Lincoln Fundi is a man who decided to take a path less traveled by many young people. At 31 years of age, he took the bold step from employment to self employment armed with only two major things, determination and belief in his welding acquired skills.
After his education at a local Technical and Vocational Education and Training institute at his home village, he attached himself at a local welder’s workshop where he was able to get hands on training in welding. Here he sharpened his skills and gained the confidence to enter the job market.
He sort employment where he would serve his employer for 3 years. The shift would come one afternoon. He had an epiphany, he had observed that it was the skills he and other employees had that kept the business going and he made the decision to use these very skills to create something of his own.
Watch his story on YouTube here https://www.youtube.com/embed/RZiT40f7fnk?si=HYkNjPsXboymsL0u%22
His employer paid his salary and with about 22 thousand shillings with no tools of trade but the confidence of skills he had acquired, Lincoln scouted for a place he can start his business. In August of 2017 Lincoln got a space where has since operated from. It would cost him 32000 shillings for rent and deposit, he struck an arrangement with the landlord and then borrowed his very first tool from a friend and he was ready to go.
Lincoln has operated from this workshop based in Ruiru since August of 2017 to-date. Over the years he has grown. A business that was once a one man’s show, now has five other young men on boarded to the business.
His secret to success
The 31 year old recognizes that belief in self is key in upward mobility in life, he urges especially young people not to shy away from starting small because eventually it pays off. Honesty with one’s customers is paramount in any business he says ,keeping your word and delivering what you say you will, keeps your doors open. Respect and paying ones employees on time also goes a long way in any business he says.
Challenges
Despite notable growth in his business, Lincoln acknowledges that there are various challenges.The ever rising electricity costs he says are affecting businesses, licensing is also another major hurdle for startups. Machines to operate in a business such as his are also very capital intensive, this holds back very many would be business people.
Lincoln is calling on the government to look into these challenges to help make it easier for young people to venture into business and contribute to the economy.