Nakuru-based entrepreneur Wahome Maina, widely known as Wahome Wa DGL, is making a significant impact in the freight industry. A true trendsetter, he launched his business in the face of adversity, turning his setbacks into a thriving success story.
Wahome survived a severe road accident in 2020, which resulted in a broken right leg and the need for metal implants. Immobilized and bedridden, he spent two years in recovery, battling to regain his strength and mobility.
Before the accident, Wahome worked as a driver for a flower company and through this, he spotted an opportunity to earn extra income by taking on small cargo and relocation jobs along his route, which ignited his dream of owning his own transport business.
“I started my company in 2019 when I was still employed as a driver in a flower company where I used to deliver flowers for export at JKIA Airport. It is at this point I started getting small goods and relocations from Nairobi to Gilgil, Olkalou and Nyahururu and I could make a good killing,” he said.
This marked the birth of Denisse Group Limited in 2019, and Wahome was ready to leave his job to chase his entrepreneurial vision. With the company officially registered, his dream was nearly within reach. But just as he was about to take the leap, tragedy struck—he was involved in a devastating accident at the start of 2020.
Though this setback might have discouraged others, Wahome’s determination never wavered. He utilized his recovery period to regain his mobility and, crucially, to refine his business strategy, focusing on marketing and acquiring essential transportation resources.
“During this time as I was being treated from one hospital to the other,I started making plans on how I’d start immediately I started walking again and I began by opening a Facebook page for my company and started making posters using online graphic design tools.
By the time I started walking using one stick, I thought of getting a tuktuk that would be easy to ride due to my leg condition and with the little I had saved,I put up a deposit and got the tuktuk,” the businessman noted.
Photo: Wahome Maina
The logistics entrepreneur was well aware of the challenges he might face, but his determination never wavered. Undeterred, Wahome began promoting his company in Nyahururu Town, and slowly but surely, people started embracing his services.
“I used to go to as far as Narok, Limuru, Mararal and Kabarnet with the tuktuk with a dream that one day I’ll make it and my company will own a fleet of vehicles to keep growing and deliver smiles to my clients,” he narrated.
In less than a year, Wahome had moved from managing relocations with his tuk-tuk to overseeing larger operations with trucks and pickups from his partners. He brought a rider on board for the tuk-tuk, allowing him to take on a managerial role focused on enhancing customer satisfaction and scaling his business.
He secured his first vehicle through asset financing, allowing him to expand into regular cargo transport. This success enabled him to open an office in Nakuru town.
Two years into his business, Wahome has grown his fleet and now manages two permanent employees alongside five contract workers. His profits range between KSh 100,000 and KSh 300,000, depending on service demand.
Photo: Nakuru Mtaa Wangu
“As of now my company has a fleet of one cargo van, a pickup and small truck which are used to deliver goods anytime we get customers,” Wahome noted.
He advises budding entrepreneurs to maintain a clear vision to stay focused on their goals and emphasizes that trusting the process and persevering are crucial for success.
“I’m a living testimony to the idea that ‘when you know where you’re going, you know where you don’t want to end up.’ I am also a firm believer in ‘always trust the process,'” he said, as he envisions further expansion for his company.
