Located along Kisumu-Busia highway near Maseno University, Ja-Ukwala Furniture always steals the attention of any passerby. It is a company that deals in the production of all kinds of dinning, bedroom and living room furniture.
Speaking to Hivisasa on Monday morning, Mr. Domnic Rawayo, the Proprietor of the business said that he begun the business alone in the year 2004. He now runs a flourishing furniture business with 31 employees 11 years later.
Beginning with no capital, Mr. Rawayo says that he used to take orders from his customers whom he advised to pay first. He then used the money to get the material required, used a little for his upkeep and saved the remaining fraction.
The firm produces classy and executive sofa sets, king size beds and dinning sets with the aid of his able staff. However Mr. Domnic is the sole designer of all the furniture at his yard.
“The business is very lucrative’, he said. “ I have customers from all over the country including Nairobi, Kisumu and Bungoma”. He also said that he is looking forward to extending his sales to Uganda since the business is situated along the only highway linking Kisumu to Uganda hence making it very strategic.
He however also said that the ride is not always easy since rain has been a big challenge to him as he lacks modern storage units. Hivisasa found his staff putting up a shed that they will work under during the Elnino rains that are expected to come.
More than just being a business firm, Mr. Domnic has become an employer of over 30 youths who earn their livelihood from the place.
“For one to be a successful entrepreneur, one must like what he does, make savings and keep good public relations”, he added.