Finding the gap in a key marketplace is always a positive factor when starting a new business, and for Kenyan entrepreneur Tracy Mulei, founder of Shujaa Delivery, this gap came in the form of specialist courier services. Today her company is bringing a much needed delivery service to Nairobi’s business and consumer community.
LoA chatted to founder Tracy Mulei this month to find out more about this much needed logistics company.
What does your company do?
Shujaa Delivery is a provider of on-demand delivery, door-to-door delivery and errand running courier service provider. The company was established in 2016 to bridge the gap between business to business, business to consumers, and consumer to business delivery of packages and goods. Currently we deliver within Nairobi and it's environs.
We are here to solve common problems individuals face when using other courier services, such as:
• Lack of professionalism by the riders.
• Customers are over-charged.
• Their packages are not insured (safety issues)
• Speedy delivery
• Poor communication between courier companies and their clients
We have come up with a number of solutions to solve these problems. Firstly, all our riders go through training before they start handling clients. Secondly, in most situations, courier services charge based on the distance traveled as opposed to weight of the package. As for us, we charge based on the distance covered, and this sets us apart from the rest. Thirdly, Shujaa Delivery tends to service a small and familiar customer base, which holds them more accountable for the safety and security of your delivery. Fourthly, Shujaa Delivery dispatches a rider 10 minutes after the client has requested a delivery, thus saving time. Fifthly, we have a 24hour customer care desk where clients can call if they’d like to make any changes on the destination of the package. Finally, our mobile platform (currently still under development) will enable our clients to be able to book, schedule and track their deliveries straight from their phones, bringing great convenience.
"The company was established in 2016 to bridge the gap between business to business, business to consumers, and consumer to business delivery of packages and goods."
What inspired you to start your company?
I had a bad experience with a rider" bodaboda" guy - I nearly got fired because of a document being delivered to a client late. This experience gave me an idea to start a professional, reliable and fast courier company.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
The number one way we stand out is by being more convenient. In truth, we also strive to provide a better delivery service and to have great customer interactions. We really try to stand out on every level. As a startup, we know that’s our best chance for success.
Tell us a little about your team
At the moment, I'm the Human Resource Manager, Marketer, Customer Care Manager, and Janitor, all rolled into one. I also have my three experienced riders.
"The number one way we stand out is by being more convenient. In truth, we also strive to provide a better delivery service and to have great customer interactions."
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
My journey started while in college. I used to (and in fact still do) make peanut butter and sell to my friends and family, and I used the cash as pocket money. In terms of my background, both my parents are entrepreneurs. My mum runs her cleaning service business where she offers her services to homes and offices, whilst my dad has his own construction company where he allocates masons and plumbers to construction sites.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
I see my company growing into a global company competing with the likes of Aramex, Fedex, among others. I aspire to offer employment to more people in my country and the world as well.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
Honestly, the most satisfaction comes when a client is satisfied with our services and refers someone else to use us to do their deliveries.
"I see my company growing into a global company competing with the likes of Aramex, Fedex, among others."
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
It's not going to be easy, there will be lots of sleepless nights, tears, prayers while you are stuck in the traffic jams and experiencing long working hours, but at the end of the journey it's all worth it. So, just do it, because if it was easy everybody would be doing it.
Contact or follow Shujaa Delivery
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL tracy@shujaadelivery.co.ke
Why LoA loves it….
Having the ability to see a new business opportunity in a seemingly congested marketplace, and then creating a niche service offering to fill the gap, is so often the secret to building a sustainable business. Kenyan entrepreneur Tracy Mulei is someone who grasped that opportunity, and today is building lasting relationships with her customer base as a result of her approach to service excellence. Her niche delivery services company looks poised to go from strength to strength, creating future employment opportunities for others as she goes. --- Melanie Hawken, founder and editor-in-chief of Lionesses of Africa