Enterprising spirit of pioneer transporters in mt Kenya

Two Kenyan entrepreneurs, Peter Kimani King'ori and Francis Macharia Mbuthia, built a lasting business from humble beginnings. Starting with potatoes after independence, they expanded into transport, running their company for nearly five decades. Their work included relief efforts during crises and practical advice for future generations.

The partnership began in Shamata, where the duo traded potatoes using sisal bags. They rented a lorry at first, later buying their own fleet—two Bedfords, a J5, and a J6—branding their venture K5.

By 1967, they entered the matatu business, purchasing a Canter, followed by a Datsun and a Toyota. Their route covered Shamata, Nyahururu, and Nairobi, with fares rising from Sh5 in 1970 to about Sh800 by 2012. During the 1979/80 drought, they transported relief food, and in later years, they helped stranded job-seekers in Mombasa.

After scaling back in the 2010s, Mbuthia turned to herbalism, studying through books and exchanges with others, including an American named James Easterly. He recommended memory-boosting herbs and stayed informed by reading Time and Newsweek. His later advice stressed patience, trust, and safeguarding working capital as key to investment success.

In retirement, he kept a small beekeeping operation. He also urged young people to respect their parents and avoid over-reliance on phones, believing society undervalued those who went beyond their duties.

The business left a mark through transport, trade, and community support. Mbuthia’s later years focused on herbalism, financial wisdom, and mentorship. His legacy includes both practical achievements and guidance for future entrepreneurs.