• Linah Momanyi rose from an employed pharmacist to a Mombasa business mogul in under five years
• This was after she ventured into the tuk-tuk business courtesy of a friend who seemed happier in self-employment
• Linah owns 70 tuk-tuks and employs 75 drivers, five mechanics, and a shop manager, with her eyes set on reaching 100

Linah Momanyi was employed in a Mombasa pharmacy for many years, earning a basic income.

That was until a chance encounter with a friend who operated a motorbike taxi changed her life’s trajectory.

How did Linah Momanyi start her business?

Inspired by her friend’s success, Linah purchased a secondhand tuk-tuk and leased it to a rider for an impressive KSh 1,300 daily return.

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Recognizing the potential for greater earnings, she diligently saved her income in a Sacco as she set herself up for bigger things.

With time, she risked all her savings into more motorbikes, prompting her to resign from her pharmacy job and dedicate herself to her new venture.

“I was struggling to keep up with employment and business, so I let work go because I was making more money from the latter,” she told TUKO.co.ke.

Breakthrough came from discovering Watu Credit

Linah’s initial investment has since transformed into a thriving business empire with a fleet of 70 TukTuks.

Her most significant breakthrough came when she discovered she could buy repossessed and refurbished motorbikes from Watu Credit.

“Initially, someone would buy from them affordably then sell to me expensively, but that changed when I started dealing with them directly,” she asserted.

Shamya Jaffer, an official from Watu Credit, confirmed to TUKO.co.ke that the demand for secondhand motorbikes has tripled over the last few months.

The model is a win-win as the credit company can recoup some of its investments while offering new entrepreneurs cheaper assets.

“The only problem is that most of the machines we repossess come back in bad shape, so we have to rebuild them before selling,” Shamya disclosed.

What’s her secret to managing riders?

In November 2023, Linah expanded her fleet by acquiring 12 tuk-tuks, bringing her closer to her ambitious goal of owning 100 tuk-tuks.

Linah now employs 75 drivers, 13 of whom have been with her for over 10 years.

“I am very strict with my riders. If you do not remit the daily monies you lose your job before the deficit accumulates,” she disclosed.

Additionally, she has five mechanics, one shop manager, and a general manager to ensure the smooth operation of her business.

Linah recently opened a shop dedicated to tuk-tuk repairs to support her fleet further, underscoring her commitment to maintaining high standards.

Watu Credit’s responsible borrowing model

Watu Credit has often been the pioneer in offering literacy classes to ensure responsible borrowing and sustainable business practices.

The microfinance company provides comprehensive guidance to customers on repayment options and managing income efficiently, helping borrowers avoid defaults.

Before a customer signs up for a boda boda or tuk-tuk, they receive comprehensive guidance on repayment options.

They are also informed on the impact of repayment periods on the total loan amount and the importance of managing their income efficiently.

Watu Credit founder Andris Kaneps told TUKO.co.ke that the lessons passed down to clients are drawn from the company’s over eight years of experience.

Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke

Source: TUKO.co.ke