In the heart of Nairobi’s Parklands area, in a bungalow on Third Avenue, Dr. Vijai Maini began his journey in 1943.
Little did he know that his life would become intertwined with the healthcare industry, shaping the landscape of pharmaceutical distribution in Kenya.
Here is his story as told by WoK.
Education and Early Challenges
Dr. Maini’s educational journey took him from City Primary School to the Duke of Gloucester School in Nairobi, now known as Jamhuri High School.
Following his A levels, he embarked on a path that would lead him across continents – to the United Kingdom, where he pursued a degree in Pharmacy at Sunderland University where he got a job and start working at a local pharmarcy.
However, his aspirations were put on hold when his brother was diagnosed with lymphoma in 196gave up his job and went to stay with his brother in Scotland.
“The university gave us a room at the hall of residence where our mother joined us. Unfortunately, the brother passed on after eight weeks,” Vijai narrated during an Interview with the Star.
After a period of battling the illness and the unfortunate loss of his brother, he returned to Kenya in 1969 with a renewed sense of purpose.
The Beginnings of a Vision
Upon his return, Dr. Maini saw untapped potential in the pharmaceutical industry.
“My first job was at the Howse & McGeorge which had a shop along Moi Avenue. I was employed as a relief manager. Whenever a branch manager in Nakuru, Kisumu, Eldoret, Mombasa or Kampala went on leave, I would go hold brief for them,” Vijai recalls.
In 1985, armed with a vision of efficient pharmaceutical distribution, he founded Surgipharm.
With a starting capital of Ksh1 million, Dr. Maini and a former colleague from his time at Howse & McGeorge aimed to revolutionize the industry by streamlining product delivery to various corners of the country.
“I saw a gap in the industry including delays in delivery and efficiently moving products to different parts of the country. I decided to set up my own business along with a colleague I used to work with as a sales manager at Westco,” he explained.
The challenges were immense.
From financial constraints to accessing drugs from local manufacturers and importers, Dr. Maini faced numerous obstacles.
However, his determination and resourcefulness led to breakthroughs, such as securing distribution rights from French and international companies like Centre Labo and Beecham.
These partnerships laid the foundation for Surgipharm’s growth.
From Humble Beginnings to Industry Leader
Surgipharm began its journey in a modest 4,000 square feet space on Haile Selassie Avenue.
In the late 1980s, the company received a significant boost when it acquired the agency from Beecham Research International.
The merging of Beecham Research Laboratories and Smith, Kline & French into SmithKline Beecham further solidified Surgipharm’s position as a key player in the pharmaceutical distribution sector.
As the pharmaceutical landscape evolved, Surgipharm kept pace.
The industry shifted from patent protection to embracing generics, providing consumers with a broader range of options.
Despite the challenges posed by supply chain disruptions and the rise in counterfeit drugs, Surgipharm’s commitment to quality and reliability remained steadfast.
Diversification and Expansion
Surgipharm’s success extended beyond pharmaceuticals.
The company expanded its scope to encompass medical and surgical devices.
Notably, Surgipharm established an emergency store, ensuring prompt deliveries to hospitals 24/7.
The company’s dedication to providing quality products and services translated into an active customer base of over 2,500.
In 2017, Surgipharm caught the attention of South African-based mobility company Imperial Logistics, which acquired a 70% stake in the company.
A Legacy of Leadership
Dr. Vijai Maini’s leadership played a pivotal role in Surgipharm’s success.
With annual turnovers of Ksh700 million, the company became a leader in pharmaceutical distribution, serving as a lifeline to healthcare facilities across Kenya.
