A month ago, the beloved comedian Timothy Kimani, famously known as Njugush, embarked on an adventurous foray into the bustling matatu industry, captivating fans and industry watchers alike with the launch of his very own matatu.
Christened after his cherished firstborn son, Tugi, the 36-seater vehicle made its grand debut on April 13, boasting a lavish interior that exuded Njugush’s signature style and personality as he proudly took the wheel for its inaugural journey.
In an exclusive interview with Nairobi News, Njugush reaffirmed his confidence in his newfound venture, expressing no regrets about delving into the matatu business.
Embracing the ethos of transforming liabilities into lucrative opportunities, he revealed the inspiration behind his bold move, citing a transformative training session he attended months prior.
“The training opened my eyes to the possibility of turning assets into thriving businesses. It was the perfect moment, especially since I had contemplated selling my car,” he shared.
Drawing from his observations of individuals ascending from humble beginnings to become successful matatu owners, Njugush underscored the potential for prosperity in any endeavor, regardless of its initial guise.
“We’ve witnessed individuals start as conductors and gradually ascend to become seasoned drivers. This journey instilled in me the belief that success knows no bounds,” he reflected.
Explaining his decision to align with the Super Metro Sacco, Njugush emphasized the convenience of entrusting the management of his matatu to a reputable organization.
“Opting for the Sacco was a strategic move. It simplifies the entire process, from driver recruitment to maintenance, ensuring seamless operations,” he elucidated.
The genesis of Njugush’s matatu venture stemmed from the sale of his cherished Toyota Prado TX, affectionately dubbed a “wardrobe” by his close friend Abel Mutua.
The sleek 2014 model, adorned with luxurious amenities like a sunroof and leather seats, was promptly listed for sale to fund his latest endeavor. With transparency characteristic of his nature, Njugush disclosed that the total investment for his matatu venture surpassed the Sh8 million mark, encompassing not only the purchase cost but also the customization and interior enhancements.
A month into operation, Njugush gleefully reported promising strides and customer satisfaction with his matatu venture.
While he remained tight-lipped about specific earnings, he affirmed that the business is meeting its financial obligations and yielding profits.
Furthermore, the matatu’s popularity transcends Nairobi’s boundaries, as it garners bookings for events outside the city during weekends, further bolstering its revenue stream.
As the journey unfolds, Njugush remains optimistic about the future, harboring aspirations of expanding his fleet in the near future.
“My vision is to grow and diversify my investments. Adding more vehicles is definitely on the horizon,” he declared, buoyed by the success of his inaugural venture and fueled by a spirit of entrepreneurship.
