‘Everyone thought I was wasting my money’

By Kevin Oguoko

Three years ago, the furniture industry was yet to take root in Eastleigh, as it was ruled unprofitable by many sceptics.

The Muslim community in Eastleigh, it was said, preferred using carpets and mats to sofas and other types of furniture.

However, this did not deter Hussein Muhammed from venturing into a business almost everyone said would fail. Armed with Sh100,000 and a dream, he set out and now he is the proud owner of Allybaba Furniture business. 

He worked at a furniture-making shop for more than two years after completing secondary school education so he knew the tricks of the business.

 “People in Asian and Arab countries have embraced furniture with strong influence from the Arabian culture according to my research. I applied the same concept in my first set of furniture to capture the hearts of my customers,” says the 26-year-old.

The first sofa set he made was a 7-seater inspired by Arabian designs.

“After paying for all the necessary equipment, I was left with only Sh5,000. I displayed the seat outside the workshop for potential clients to view. That was my only hope,” he says.

Taking the risk paid off when a passer-by admired and ordered the first set.  “I made a cool Sh28,000, he says, adding that he did not even have the means to get the chair to the client’s house.

“I put it on a cart and took it to the client,” he says.

His first client opened up the door for more business since he referred others to Hussein.

Good returns

More customers poured in as word went round about the ‘unique’ sofas and chairs. Today, he owns one of the busiest shops in Eastleigh estate, Allybaba Furniture next to Eastleigh’s Aga Khan University Hospital.

“We make a profit of Sh300,000 in a good month,” says the Isiolo Boys High School alumnus.

His business has created employment for 10 youths, with two working in the showroom and the rest working in the workshop.

Hussein starts off his day at 5 am and divides his time between a workshop in Pumwani and the Eastleigh shop where the furniture is displayed. The sale of furniture is on commission as Hussein still designs and makes some when there are many orders.

Most of the raw materials are sourced from Gikomba and he does the shopping himself. He also ensures he spends time in the shop to interact with clients regularly, getting to know their taste and in turn advise them accordingly.

Challenges

“Our work involves a lot of research. You have to listen to your client and try to understand his or her taste. Then we take trips to various shops to find out what they are doing and tips on what is in the market, the Internet is also a vital source of information,” Hussein explains.

According to Hussein, one of the challenges furniture makers and seller face is stiff competition from imported one.

 “Some consumers prefer ready-made furniture from abroad because of their perceived exclusivity with unique designs,” says Hussein. He says some of the imported furniture is of inferior quality.

“As part of our services we also offer repair services and have more than once come across imported furniture. The wood used is normally weak and wears off easily after only a couple of months leaving the clients with huge losses,” he says.

The furniture business has its highs and lows as Hussein describes. “We have seasons the customer turnout is really low and we incur losses. But our biggest challenge yet is the rent bill that is high,” he says.

As one of the fastest growing Nairobi suburbs in terms of real estate, Eastleigh property prices have shot up and so has the rent. Currently Hussein pays 120,000 per month for his shop in Eastleigh.

“Before I got it, I had to pay 360,000 shillings as goodwill. Rent doesn’t come cheap here,” he says.