Edwin Muthomi: Kenyan Who Rose from Scratch to Build One of the Leading Motor Hub Dealerships in the Country
Edwin Muthomi’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of Kenya’s top motor dealership moguls is an inspiring testament to determination, vision, and resilience.
As the founder of Somiek Cars, Muthomi has built a thriving automotive business that is now a household name in Kenya’s competitive car dealership industry. His success story highlights how passion, strategic thinking, and an unrelenting drive for excellence can lead to significant achievements, even when starting from scratch.
Humble Beginnings: The Spark of a Dream
Muthomi’s path to success wasn’t paved with silver spoons or significant financial backing. He started with nothing but a deep passion for cars and a vision to provide quality, affordable vehicles to the Kenyan market.
“I didn’t have a silver spoon or deep pockets,” Muthomi recalls, reflecting on the early days of his venture. “All I had was the drive to provide Kenyans with quality, affordable vehicles and an honest, hassle-free buying experience.”
With limited capital and resources, he began his journey by leveraging his industry knowledge and focusing on customer trust.
He took on every role in the business, from sourcing vehicles to marketing and negotiating deals, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his vision.
“In the early days, I had to do everything—sourcing, marketing, even negotiating deals personally. But I knew that if I stayed consistent, the business would grow.”
Building Somiek Cars: From Scratch to Trustworthy Brand
Today, Somiek Cars is one of Kenya’s leading motor dealerships, with branches in key locations such as Ngong Road, Nakuru Barnabasa, and Narok.
The dealership offers a wide range of vehicles catering to various customer needs, from compact city cars to spacious SUVs.
“We don’t just sell cars; we provide solutions,” Muthomi says of his business approach.
His success is rooted in understanding his customers’ needs and matching them with the perfect vehicle. Popular models offered by Somiek Cars include the Toyota Axio 2015, Honda Fit 2015, and Nissan Dualis 2015, all of which undergo thorough quality checks to ensure reliability. For Muthomi, the experience goes beyond the transaction—it’s about providing peace of mind with every sale.
A Simple, Customer-Centric Buying Process
Somiek Cars has revolutionized the car-buying process in Kenya by making it simpler and more accessible for customers.
With flexible payment plans, the dealership has made car ownership possible for a broader segment of the population. Unlike traditional dealerships, Somiek Cars does not require extensive credit score checks or bank statements, making the process more inclusive.
The dealership’s commitment to affordability, quick service, and hassle-free financing sets it apart.
“We understand that financial struggles shouldn’t stop someone from owning a car,” Muthomi explains.
The flexible payment options ensure that more Kenyans can access high-quality vehicles, often leaving with their cars immediately after making a deposit.
For example, a Subaru Forester Non-Turbo with advanced features like Eyesight technology and Lane Assist is available with a deposit of KSh 1 million, while a Mazda Axela 2008 can be bought with a deposit of KSh 250,000, followed by a 24-month payment plan.
Flexibility and Convenience: A New Way to Buy a Car
One of Somiek Cars’ most innovative approaches is its online presence. Customers can browse and make inquiries via the dealership’s Facebook page, further adding convenience to the car-buying experience.
The ability to drive off with their car after making the deposit is a perk that many customers appreciate, as it makes the entire process more efficient and satisfying.
“We don’t want financial limitations to stop anyone from owning a car,” Muthomi says. “It’s about making car ownership accessible and convenient for everyone.”
