Gone are the days when Kenyans seeking construction services would struggle in search of qualified artisans popularly known by the Swahili word Fundi.
With many Kenyan entrepreneurs venturing into the informal sector, their innovations have created solutions for various services in some of the less exploited sectors such as construction, while creating employment in the process.
One such individual is Simon Kaba, the Co-Founder and CEO of Good Fundi, a Nairobi-based firm that offers common construction services, including renovation services.
Prior to starting the company, Kaba was a real estate marketing and sales person in various companies, including VillaCare, Saif Real Estate, Safaricom PLC, and Bank of Africa.
While in his job, the real estate mogul noted that most of his clients had a challenge finding qualified handymen.
He decided to fill the gap by starting Good Fundi with the goal of building the easiest, most convenient way for busy people everywhere to book real estate services, renovations, and property improvement services.
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”What inspired me is seeing how the blue colour business and career has always been looked down upon by many. I decided to start off Good Fundi Services to ensure all handymen can have a voice and be respected as they’re fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters out here making a living,’’ he says.
Located in Bhavesh Centre, Kimathi Street, Nairobi, Good Fundi offers various services, including painting, electrical, plumbing, tiling, and masonry.
In addition, fabrication services, carpentry, upholstery, landscaping, and interior and exterior property improvement services are all available at Good Fundi.
Being in one of the less exploited fields in Kenya, Kaba admitted challenges in the initial years, especially in the management of the business and clients, thanks to his Bcom degree, which helped him navigate the hassle.
”We have been tried and tested in our services and products for the last 5 years and we are strong in keep to our keep focus that is Client’s Happiness is Guaranteed,’’ says Kaba.
”We have trained, experienced, and skilled personnel who you will not need to be fearful of who is in your space. Now the old ways of getting anyone from anywhere calling themselves Fundis is over,’’ he adds.
The businessman advises anyone intending to venture into a similar field to be consistent and focus on improvement.
He is optimistic that in the next five years Good Fundi will have expanded to other parts of the country.
