How Shoemaker Rose From Ksh500 Rental House to CEO of Real Estate Firm

A before and after of Jame Kinyua of Maono Lands ltd
A before and after of Jame Kinyua of Maono Lands Ltd
Photo
James Kinyua

James Kinyua, popularly known as Kinyua Wairatu, the CEO of Maono Land Ltd, on Friday, May 5, narrated his rags-to-riches story on the Jeff Kuria Show.

Kinyua, who began as a shoemaker in 2001 to 2009 in Dandora, Nairobi County, worked in different sectors before venturing into the real estate business.

He detailed that he was not ashamed of his humble beginning noting that God lifted him from grass to grace. 

The CEO also worked as a carpenter, making furniture for a local school in Dandora to make ends meet.

A young James Kinyua mending shoes in Dandora, Nairobi
A young James Kinyua mending shoes in Dandora, Nairobi County
Photo
James Kinyua

"When I started mending shoes, I began to live a better life and rented my own house paying Ksh500 monthly. In a day I would get between Ksh60-Ksh100 in a day. Things were not smooth but I pushed through," he narrated.

He started selling shoe laces and polishing shoes in his small shoe-making shop.

Kinyua also sold the Shabiki magazine at about Ksh30 a piece in his rise to success. He also raised Ksh7,000 from friends to print his first eight-page book, Who is Kinyua Wairatu.

The Shabiki magazine highlighted the lives of Kenyans across the country. He argued that it resonated with many readers since most of the magazines in the market looked at international affairs.

"I taught myself how to do everything I know. I am a fast learner," he stated.

He explained that the increased use of smartphones and the internet rendered his magazine unnecessary, forcing him to shift to selling land before he started his own company.

Kinyua revealed that he initially had an issue registering the company as many of the names had been reserved. He noted that Maono (Dreams) came to him in a vision.

The CEO currently serves as the chairperson of the Association of Real Estate Stakeholders.

"Do not listen to people when tell you that you can not do anything. If you believe you can then do it," he advised.

Maono Lands Ltd CEO James Kinyua at an event on February 19, 2023
Maono Lands Ltd CEO James Kinyua at an event on February 19, 2023
PCS
James Kinyua