The new landmark in Machakos town, the imposing Mulleys Supermarket, is the culmination of one of the most inspiring stories of entrepreneurship to have emerged out of Kenya.
They say the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Certainly the world never foresaw the consequences of young Peter Ngumbi Mulei’s decision in 1934 to hire himself out as a labourer in the coffee farms of Kiambu. But this was no ordinary young man. This was a driven man whose credo in life ...read more
was, “Ikia vitii, vitii.” Loosely translated, that is Kamba for, “Press on, press on.” Over the next 57 years, the young man’s determination would slowly give birth to millions of shillings-worth of investment.
From working in a food kiosk and serving meals to British soldiers during World War Two to livestock trading and wood-carving, Ngumbi’s true calling began to emerge.
Though a school drop-out, Ngumbi’s life would evidence the contention that true education is not exclusively academic. He would display the hallmarks of true enterpreneurship: diligence, focus, discipline and hardwork. From his business wanderings to across Africa, he saved enough money to open a merchandise store in Machakos town in 1969.
Previously, he had run a chain of corner shops and grocery stores in Nairobi. Success can be evident in a person’s character. In all the places where Ngumbi worked, four things are remembered of him: he was a hard-worker, a man of integrity, a person who respected other people and one who valued relationships. These, self-help gurus say, are among cardinal ingredients of success.
“Among the many things I learnt from my father,” says Ndonye Ngumbi, “is that relationships matter. My father valued people and never took advantage of anyone.”
This must have played a significant role in influencing his firm’s mission statement: “to create an emotional relationship with our customers by providing reliable, quality goods and services through our inspired staff.”
This especially came to the fore in days when scarcity of certain commodities, usually food, was acute. At a time when most other store-keepers hoarded the commodities to spike the prices, Ngumbi had people line up outside his store and he sold to everybody an equal amount – at the normal price.
Although it can safely be assumed that he never read Stephen Covey, Robert Schuller, Dale Carnergie, or Napoleon Hill, Ngumbi’s way of doing business proves once again that the pricinciples of success are universal. The customers he faithfully and sensitively served for years until his death in June 2010, are trooping to Machakos town’s newest investment, the Mulleys Supermarket. Business, they say, is a relationship, not money.
