In 2017, George stumbled into a relatively new construction model as he was looking for cost-effective materials to build his residential house.
Compared to brick and mortar, the model that used precast panels promised to slash construction costs by 40 percent and significantly cut the project time.
Sniffing a business opportunity, George travelled abroad to research precast technology and, on coming back, spent Sh20 million setting up Global Precast Panels, a company that has been a pacesetter in the build-tech sector.
“We took a loan and used our savings as well. Even then, the amount was insufficient for the required capital, so I had to sell a piece of land in Meru,” says George, referring to concerted efforts to raise funding with his wife.
"We took a loan and used our savings as well. Even then, the amount was insufficient for the required capital, so I had to sell a piece of land in Meru."
The investment has, however, since paid off, with his leadership skills facilitating the growth and acceptance of the precast products in a market that was skeptical at the beginning.
Global Precast Panels’ services include general contracting, construction management, design-build, and pre-construction.
Since its inception, George says the company has constructed learning institutions and residential houses across Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania since its inception.
“Besides Kenya, we have worked in Tanzania and Uganda. Interest in our products and services is also growing in Juba, South Sudan,” adds the trained economist from Egerton University.
George started the firm with 10 employees. The headcount has, however, since grown to 55 (25 permanent and 30 on contract) as demand for the technology grows.
The youngest staff member is a 22-year-old engineer, and George is particularly proud to note that all the skilled staff have risen through the ranks after joining as interns.
A typical day for him starts at around 8am and he is always the last to leave the office some minutes past 7pm.
His charity work includes building a kitchen and a toilet block for Mlolongo Primary in Mavoko and sponsoring needy children in various schools.
John Mutua