How Kenya’s Wangechi Kamau is Cracking the Male-Dominated Steel Industry

Against all odds, from a humble beginning as a receptionist to heading one of the fastest-growing companies, meet Wangechi Kamau, founder, and C.E.O of Classic Steel East Africa Ltd.

Born and raised in Iregi Village Maragua, Murang’a County, Wangechi leads a thriving steel empire in a lucrative male-dominated industry. She had always harbored a dream of owning a company since childhood to help improve her family.

Classic Steel East Africa Ltd is based in Nairobi and is one of the leading companies in stainless steel fabrication. The company deals in commercial kitchen equipment, commercial refrigeration, bakery, butchery, and dairy equipment. CSE has also ventured into stainless steel cladding, balcony railings, and stainless-steel staircases.

Wangechi, who is a mother of one, was brought up by her mum who was the sole breadwinner. As a young girl, she painfully witnessed her mother struggle to make ends meet. Paying school fees, feeding and clothing her siblings took a great toll on her hard-working mum. This implanted in her a deep desire and determination to be successful when she grows older. Being the second last born in their family, she encountered hardships that molded her to become what she is today.

Looking back in retrospect, Wangechi is grateful to her industrious mother whom she learned a lot. Her mother taught her to stand on her own, to be dependable, honest, and be a strong woman. She says her mum was her role model who played a critical role in shaping her character.

The 32-year-old Chief Executive kicked off her career in the steel business as a receptionist at a local company before graduating as a salesperson. As a receptionist, she went through numerous challenges of being mistreated at her place of work. Faced with bills to pay at the end of the month and an obligation to support her mum, she had no choice but to hold on. It was sheer perseverance that kept her going.

As fate would have it, she, fortunately, landed a job as a Personal Assistant (P. A) to a director of another steel company. It is here that she learned the ropes of the steel business. Being the P A to the director she had to work with employees and clients at the same time overseeing other managerial activities delegated to her. She was so well-versed with the business that at one point, she was running the affairs of the whole company single-handedly. As a result, she gained immense experience and sharpened her skills.

Wangechi Kamau, Founder/CEO at Classic Steel Engineering Ltd

Unbeknownst to her, this experience unlocked her innate entrepreneurial acumen for business that had been lying dormant. She imagined if she can run a company where she worked, why not start her own? Coupled with a ton of skills she had learned, she decided to start her own business.

Sparked by the idea that she can use the expertise acquired to build her own company, Wangechi left and founded Classic Steel East Africa Ltd in 2019. Since its inception, the company has been flourishing under her able leadership. Despite being in a male-dominated industry, she says it is the unquenchable passion for working in steel that propels her, “when you have a passion or a dream, you don’t just sit or sleep on it, you wake up and focus.”

She has attributed her company’s meteoric growth to trusting in God first. In addition, her company is committed to customer satisfaction which has increased clients through referrals. Wangechi is a stickler to high standards of excellence. She inspects most of the work to make sure all jobs are not just done but superbly done. Due to her unparalleled expertise, her customers refer to her as Mama wa Chuma (Iron Lady).

However, she admits it has not been a walk in the park. As a business, she has faced a host of challenges in their journey like fluctuating prices of steel. At times, she would give quotations of materials to clients only to realize prices have gone up. Their policy dictates they cannot overcharge a customer served with a quotation within thirty days. Beating tight deadlines has also been a major challenge since clients expect materials to be delivered on time. Being a parenting mother of a five-year-old, juggling between business and family has not been easy.

As a leader of the company, she does a lot of research and strategic planning. Similarly, she engages with employees in brainstorming sessions to generate new ideas. “Every day is a learning experience,” she says. Her model of leadership is based on enabling workers to perform efficiently to their maximum, that is why she accompanies her employees to sites. She also holds team-building events with her staff to inspire and boost morale in their work.

Wangechi Kamau with her Classic Steel Engineering Ltd team

Wangechi has a vision of expanding and setting up a steel plant in the future that will produce steel products at affordable prices. Given that constructions continue to come up all over the country, she also expects to open new branches.

Like any other person, Wangechi has drawn a lot of inspiration from the captains in the steel industry. She is very passionate about mentoring young girls in leadership and business. Despite gender challenges she urges young ladies to stand up and pursue their dreams, “be you, never underestimate yourself, never feel small in front of anyone, have confidence, and never give up.”

Petite but cerebral, soft-spoken yet firm, Wangechi bubbles with positivity. “Listen to yourself, call yourself a meeting, ask what kind of an environment you love working in, what do you love doing, what are you comfortable doing and at what time do you like doing. When you understand yourself first, that is where your passion will follow,” she remarks.

You can contact Classic Steel East Africa Ltd at +254 728 100 or +254 784 487 221. Or email them at info@classicsteeleastafrica.com. Visit their website http://www.classicsteeleastafrica.com/