has been the recipient of a number of awards including:
- Top 100 mid sized companies award
- Real Estate SME of the year.
- Best Land and Investment Company.
- Best Land Company in the use of Business Tech Solutions during the third Digital Tech Excellence Awards held at Intercontinental Hotel, Nairobi.
- 2019 Diaspora Market Land Selling Company Award at Movenpick Hotel in Westlands.
In 2019, the company also awarded one of their staff with a brand-new car during the Thamini Awards held at Panari Hotel. The program recognizes an employee of the year for outstanding performance.
