Leah Wambui is a property developer and founder of Cheriez Properties Limited, a leading property developer based in Kitengela, Kenya. The company was incorporated in the year 2009.
Her life story is an inspiration to many young and old entrepreneurs in Kenya. Having lost her parents at the age of 16, Leah was not deterred by the loss and strived to achieve the dreams she set out to accomplish.
Leah passed her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations but unfortunately, could not proceed with her studies due to lack of fees.
A relative would later help her get a job as a receptionist. She worked hard at the job and bought her first car at the age of 24 for Ksh140,000.
Driven by her passion for entrepreneurship, she later quit her job to start her own business. After much hard work and determination, in 2009, Leah Wambui founded Cheriez Properties Limited.
In 2015, she decided to buy land in Kitengela. Initially she could only afford three acres but the owner wanted to sell five acres. Together with her husband, they sold their house, some of their investment shares, and emptied their savings to acquire the property.
They sank a borehole and began construction of the first 10 houses. When building the homes, Leah was insistent of developing homes she could live in herself.
By the end of 2016, Leah had run out of money and construction of the 10 houses was incomplete. Stress kicked in and they began to strategise.
She welcomed buyers to visit the properties but faced a challenge of convincing people to buy houses at Ksh17 million each in Kitengela. She even visited churches asking investors to take a chance in the properties.
Leah was battling unpaid invoices from suppliers, unpaid employees, when she got her first client who made a deposit of Ksh8 million.
“One Sunday I went to church and asked God for help. This was my turning point, by the end of the coming week we had deposits of about Ksh16 million.
“We completed the first phase of houses by December that year,” she narrates.
The houses were built in phases. The ‘Royal Finesse’ which is the flagship project in Kitengela contains 78 Townhouses which have shaped the landscape of Kitengela through its beautiful architectural design and finesse finishes. Royal Gates is an exceptional housing concept with 70 en suite town houses + D SQ that is the epitome of stylish architecture and functional living.
The company currently boasts of over 200 housing units worth more than Ksh.15 million each.
“While growing up, I drew a lot of inspiration from my maternal aunt who was an entrepreneur. I admired her entrepreneurial achievements. Thus, I made up my mind to one day be just like her. I am very grateful my aunt for nurturing my entrepreneurial skills.
“Also, my husband has been my support system in this massive venture. Together, we have faced the challenges and tackled them head-on. Our struggle and triumph are lessons for all young African lovers hoping to tie the knot soon. Always choose a partner that understands your dream and is willing to support you through thick and thin,” Leah narrates.
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