In the dynamic landscape of construction and home improvement industry, Muthokinju Paints and Cement stands out as a beacon of entrepreneurial success and innovation.
Founded in 1995, this family-owned business has transformed from a modest distributor into a prominent player, renowned for its high-quality paints and cement products.
In this article, WoA delves into the ownership structure that has shaped Muthokinju’s identity, exploring the strategic decisions that have fueled its growth.
Origin
Muthokinju Paints and Cement derives its unique name from a blend of the founders’ names: Muthoni Kimani and Barnabas Njuguna.
The name combines “MUTHO” (Muthoni), “KI” (Kimani), and “NJU” (Njuguna) to create the now well-recognized brand.
The business journey began 29 years ago, inspired by Muthoni’s entrepreneurial spirit and lessons learned from her previous venture, a restaurant called Mama Safi at Kenyatta Market.
Muthoni and Njuguna decided to pivot away from the restaurant business due to the challenges of handling perishable goods, which often led to losses.
This realization prompted the duo to shift gears and establish a hardware store instead—a decision that laid the foundation for the successful enterprise we know today.
Growth and success
Fast forward to today, Muthokinju has grown into a reputable brand specializing in paints, cement, adhesives, and decorative sundries.
The business boasts over 14 branches and a workforce exceeding 150 employees.
The founders, Muthoni and Njuguna, have since passed the leadership baton to their son, Benjamin Njatha, who serves as the Managing Director, and his wife, Sarafina Njatha, the Operations Director.
Benjamin’s involvement in the family business started at a young age.
By the age of nine, he was learning the basics of operations and eventually became the ideal successor to lead the business forward.
Expansion
About four years ago, Benjamin embarked on an ambitious expansion drive, aiming to grow the business rapidly.
However, he quickly realized the importance of creating solid business structures to sustain long-term growth.
Describing this as his “best mistake,” Benjamin shifted his focus from rapid expansion to building efficient systems.
This strategic change has since proven beneficial, bringing stability and fostering growth within the company.
In the past decade, Muthokinju has embraced innovation to enhance its operations.
The company has computerized and interconnected all its branches, enabling the Managing Director to monitor business activities remotely from the headquarters in Imara Daima.
The family business has branches in many locations, including Juja, Ngong, Rongai, Karatina, Kenol, Kasarani, Embu, Thika, Murang’a, Kitengela and Kiambu Road.
