Naaman prefers to keep a low profile and let his work speak for him.
“You don’t have to always be the face of a project or your organisation. People don’t need to see Naaman Geda, but what Naaman is doing should make an impact,” he says.
Today, Naaman makes a big impact at Afritrade Investments, where he is the head of investment and advisory. Before that, he worked at Renovatio Capital, a Brazil-based corporate finance and asset management firm.
He started his career as an architect but transitioned into banking and investment when he encountered a funding hurdle.
"You shouldn't shy away from talking to people who went before you. Respect the brick layers as they have been there and done it before."
Working in South Africa in the built environment, Naaman found himself at a crossroads. The country had channelled much of the finances toward hosting the 2010 World Cup, leaving other sectors of the economy facing a credit crunch.
“Architecture is about fixing and providing solutions. I have always been wired to find solutions to problems,” Naaman reckons.
After his exploits abroad, he decided to return to Kenya, where he has since been conceiving projects and working to obtain financing for the project’s realisation.
Among the projects he is proud to have delivered is the Highlands Mall in Eldoret because the Covid-19 pandemic made securing financing much harder.
“I would rather not engage in business which does not impact people. If you don’t make an impact, you leave people behind,” he notes.
He says he has learned much from mentors thus far in his journey.
“You shouldn’t shy away from talking to people who went before you. Respect the brick layers as they have been there and done it before. Have that mentorship relationship going and have those conversations going. Expose yourself and speak to as many people,” he advises.
Kepha Muiruri