When Francis Kamau Muchiri’s scored 265 marks in the Kenya Certificate Of Primary Education (KCPE), it could have been easy for him to lose hope. However, Muchiri’s story is one of redemption and resilience.
Undeterred by his initial academic setback, Muchiri enrolled at Ngurwe-ini Secondary School in Murang’a county, where he defied expectations and achieved an impressive mean grade of A-.
“I went to Dandora Primary School and completed my KCPE in the year 2004 and obtained 265 marks. I proceeded to Ngurwe-ini Secondary School in Murang’a county where I got a mean grade of A minus. I went to Kimathi University and I did my undergraduate in computer science,” Muchiri told TUKO.co.ke in an exclusive interview.
Upon completing his studies, Muchiri ventured into academia as an academic writer, specializing in research and critical analyses.
For over a decade, he immersed himself in the world of academia, saving diligently along the way. His savings eventually amounted to over KSh 2 million, providing him with the seed capital to fulfill a dream he had harbored for years.
In 2023, Muchiri took a bold step and founded Reisen Safaris, a tours and travel company. H
“I started the company in the year 2023. My inspiration to start a tourism company came from a combination of personal interests, values, and a vision for the kind of experiences I want to offer to travelers. The initial capital I started with is KSh 2.1 million which I used to buy a tour van but I’m still planning to invest more in the business,” Muchiri disclosed.
Like many new ventures, he encountered obstacles, including market saturation, financial management, and the need to establish brand awareness. However, Muchiri’s determination and commitment to his vision allowed him to navigate these challenges with resilience.
Muchiri emphasized the importance of patience in the tourism business, noting that profitability takes time. He also highlighted the significance of effective financial management and budgeting for the sustainability of the business.
Despite the hurdles, Muchiri remains forward-thinking and is actively working on enhancing the online presence of his company.
In the ever-evolving landscape of the tour and travel industry, Muchiri acknowledges the transformative role of technology.
He revealed plans to develop a tour app that would provide real-time information, interactive maps, and features to enhance the overall travel experience for users.
Staying abreast of industry trends, Muchiri conducts regular market research to understand changing customer preferences, emerging destinations, and industry dynamics.
Through surveys, customer feedback, and data analytics, he ensures that Reisen Safaris remains innovative and relevant in the competitive travel market.