From seed capital of Sh100,000, he rakes in Sh6m monthly

By PROTUS ONYANGO

KENYA: When John Kiano, 30, owner of Magic Security Services Ltd was growing up, he witnessed security guards mistreated by employers and paid peanuts. This inspired the father of one to start  a company that creates jobs for the youth and unemployed.

Who is John Kiano?

I was born 30 years ago in Narok County, where I attended Lenana Primary School. I later joined Ntinda Secondary School in Uganda for my ‘O’ and ‘A’ levels before coming to Kenya to train in food and beverage management at the International School of Culinary Arts.

How do you start your day?

I wake up at 5 am and go to the gym, take my breakfast and drive to the office by 6 am.

What does your work involve?

When I get to the office I first check my mails before meeting with my staff to plan ahead. Later in the day, I visit my clients.

How did you start out?

I secured a job at Alimis hotel in Narok and by the end of 2006, I had saved Sh100, 000. I quit my job and came to Nairobi to found Magic Security Services Ltd. But I almost quit it when I realised that there was a lot of competition in the business.

The going was so tough that at one time, I was not able to pay rent and buy food as I spent all the money I had on the business. So I closed my office and rested for a while.

What kept you going?

The passion for making guards live a decent life and providing jobs to young Kenyans. I adopted the door-to-door strategy where I visited clients and convinced them to give me business. I employed two marketers to help me and it paid off.

How do you balance between family and business?

I create time mostly on weekends to be exclusively with my family. Sometimes I delegate duties to create some ‘me time’.

How many employees to you have?

I have 500 workers.  The company also has branches in Narok, Thika, Naivasha, Nakuru and Eldoret and a training ground in Kahawa West.

What differentiates your firm from others?

We train our guards in discipline, protection,  detecting  people with ill intentions and customer care. I also offer dog services to those who need them. I breed dogs to supplement our services or sell to clients.

How much do you pay your workers?

Sh10, 000 each and I reward those who excel in various disciplines. At the end of every year, I give shopping vouchers for shopping. I train my staff and allow them to take up different positions in the company as a way of motivating them.

What is your biggest lesson?

To succeed in business one must persevere, be patient and disciplined. Have a plan and execute it according to your goals.

Who are some of your clients?

Naivas Supermarkets, Powerstar Supermarket, Tool Managers, Landmark Chemical Industries, Urban Properties, Dubai Industries Ltd and Peponi Road Warehouse.

How much do you make in a month?

I started with Sh100, 000 but now I make Sh6 million monthly after deducting all my expenses.

What is your biggest dream and inspiration?

 My dream is to employ 10, 000 youth in five years. My mother inspires me. She has a never-lose-hope spirit and encourages me to work towards my goals.