Fatma: Poor services pushed me to open courier company

Fatma Mazrui almost gave up on entrepreneurship after her first delivery services business failed.

Having worked at DHL, a global company that provides courier, package delivery and express mail services to millions of people annually, Fatma believed she possessed the necessary skills to establish a similar venture in Mombasa.

However, she was mistaken as her initial attempt faced numerous challenges.

In a recent interview with the Star, she recounted her entrepreneurial pursuits and the motivation behind her decision.

“I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit, and when I quit my job on January 4, 2016. I immediately decided to set up a company, Nitume Online,” she said.

Within the first month, she had developed a system, launched a website, and engaged in aggressive marketing for her new company.

However, in 2017 she got married and new employment.

The demands of marriage, additional employment, and eventually pregnancy forced her to close the business in January 2019.

“In 2017, I got married and I was trying to balance between business and marriage, and then got another job. I had so many things on my plate,” she said.

Fatma said she had to let one thing go, and that was her business.

Reflecting on her failed endeavour, Fatma recognised the primary cause as poor record management. She admitted negligence in handling invoicing, accounts, and financial transactions, which made it impossible to gauge the company's profitability.

Fatma, a 37-year-old mother of two, said despite these setbacks, her family consistently reminded her of the business she had started.

The turning point came in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic when many Mombasa residents began relying on courier services for essential deliveries.

Dissatisfied with the quality of service provided, particularly with regard to food deliveries, Fatma's frustrations grew.

"My husband challenged me to re-enter the delivery services industry because I could offer better services than most couriers in Mombasa. But fear of failure held me back, and I wasn't in a rush to launch another business," she confessed.

Fatma said she embarked on extensive research, recognising the growing importance of the digital economy and the role of information and communication technology in the production, consumption, and exchange of goods and services in Kenya and the world.

"In 2021, my husband discovered my research and went ahead to register our new business. Thus, In Motion Delivery was born," she said.

With an initial working capital of Sh600,000, they purchased three motorcycles, branded them, and hired three employees.

Despite being pregnant with her second child, Fatma committed herself to giving the business her all.

"I was determined to ensure the business thrived, understanding that it was either a success or a success, not the other way around," she stated.

In May 2021, In Motion Delivery commenced operations, and within one year, the company achieved remarkable success, supporting more than 600 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and completing over 6,400 deliveries.

Recognising the vital role played by MSMEs in Kenya's economy, In Motion Delivery actively collaborates with them, bridging the gap between sellers and buyers.

The company has 16 motorcycles and 18 staff members, including 12 male riders and six female employees. Fatma has offices in the Mombasa town centre and in Nyali.

She takes pride in providing employment opportunities to the youth, keeping them away from crime and drug abuse. The riders undergo comprehensive training, including driving lessons, business management and communication skills.

"We pay our riders a fixed monthly salary and adhere to good HR practices by regularly remitting their NSSF, KRA, and NHIF contributions," Fatma said.

Although the company faces challenges from unregistered competitors offering lower prices, Fatma remains committed to adhering to pricing regulations.

In a good month, In Motion Delivery makes in excess of Sh450,000.

“However, we also have very bad months, but that does not discourage me from ensuring that the company stays afloat,” she said.

In Motion Delivery strives to maintain affordability while providing quality service, she said.

Beyond its core business, the company has organised two workshops aimed at empowering young women to enter the competitive business world.

The most recent event, the Digital Lioness Workshop, took place at Sarova Whitesands on Saturday, offering participants valuable insights into building successful enterprises.