Sabina Joy, man who was among the first blacks to own a car in Kenya

A closed Sabina Joy club in Nairobi on April 15th, 2021.[Boniface Okendo,Standard}

Gerald Gikonyo Kanyuira was an astute businessman and the founder of the popular Nairobi club, Sabina Joy. He was among the first black Kenyans to own a car in the country.

The car in question was an Austin Model, which he purchased for Sh300—a princely sum at the time.

Acquiring a car was a major milestone for Gikonyo, considering his humble beginnings. He first worked as a casual laborer at the Mathari Catholic Coffee Plantation, earning Sh4 per month. Determined to improve his circumstances, he carefully saved part of his earnings and invested in livestock, particularly goats.

He later sold the goats and relocated to Nairobi in the 1920s in search of greener pastures, arriving in the city in tattered clothes.

Upon his arrival in Nairobi, he secured a job with the Kenya Planters Cooperative Union, earning Sh20 per month. With disciplined financial management, he invested in diverse ventures, including hospitality, agriculture, and real estate.

Gikonyo later joined the Kenya Planters Cooperative Coffee Mill as a coffee plantation farmer. By this time, he had left formal employment and fully embraced entrepreneurship.

Many described him as a towering figure in business, with his entrepreneurial success widely recognized. His inspiring story, rising from humble beginnings to achieve billionaire status, cemented his place as a role model for Kenyans across generations.

Mzee Gikonyo, as he was popularly known, died in June due to age-related complications. He was laid to rest at his rural home in Rwathia, Kangema, Murang’a County.

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He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Mzee Gikonyo’s contributions to Kenya’s economic and social development remain notable, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, innovation, and inspiration.