We are told patience in business is an important virtue irrespective on one’s education background.

This is the story of one Samwel Ng’etich, who died on August 25 aged 73. He was a successful businessman not only in South Rift region but the entire country. 

Ng’etich has indeed come a long way and as he exits the scene his business empire could be worth millions of shillings. 

He started by digging pit latrines for villagers around his home at Chepsetion village in the outskirts of Kericho town to fend for his family. 

He did all sorts of casual jobs including working for people as a gardener, selling chicken, working as a waiter in a number of hotels among others. All through he would save any extra coin.

Ng’etich dropped out of school in Standard Three due to what the family says was poverty. 

In 1973, he established a small hotel for tea and mandazi at Kapsoit shopping centre to enhance his finances.

He later ventured into matatu business and operated bar and restaurant joints before switching gears to real estate and wholesalers shops (Kipchimchim). He once visited China to learn more traits about the enterprises.

The visit catapulted him to broaden his businesses to mining and a construction where he owns a quarry in Soin-Sigowet constituency. 

In 2014 during the commissioning of the quarry, the President-Elect William Ruto was the Chief Guest.

Firearm holders

Ng’etich did not stop there in terms of spreading business tentacles. 

He is the main player in tea business where he owns tea manufacturing factories. They include, Kuresoi, Mbogo Valley, Sang’alo and Tet. A sugar factory in Soin-Sigowet constituency is currently under construction. 

The business maganate  owns a chain of supermarkets in the South Rift, Nakuru and Nandi counties. 

His business empire employs over 5,000 people. He has been sponsoring 5,000 students in secondary schools and universities. Ngetich also had interest in politics. He was appointed Kanu chairman for Kericho Town Ward in 1996. He later contested Kapkugerwet Ward in 1997 and 2002 elections and won the seat. He also served as the deputy mayor at the then Kericho municipal.

He will be laid to rest on Friday.