From Isiolo to real estate mogul: Mwenda Thuranira shares success blueprint in first book

From the dusty streets of Isiolo to the boardrooms of Nairobi’s real estate sector, Mwenda Thuranira has built a reputation as one of Kenya’s most visible property entrepreneurs.

On Friday evening, the CEO of MySpace Properties unveiled a new chapter in his journey; this time as an author.

Thuranira launched his first book, Taking Up Space, at a colourful event held at Villa Rosa Kempinski in Nairobi.

The book captures his personal and professional evolution, offering lessons in business, leadership, resilience, and legacy-building.

“This is more than just my story,” he said during his address.

“It’s a tribute to every person who’s ever been told to play small, to shrink, to wait for permission. Today, we take up space boldly, proudly, and unapologetically.”

Published under the subtitle Success Secrets from a Real Estate Mogul, the book draws from over two decades of Thuranira’s experiences, from his early life in Meru and Isiolo to building one of the country’s most recognisable property brands.

The launch drew a crowd of industry players, family, and close friends.

Among them was AMS Properties Chairman Anil Samani, who served as the chief guest.

 He praised Thuranira’s growth, calling his journey “nothing short of inspiring.”

“I’ve watched Mwenda move from a young entrepreneur to a force in Kenya’s real estate space,” Samani said. “He doesn’t just build properties—he builds possibilities.”

Taking Up Space is structured across 20 chapters, each unpacking a theme drawn from key stages of Thuranira’s life. 

The first few chapters explore his childhood, early influences, and the importance of family as a support system.

In the Firm Foundations chapter, he credits his grandfather’s business acumen and his own formative years for shaping his outlook. Family First delves into how a solid support structure can anchor a high-pressure career.

The book also documents his stint working abroad in the airline and hospitality industries. Contrary to the common advice that urges young people to ditch employment for business, Thuranira defends his time as an employee.

 In Employment Pays, he writes about the skills and discipline he gained while working for Air France and in the U.S. hospitality sector—skills he later applied in real estate.

He launched MySpace Properties in a highly competitive market, and in Building MySpace, he describes the strategic decisions that helped set the company apart, from branding and market research to customer service and trust-building. 

“My husband left Meru with nothing but hope in his pocket and faith in his heart,” said Venessa Magiri, Mwenda Thuranira’s wife.

 “Tonight, as he opens this next chapter, this book is not just paper and print, it is a map for every young Kenyan who has ever been told, ‘You’re dreaming too big.’”

Venessa, who has been married to Thuranira for over two decades, shared personal reflections on their business journey.

“We started our first business in America, doing taxes. He was the marketer, dropping brochures under doors, while I manned the office. It’s been a long road, and I’m proud of how far we’ve come.”

“One thing Mwenda taught me that changed my mindset was to always come with solutions, not complaints,” she said.

“That culture of problem-solving has been instrumental in how we run our businesses.”

She also shared light-hearted moments from their life together.

“When he was writing this book, he’d sometimes wake me up at 2 a.m. with a new idea,” she recalled, drawing laughter from the crowd.

“So today, I’m not just proud—I’m also relieved. At least now I can finally get some sleep!”

The middle chapters shift focus to personal development. In Success Habits, Thuranira lays out routines that keep him grounded, such as time management, continuous learning, and physical fitness.

He discusses leadership in Leading Boldly and addresses failure openly in Failing Forward, where he shares moments of loss and recovery.

The book also highlights the importance of evolving.

 Investing in Real Estate chapter offers insights into identifying market opportunities, while Working the Market focuses on using research and tech to stay ahead.

On the practical side, the book offers insights into identifying market opportunities, while working in the Market chapter, he focuses on using research and tech to stay ahead.

In the final chapters, he looks at collaboration, mindset, and long-term impact, urging readers to think legacy, not just profit.

“Too many people wait to be told it’s their turn. I want to challenge that,” he said.

“Taking up space means you stop shrinking. You show up. You lead. You dare to do more.”