@Mawinder, true entreprenuer!

My two cents 4 u though:
1. To be successful as a contractor, u hav to be very disciplined in terms of cashflow management. This is what messes most of our contractors. in this business, u really hav to keep be very good in supply chain management that is knowing how much and when to order materials so that u'l be able to balance between labour and materials.
Usije ukapewa certificate ya kwanza uende ununue cement ujaze kwa workshop, ama ukanunue Range rover.

Most contractors usually have cashflow problems n they find themselves unable to pay for labour bcoz they bot materials with all the money paid ama waliongezea mabibi.

Since ur undertaking Govt/cdf/community projects, u should always make sure that ur very keen on the payments. U shud expect to work n not be paid, it always happens. Be careful not invest ur all in a project, these kind of projects can take u back to zero
Contracts = Before u start any job, always make sure u have a well documented contract signed by u and ur client as this will for a basis of ur claims in case of abortive works. Also make sure u read and understand ur contract well especially on the payment clauses, fluctuation clauses, termination clauses, variations, dispute resolution... Very important.

Documentation => As a contractor, ur key weapon is documents.. if an instruction is issued to change scope of work or introducing new work, always make sure that is in writing or else u confirm in writing to the engineer or the architect. All verbal communications with cost implications.. always in writing.. this will come in handy if something goes wrong in future during which time ul have basis for ur claims. Document ur daily activities, update & impact ur programme of works, request for details in time and in writing.... all this will be helpful incase u have not completed the project in the contract time and u need to request for an extension of time as u will be required to give proof. Most clients will charge damages if u dont finish in the agreed time.


Payments - ensure payments are on time as per contract and charge interest for delayed payments.

@muthurimugi ... Wise words.
@Bendi3 according to the Kenya medical and dental practitioners board you require a degree in medicine to open a medical hospital!
@Mawinder ... My apologies if i come out harsh. I only mean to show my disdain for individuals who provide shoddy work in the name of making a profit at all cost in total disregard to the welfare of the person or community. I can see you are already doing that congratulations for not making a change/ difference and for maintaining the status quo. Best of luck as you become the next mugoya or ephraim maina!

@tonystark your posts really made me laugh
@mawinder, u remained calm in the face of so much ridicule, that's nice. And you are also making honest money, kudos!

Hey, Nov 11th you ask on how to be a contractor.... December 23rd you have started graveling and have another tender for school construction.... and December 30th you are chasing for money....... yawa... yaani these government officials are that fast in approving tenders? And even if they approved on Nov 12th, then boss, I admire your speed of working and i respect your liquidity - seriously. Ama sikuangalia vizuri the year of this post?

Anyboddy that knows what entrepreneurship is about knows quite well that it's about spotting a gap(need) and assembling the relevant resources to ensure that the need is met. Simple and plain......all this talk that he needs to go to school like the rest of the other engineers are people trying to put you down. Especially that one telling you to get back in line coz he's doing engineering and is in his final year. It's almost the same kind of reasoning that goes on in the heads of those in parliament. Google and look at how they define Donald Trump "a business magnet". He has made over three 5 star hotels and he didnt have to study hotel management for that. So people lets not be simple minded. Mawinder i think the best advice is from mosby, but you really dont have to be the manager. You can own the company and let other people(specialists) run it,the way Peter Munga does Equity and the pioneer group of schools.