Would you venture into the hearse business if you had capital?
This is the question many Kenyans are now asking themselves after thought-provoking remarks by motivational speaker and career coach, Wambugu Wa Kamau.
Speaking during a session aimed at encouraging young people to invest wisely while still young, Wambugu gave an example of a business he considers highly profitable.
In his view, the funeral service sector remains largely untapped despite its immense potential. Specifically, he said transportation services were a “goldmine waiting to be exploited.”
Why a hearse could be a goldmine
“This is what wise spenders do: they save, then seek investments. You reach a level where you can buy a vehicle, not one that drains your pockets, but one that fills them. I want to give you a very good idea: buy a hearse,” he stated.
Video:
@wambuguwakamau #kenyantiktok #moneytalks #kenyan #fypã‚·ã‚š #save #money #fyy
According to Wambugu, a well-run hearse business would bring optimum returns because whenever the engine is running, it means there is business.
“Whenever the ignition of a hearse is on, it means money is being made. You will hardly find people visiting each other using a hearse, would you want that?” he joked.
He added that a hearse typically only hits the road after full payment from clients.
“Nobody will borrow your hearse for an upcountry trip or for fun at events like the WRC in Naivasha,” he continued.
Cunning strategies hearse owners use
Wambugu revealed that some hearse owners have become quite cunning, especially during slow seasons. He claimed some would buy newspapers just to read the obituary sections, find funeral preparation meetings, and show up uninvited.
“They appear very sad and claim to have been close friends with the deceased. When the committee discusses transport plans, they strike, offering discounted services that few can refuse,” he narrated, sparking laughter among the audience.
He added that hearses are a safer investment compared to vehicles like matatus, which are more prone to theft.
Ultimately, Wambugu’s point was to emphasize the importance of wise investment, doing thorough research on market demands and trends instead of following the crowd blindly.
However, investing in a hearse business is not for the faint-hearted. Emotional intelligence is crucial, especially when it comes to marketing.
Market it too vibrantly, and you risk appearing opportunistic and insensitive; take too soft an approach, and you lose visibility, without which your business might collapse.
In a related story, Bizna Kenya reported that a Kenyan man ventured into the coffin business but only managed to sell three out of over 170 pieces he had produced.
