Kenya

imported 2024-03-17 17:43:09

GuardNow Security Group Leads the Way in Corporate Protection Services Across Kenya

August 5, 2025

This exclusive interview with Dr. Peter Mwangi, Founder and CEO of GuardNow Security Group, provides an in-depth look into one of the most dynamic and visionary private security companies in Kenya. Based in Nairobi, GuardNow Security has quickly grown into a leading player in the security services industry in Kenya, delivering corporate security solutions to a wide range of clients including Naivas supermarket chain, international schools, hospitals, churches, residential estates, and commercial properties.

The company offers comprehensive and customized private security services, including manned guarding, CCTV surveillance, K9 dog services, fire safety services, ambulance response, and personnel training. What sets GuardNow apart from other security firms in Nairobi is its unwavering commitment to client satisfaction, immediate responsiveness, and strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) tailored to each client’s unique needs.

Dr. Mwangi emphasizes a hands-on leadership style, where he personally engages with both clients and staff to ensure service excellence. This level of dedication is rare in the private protection sector in Kenya, where GuardNow positions itself as a reliable and professional partner.

With extensive international exposure, Dr. Mwangi is driving the firm towards integrating advanced security technologies like remote surveillance, real-time CCTV monitoring, and digital visitor management systems. Inspired by innovations in South Africa, he aims to make GuardNow a pioneer in technology-driven security solutions in Kenya and East Africa.

Looking ahead, the company has set its sights on expanding into East and Central Africa, offering world-class private security services that align with international standards. GuardNow is open to strategic partnerships with individuals who bring not just capital, but also military or intelligence backgrounds, global experience, and long-term commitment to transforming the security industry in Africa.

Dr. Mwangi’s leadership philosophy is anchored in discipline, vision, accountability, and a refusal to compromise on service quality. He has grown the company organically from 5 to over 160 employees since 2018 without external loans, and he believes that the spirit and integrity of the founder must be deeply embedded in the company’s DNA.

Inside Geoffrey Gitau and Co: Leading Audit and Accounting Firm Powering SMEs in Kenya

August 5, 2025

In this in-depth interview, Geoffrey Gitau, the founder of Geoffrey Gitau and Co., shares the inspiring journey of building a leading auditing and accounting firm in Nairobi, Kenya. From humble beginnings as an audit assistant, Geoffrey Gitau launched his practice in 2011 with a single client, scaling it to over 200 audit clients by year eleven. His firm has become a trusted name in auditing, accounting, and tax services in Kenya, particularly for SMEs and non-resident companies establishing operations in the country.

The firm stands out for its value-added audit approach, notably through its use of the management letter, which offers critical business insights beyond standard financial reporting. Gitau emphasizes the importance of this tool in enhancing business processes and compliance. His team, composed of professionals registered with the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), also conducts quarterly internal training to uphold standards of excellence.

A major focus of the firm’s growth has been outsourced accounting services, designed for foreign companies, startups, and SMEs in Kenya. These services include statutory compliance, management accounts, and tax advisory—especially valuable in Kenya’s dynamic regulatory environment. The firm’s one-stop-shop model bundles these services with business formation, immigration services, company secretarial support, and legal advisory, coordinated via trusted associates.

The firm is embracing audit automation and AI in auditing, implementing advanced tools like Caseware and Toolbar—AI-enabled software that streamlines audit processes such as fieldwork, data sampling, and financial analysis. This allows the team to shift from manual tasks to higher-value advisory services.

Geoffrey Gitau and Co. is currently transitioning into a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), a strategic move to promote internal ownership and long-term sustainability. The firm is also expanding its digital footprint through a dedicated digital marketing strategy, boosting online visibility to attract foreign direct investors, particularly those searching for auditing firms in Kenya, tax compliance support, or accounting firms in Nairobi.

Looking ahead, Gitau’s strategic priorities include sector diversification into agriculture, fintech, and microfinance, along with plans for regional expansion into Uganda, Tanzania, and Somalia. The firm also seeks to scale its business process outsourcing (BPO) arm, already servicing clients in the United States and Dubai. This segment presents strong potential given the high costs of financial services in those regions and Kenya’s growing reputation as a hub for affordable outsourced accounting solutions.

Through a focus on professional excellence, AI-enabled audit tools, client-centric service, and sustainable growth, Geoffrey Gitau and Co. is helping shape the future of financial compliance, auditing, and advisory services in Kenya and East Africa.

Ashif Kassam on RSM Eastern Africa’s Role in ESG, SME Advisory, and Audit Innovation Across East Africa

August 4, 2025

In this exclusive interview with Ashif Kassam, Executive Chairman of RSM Eastern Africa LLP, he outlines the firm’s strategic initiatives aimed at reinforcing its position as a leading provider of audit and advisory services in East Africa. As part of the global RSM audit network, the firm is aligning its operations with international standards through the RSM Africa Regional Council, chaired by Kassam. The council ensures uniform delivery of quality services across over 15 African countries, reinforcing RSM’s growing footprint in Sub-Saharan Africa.

A major area of focus is the integration of technology in audit services, particularly data analytics to enhance complex audits and deliver critical insights. RSM is also prioritizing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) advisory services by investing in global and regional ESG teams, including a free ESG self-assessment tool for clients. The firm also supports SMEs in East Africa with transaction advisory services, helping family-owned businesses with succession planning, ownership transitions, and growth strategies.

Kassam highlights how professional services in Kenya must differentiate on values like care, collaboration, and cultural fit, as well as trust, to ensure client retention and service quality in a crowded market of over 2,500 auditors. For RSM, most growth is referral-based, underlining its commitment to high-quality client relationships rather than mass marketing.

The firm also contributes to economic development by working with key organizations such as Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM). Its publication, Doing Business in Kenya, remains one of the most comprehensive guides for foreign investors, along with similar resources for Uganda and Tanzania.

RSM sees immense opportunity in intra-African trade, especially through the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), which is already creating shifts in manufacturing, agriculture, and agro-processing. Kassam urges international investors to view Kenya’s economic fundamentals such as investments in universal healthcare, education, and housing as strong indicators of growth despite isolated incidents covered in the media.

On a personal note, Kassam shares his commitment to Islamic philanthropy, particularly through the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which supports initiatives in education, healthcare, and cultural restoration across East Africa. He highlights the Aga Khan University Hospital as a model for integrated medical education and service delivery.

In closing, this interview underscores RSM’s regional leadership in offering ESG services, SME consulting, and data-driven audit solutions solidifying its role as one of the top audit firms in Africa while promoting ethical leadership, innovation, and long-term economic transformation.

Bridging the Digital Divide: Farouk Ramji Speaks About How Mawingu Is Connecting Rural Kenya and Tanzania

July 29, 2025

In this exclusive interview, Farouk Ramji, CEO of Mawingu, a leading internet service provider in Kenya, outlines the company’s strategic growth across East Africa, with a strong focus on affordable internet in rural Kenya and Tanzania. Over the past four years, Mawingu has built a financially viable and scalable ISP business model—anchored in strong gross margins, profitability, and operational discipline—making it one of the most promising ISPs in Kenya and Africa connectivity pioneers.

The company’s journey from a venture capital-backed startup to a multi-country operator has been marked by an ambitious shift towards attracting long-term infrastructure investors and private equity in Africa. Ramji discusses Mawingu’s acquisition in Tanzania, its disciplined M&A strategy, and how the brand offers a unique blend of profit and purpose in the African digital infrastructure investment space.

The vision is bold: to connect one million Africans by 2028, using sustainable and smart investment strategies tailored for markets like Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Burundi. Instead of spreading thin, Mawingu aims to solidify operations in two or three key countries and replicate success through franchise models or an “ISP-in-a-box” approach—enabling accelerated pan-African expansion.

A core part of Mawingu’s impact strategy includes community-based internet connectivity. Ramji highlights the company’s 24/7 network operations center, in-house technical teams, and localized customer support, including Somali-speaking agents to serve marginalized regions such as Mandera. The company’s non-profit arm, Mawingu Foundation, supports schools and community hubs with subsidized internet—building a bridge between digital inclusion and economic empowerment.

Ramji also emphasizes how increasing internet penetration in Africa—particularly in underserved communities—can directly boost GDP, citing World Bank statistics that link a 10% rise in connectivity to a 1.38% increase in GDP. By maintaining this focus, Mawingu not only builds a business but also delivers measurable socioeconomic returns.

Looking ahead, Mawingu plans to grow fivefold in the next three years, increasing subscriber numbers, revenue, and regional reach. The interview concludes with a strong message to global investors: despite past hesitations, the African internet market presents massive untapped potential. With only 1 million of 12 million Kenyan homes connected and just 300,000 out of 14 million Tanzanian homes online, the size of the opportunity is enormous.

Affordable Housing in Kenya: How Unity Homes Is Setting New Quality Standards Transforming Tatu City and Beyond

July 24, 2025

The interview with Jason Horsey, Executive Director of Unity Homes, offers a comprehensive overview of one of the leading residential real estate developers in Kenya. Founded in 2015, Unity Homes has established itself as a major player in affordable housing in Kenya, with a strong footprint in Tatu City and expansion into Nigeria through its sister brand, Universal Homes Nigeria.

Initially known for building affordable homes priced between KES 5 to 10 million, Unity Homes is now diversifying into premium real estate, such as the Silverhill project, inspired by London townhouses. With over 2,000 completed homes and 1,500 under construction, their developments include Unity West, Unity East, Unity One, and Unity Parkside, located in the master-planned Tatu City real estate zone. Projects like Unity West apartments and Unity East housing offer two- and three-bedroom options with world-class amenities such as parks, gyms, pools, and community spaces.

The company’s hallmark is its vertically integrated model. Unlike other real estate developers in Kenya who outsource key functions, Unity Homes has internalized architecture, engineering, and construction, allowing it to deliver high-quality homes with over 2,000 quality checks per apartment. The use of international HSE standards, implemented by a former Halliburton expert, sets them apart in real estate development in Nairobi and across East Africa.

A notable focus is Unity Homes’ commitment to serving the Kenyan diaspora real estate market. With 60% of local sales and up to 80% of Nigerian sales coming from diaspora investors, the company offers secure, trust-driven investment options for those seeking safe real estate investments in Kenya. Through partnerships with Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company (KMRC), Unity is also promoting subsidized mortgage products for affordable housing buyers, particularly in projects like Unity One.

Unity’s strategic vision includes scaling up through large-scale, integrated estates that support live-work-play real estate development models. Future plans include developing 3,000 to 5,000 homes in real estate development in Unity West and coastal areas, supported by clean land titles as found in Tatu City and Nigeria’s Lekki Free Trade Zone, where Universal Homes Nigeria is delivering 576 apartments aimed at investors.

From buying off-plan apartments in Kenya to securing real estate investment opportunities in Nairobi, Unity Homes continues to raise the bar in high-quality homes with excellent rental yields and strong capital appreciation — a compelling option for both homeowners and investors. With amenities that foster safe, family-friendly living environments and the backing of community initiatives like the “Our Community Foundation,” the company creates not just houses but vibrant ecosystems.

Kibo Africa’s Expansion Plan: Durable Motorcycles, Local Manufacturing, and Electric Innovation

July 23, 2025

In this interview, Peter Schokker shares his vision and strategic direction for Kibo Africa, a motorcycle manufacturer based in Kenya. He emphasizes quality, customer focus, rugged utility bikes built for African terrain, and growing partnerships to enhance customer value. Kibo has expanded its dealer and service network across Kenya and East Africa and is collaborating with financing partners to make its motorcycles more accessible to SMEs and Boda-Boda riders.

A key part of Kibo’s roadmap includes the phased introduction of electric motorcycles, with a strong focus on preserving the brand’s values of reliability, endurance, and suitability for difficult terrain. Schokker also outlines regional expansion plans, including Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, DRC, and Ghana. Efforts are underway to strengthen local manufacturing, improve operational efficiency, and develop new service models to enhance customer experience.

Kibo’s motorcycles are used for a variety of purposes: by government agencies, SMEs, adventure riders, farmers, and logistics companies. The interview concludes with Schokker’s personal motivation—building a business that empowers people economically and working as a team to create impact.

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