In a remarkable show of determination and entrepreneurial spirit, a young man has launched a successful WiFi business in the bustling coastal city of Mombasa. Safari Mlewa, in his late twenties, has defied the odds to co-found Bomba Fiber Connect, an internet service provider, thanks to financial support from Imarika Sacco.
Recognizing a gap in the market for affordable and reliable internet services, Mlewa decided to take a bold step in 2023 by applying for a loan worth Ksh 200,000 from Imarika Sacco. The loan, which was processed within hours, became the cornerstone of his business venture. “The loan has been the ‘founding rock’ of Bomba Fiber Connect,” Mlewa stated. The funds enabled him and his partner to launch the business, purchase essential equipment, and acquire the necessary licenses to operate.
From Humble Beginnings to Success
Mlewa’s journey with Imarika Sacco began in 2019, when he started saving with an initial deposit of Ksh 10,000. Over the years, his relationship with the sacco has been instrumental in shaping his financial progress. “Since joining the sacco, my economic life has seen dramatic progress. It’s difficult to imagine where I would be without Imarika,” he reflected.
In 2021, Mlewa applied for his first loan from the sacco, a sum of Ksh 48,000, which he used to build a semi-permanent house in his rural home. After successfully repaying this loan over a one-year period, he applied for a second loan of Ksh 130,000. This time, he purchased a motorbike to help expand his side business of selling solar-powered lighting systems. The motorbike allowed him to travel to various markets, increasing his reach and revenue.
However, Mlewa’s ambitions didn’t stop there. He decided to enroll in a technical course, studying electrical systems alongside courses in CCTV, WiFi, and electronics maintenance. This education paved the way for the establishment of Bomba Fiber Connect.
“After completing my course, a colleague and I realized that the internet connectivity market was a niche we could exploit for huge profits,” Mlewa explained.
The Birth of Bomba Fiber Connect
Bomba Fiber Connect’s business model relies on monthly subscriptions from customers, making it a competitive venture. With Mlewa and his co-founder both being trained technicians, they initially handled all aspects of the business themselves, including scouting for connectivity opportunities and installing internet equipment for customers. However, as demand grew, they recognized the need to recruit more staff to keep up with the market and improve service efficiency.
Starting a WiFi business from scratch required significant capital. Mlewa credits Imarika Sacco for making the venture possible, as raising such funds independently would have been an uphill task.
“The initial cost of establishing the business was substantial, and I believe it would have been like climbing a mountain without the support from Imarika,” Mlewa remarked.
The company has rapidly expanded its reach, now serving various parts of Mombasa, including Jomvu, Tudor, and Kiembeni. Mlewa and his partner remain optimistic about the future, confident that their focus on service quality will allow them to retain and grow their customer base in the competitive market.
Advice for Young Entrepreneurs
Mlewa encourages young people to consider joining saccos and start saving, even if they can only contribute small amounts at first. “It’s exactly what I did, and now I co-own a lucrative internet connectivity business,” he said during an interview.
His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, financial discipline, and the importance of accessible financial services like those offered by Imarika Sacco. Mlewa’s journey from a solar lighting system hawker to a WiFi business co-founder underscores the potential for growth that comes with dedication, the right partnerships, and financial support.
