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Former salesman cements a fortune in hardware business

Monday, March 04, 2013 — updated on December 17, 2020 - 4 min read

Mr Samwel Maingi, the proprietor of Saris Hardware, in his office in Kitengela during the interview. Photo/Ponciano Odongo

When Samwel Maingi completed his diploma in civil engineering in 1995, he seemed to have paved his career path in formal employment. He landed a job shortly after at the leading cement manufacturing company, Bamburi Cement as a salesperson.

But matters took an unfortunate turn for Mr Maingi in 2001. At only 27, he suddenly found himself a retrenchee as the company was undergoing realignment. He had to think on his feet.