We find ourselves at Mint and Salt, a charmingly decorated yet cozy restaurant tucked away behind Kenya Cinema. The youthful ambiance suggests that they serve up some delicious eats. The music sets a lively tone, though a tad loud for conversation, prompting us to opt for outdoor seating. Outside, the scene is bustling yet relaxed, with hawkers, shoppers, and passersby going about their business.

I order a crisp, cold white cup while Mutuma opts for a mocktail, chilled to perfection. My acquaintance with Mutuma dates back to our days at Multimedia University of Kenya, where we shared mutual friends in the Bachelor of Commerce program. You know how university students always stick together, whether it’s heading to the cafeteria or back to the hostel after class? Well, that was the Bachelor of Commerce Class of 2020 for you. In those communal journeys to Chafua, the Multimedia University equivalent of a cafeteria, I got to know Mutuma and some of his classmates.

However, it wasn’t until a stroke of luck led me to a fantastic deal on a screen protector and phone cover that I truly connected with Mutuma. At a time when a screen protector alone cost as much as Ksh. 300 and a phone cover went for Ksh. 500 if you didn’t have the right connections, stumbling upon someone offering both for Ksh. 300 seemed too good to be true. Intrigued, I dialed the number on those modestly designed posters, and to my surprise, it was Peter Mutuma on the other end.

Our business transaction proved fruitful, as Mutuma delivered top-notch quality in both the screen protector and phone cover. From that moment on, I knew I had found “a guy.” Our bond grew stronger over time, cementing a friendship that began with a simple transaction but evolved into something much more meaningful. And that’s how I came to know Mutuma.

His phone has been ringing constantly since we met, a testament to either his busy schedule, the thriving nature of his business, or the high level of customer satisfaction. I’m not quite sure which it is. This time, it’s a call from Martha, ordering camping chairs in anticipation of the KCB Sponsored WRC 2024 rally. Mutuma efficiently takes her order and dispatches his delivery guy to drop off three sets of chairs at Martha’s chosen pickup location in Nairobi West.

With the business momentarily settled, I seize the opportunity to inquire about Mutuma’s entrepreneurial journey. He now owns a shop located at Kenya Cinema, 4th Floor, Shop B5, Moi Avenue. Taking a sip of his mocktail, he pauses before recounting the story of how it all began.

In 2017, his parents gave him Ksh. 13,000 to buy a phone. Eager to make the most of this opportunity, he ventured to town one Saturday and purchased a Sony Ericsson for Ksh. 10,000 from a seller in Luthuli. Pleased with his purchase, he returned to the green monkey and warthog-infested grounds of Multimedia University, thinking he had not only acquired a good phone but also saved Ksh. 3,000.

However, upon showing off the phone to his friend Karanja, who had a knack for distinguishing between genuine and counterfeit phones, he discovered that he had been sold a fake. Karanja advised him to return the phone, but when Mutuma went back to the shop, he found that the seller was nowhere to be found. Disappointed but determined, he realized he needed a new plan to get a phone. With only Ksh. 3,000 remaining, he decided to sell items that everyone in school could afford: phone covers and screen protectors. These accessories were in high demand among smartphone owners looking to protect their devices and add a touch of style.

His first customer was his then-girlfriend, who willingly paid double the price for the goods, impressed by his initiative. Word spread quickly, and soon, he was making more sales than he had ever imagined. With the help of Karanja, he created posters and strategically placed them around the school, further boosting his sales.

As demand grew, so did Mutuma’s ambition. He began thinking of ways to expand his business, even venturing into selling phones after ensuring they were legitimate and fit for sale. By 2020, his business was flourishing. However, like many others, he faced a setback when the nation was hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.

He pauses to take a puff from his apple-flavored vape before expressing his concern about the impact of Covid-19 on his business. Like a soldier strategizing on the battlefield, he knew he had to regroup and adapt. At that time, his business was called “DnD Tech Africa,” initially standing for “deals and deliveries,” although many mistook it for “Do not Disturb.” Sensing the need for a more relatable name, he rebranded it as “Value Hub Kenya,” reflecting the quality and variety of tech products available at his one-stop shop.

He turned to platforms like Jiji, initially paying a monthly fee of Ksh. 3,000 to showcase his products. However, due to increased demand and the effectiveness of the platform, he now pays Ksh. 16,000 monthly. Additionally, he rented a shelf in town to give his business a physical presence and enhance its legitimacy. This move proved to be a turning point, as he diversified his offerings, ranging from cutting-edge tech gadgets to unique items that seemed ahead of their time.

When asked about taxes and the economy, Mutuma emphasized the importance of understanding buyer behavior. He believes that customers prioritize quality over price and value sellers who are knowledgeable about their products. Despite high taxes and economic challenges, he remains optimistic, noting that people’s addiction to technology ensures a steady demand for his products.

Mutuma’s commitment to quality and compliance is evident in his business philosophy: “Mpeni Kaisari mali ya kaisari” (“Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s”). Customers swear by the value they receive from Value Hub Kenya, often referring others to the shop. Mutuma, a true entrepreneur, has never been employed by someone else. While he doesn’t close the door on traditional employment opportunities, he finds fulfillment and achieves financial success through his entrepreneurial ventures.

As Lil Mama by Sauti Sol fills the air, we transition to discussing Mutuma’s other endeavors, including interior design, e-commerce systems, and digital marketing. His diverse skill set and entrepreneurial spirit make him a jack of all trades in the business world.

Check Value Hub Kenyas’s Website https://valuehubkenya.co.ke/ .

@okelododdychitchats.