Allan Ngari Githinji
Gazebo Design and Construction
Allan graduated with a degree in business administration in 2001. Right from the beginning, he knew he wanted to venture into self employment but as life would have it, he had no alternative but seek employment as he had to survive.
He worked for various industries in advertising, telecommunications and for a cleaning company for seven years. Whilst still in employment, he also started a music studio but he shut it down as it wasn’t lucrative. An optimist, Allan has no regrets even though the business failed and he is glad he pursued his passion. Having tried his hand in the advertising business in 2001, he was certain he could attain his goal. The confidence came from the fact that although his advertising business went under after less than a year, it was profitable from the first edition. This little achievement was all he needed to give himself a second chance.
Allan prayed for a job that would make him explore his creative ideas and this brought him into gazebo design and construction business. The company has been in operation for more than a year and Allan intends to diversify the business to offer general construction services and consulting, and venture into roads construction in the future.
MAIN STORY
I wake up between 5am to 6.30am depending on the errands and my schedules for the day. The first thing I usually do is pray and read the Bible.
At 7am I settle down to have breakfast, my favourite being yoghurt or tea and bread with my homemade jam or marmalade.
My ideal day in the office begins at 8am and usually involves holding meetings and making site visits with clients. I focus more on quality control – ensuring that standards are upheld. I intend to restore confidence in our construction industry.
I'm always on the move so I find myself eating in the nearby restaurants. My choice of food ranges from ugali, meat, chapati, rice and lentils.
I spend my afternoons mainly at the sites reviewing the construction plans and documenting work progress. This way I'm able to know the pace of work and I'm able to discuss and get new insights from my employees.
I get home between 7pm and 9pm on a typical day. There are some days that I sleep in hotels. This is usually only when the site is far.
For dinner I love rice, vegetables and meat, preferably white meat. I rarely eat red meat.
I retire to bed between 11pm and midnight. Before then I watch news, pray, read the Bible and listen to some praise and worship music.
On Saturdays I work till 6pm, and thereafter meet up with friends to unwind and or I may attend a concert or play. If not you may find me in the studio recording music.
On Sundays I go to church, then head home to relax watching movies.