Mr Kimutai recalls facing a big hurdle in business in 2012 due to rampant cartels in the tours and travel industry. The travel advisories issued by the international communities because of terror attacks that rocked the coastal region also posed a major challenge.
He had taken a loan to buy six tour and travel vehicles, but was forced to abandon the business.
“It was not easy selling the cars but God helped me,” he said. Seal Travels is now recognised as an international mice accommodations booking system.
He has since graduated from Central Queensland University with a degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management. He is currently taking an online Masters course in Leadership and Management in the same institution.
Last year, Seals Travels expanded to have two branches in Mombasa with 12 permanent staff.
Its success led to the birth of Mesh Group Ltd, a real estate, construction and general supplies company located at Upper Hill, Nairobi.
According to Mr Kimutai, Mesh Group is certified as an authorised constructor by the National Construction Authority and is currently setting up 20 three bedroom units in Eldoret’s Pioneer Estate, valued at over Sh40 million.
The company, which is now among the top businesses in Kenya, also supplies general items to the government. To give back to the community he started the Meshack Kimutai Foundation in 2013 to empower youth and women.
This feature was first published in the Business Daily by Stellar Murumba.
