From Hobby to Business: How a youth built bicycle empire in Eastleigh with ex-UK bikes

Claudine Njuguna was fascinated by bicycles while growing up.

He would take a ride from one neighbourhood to the next but most importantly relished the feeling that racing with his contemporaries brought.

Today, Claudine manages two bicycle stores along Eastleigh's General Waruingi Street. Jomo Enterprises Bikes has hundreds of bicycles carefully arranged atop one another. The assortment has mini bicycles for younger children, teenagers and even adults.

When The Eastleigh Voice visited Claudine, he was doing adjustments on brakes for a client after a successful purchase.

"I have been around bicycles for the longest time possible. Since my childhood, I loved bicycles and I am now happy here dealing with them," said Claudine.

Claudine Njuguna, a second-hand bicycle dealer fixes a client's newly bought bicycle along Eastleigh's General Waruinge Street. He sells and repairs ex-UK bicycles. (Photo: Barack Oduor)

Claudine started the venture with the help of his brother who lives and works in the UK. He got capital of Sh200,000 to start the venture while his brother ensured he got a supply of second-hand bicycles from the UK to the country.

"My bicycles are from the UK. This means that despite being second-hand, they are durable and have not suffered tear and wear like those from other foreign markets," said Claudine.

They opened the first shop in 2017 and the second in 2020 at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. "Starting a bike shop can be an exciting and rewarding entrepreneurial adventure. With cycling growing in popularity across the country, a bike shop can be profitable when executed thoughtfully," explained Claudine.

In his view, if done right, a bike shop can be a successful small business. But it's not easy. To successfully open a thriving bike venture, one needs to conduct market research.

"Before opening a bike shop, thoroughly research your area's market opportunity. Market research will provide insights into customer demand, ideal location, and potential competitors."

Claudine explains that the research conducted should answer the question of whether there is sufficient demand for a bike shop in your area as this will enable one to analyze cycling popularity, income levels, outdoor recreation habits, and other demographic data.

He also advises studying cycling trends and growth projections in neighbourhoods. For instance, the Covid-19 pandemic bicycling boom introduced many new cyclists.

"Understanding broader trends will help predict future demand. Is the area saturated? The number of existing shops should indicate if there's room for a new entrant—benchmark sales per capita," he noted.

He goes further to note that it is important to be aware of the zoning regulations for opening the retail business. This can be done by checking county codes and business licensing requirements.

Claudine Njuguna, a second-hand bicycle dealer fixes a client's newly bought bicycle along Eastleigh's General Waruinge Street. He sells and repairs ex-UK bicycles. (Photo: Barack Oduor)

Another factor he talks about is visibility and traffic – A space on a main thoroughfare or with a storefront is ideal. Bike shops require visibility and easy access. "Look for a location easily accessed by bike lanes, public transit, and handicap accessibility. The easier you make it for people to visit your shop, the more customers you'll gain."

In his shops, the ex-UK bicycles are sold from Sh8,000 to Sh25,000. The prices are determined by size, and durability in the market.

"|We have in stock, sizes 12 and 14 mountain bikes and other types of bikes for children training and those skillfully riding. We offer the best pocket-friendly durable deals. Our shop is open all week for viewing," notes Claudine.

Following many years of dealing in bicycles, Claudine also offers advice to those seeking to import bicycles from the UK and also deals in fixing bicycles at his yards. The venture has sustained him, making him earn a living with the ability to sell at least two bicycles every day.