Edward Wambui of Charlotte, NC paid a visit to Diaspora University Town (DUT). He was so excited and said, “I’ve all the machines ready for opening a metal products MSME. This is what I do in the U.S. This is what I have done in the last 27 years. I’ll set up the MSME in about 2 acres.” Ronald Mwangonbe who is working on the DUT building materials was equally excited. He said, “I’ve a partner who we shall work with.” The two exchanged phone numbers as they started to progress the DUT building materials plan.
The building materials that Metal MSME will produce include: house roofing truss, stairs, windows, doors, gates, fences, glass wall panels and others. The MSME will also produce road construction materials that include: guard rails, sign posts and others. The MSME will also produce the building materials manufacturing machines and molds.
Edward informed Dan Kamau the executive trustee and project director formerly of Worcester, MA, he is coming to the site. He said, “Once I get back next week I’ll initiate the shipping of the machines that I have already bought for this work.”
He explained that before the construction starts he wants to have opened the Metal MSME at the DUT site even if on a temporary place. “I’m going to be here on the ground! My machines will be here!”
In the DUT design-build budget of 38.5 billion, the Metal MSME could reach sales of even Ksh 500 million as the roads and buildings are constructed. Edward asked Joseph Mwandairo of the DUT roads and Ronald of DUT materials to prepare the lists of the materials and services so he can get ready. He said, “I have done this work for 27 years here in Kenya and in the U.S. I can’t wait to expand my business here.”
Ronald on listening to Edward qualifications, licenses, experience and work done over the years in Kenya and the US, was all smiles. He said, “One of the things that you will bring to DUT and to Ndara B is expertise that will make us attain high quality products. You will also help us set standards that will ensure workers safety.”
Ronald added that he will start planning how the Metal MSME will work closely with the Ndara B 14 industrial and 14 farming companies. The Metal MSME can offer products, maintenance services, and training services.
Edward joined the project in 2015 when it was called the Kenya University Project (KUP). In 2017 the project would become the Diaspora University Town (DUT) project after the land for the implementation was achieved. Edward said he is happy that he has invested to get us to where we are today. He is an investor in the DUT Townhouse development, DUT Credit Ltd and the DUT MSME he is progressing to open.
When standing next to the Voi River that is the north borderline of Diaspora University Town, Edward made a video as he spoke to Diaspora Kenyans. He said, Diaspora Kenyans need to hurry up and join DUT. He informed the team in Voi, DUT is my plan for coming back to Kenya. I look forward to seeing you soon as I return with the machines.
