President Wiliam Ruto recognized a little-known serial entrepreneur, a class 3 dropout Mzee Samuel Kipsoi Ngetich (now deceased) during the 60th Mashujaa celebrations in Kericho County on Friday, October 20.
Though not popular like the billionaires of this world, and his name may not ring a bell in the minds of many, Ruto honored the late Kipsoi for defying odds and rising from grass to grace.
During the event, the President described his efforts as incredible as it mirrored his bottom-up economy campaign.
“We also celebrate Mzee Samuel Kipsoi Ngetich Chepsetyon, an incredible entrepreneur who exemplifies the bottom-up story.
A class 3 dropout, he pulled himself up through sheer determination, to set up the Kipchimchim Group of Companies, whose interests span various industries and employ thousands of Kenyans.”
According to the president, the shrewd businessman played a significant role in creating employment for many people.
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Kipsoi Ksh2.8B Company
Likewise, the President noted Kipsoi’s contribution into the sugar milling company west valley sugar company which is worth Ksh2.8 billion.
The mill, which is located in Kapkormom, Soin-Sigowet constituency, covers Soin-Sigowet, Ainamoi, Kipkelion, Tinderet, Muhoroni and Nyando sugar belts.
“Before his untimely death, he was working at the West Valley Sugar Company which began milling operations last week. Fare the well Mzee Samuel Kipsoi Ngetich Chepsetyon,” Ruto eulogized the class 3 dropout.
Philanthropic class 3 dropout
Samwel Ngetich was a well-known businessman and politician at the time of his passing. He was notably a generous giver who is credited with sponsoring more than 5,000 to access education.
He had controlled a chain of grocery stores spread throughout Kericho, Kisumu, Bomet, Narok, Nandi, and Nakuru.
Moreover, the businessman was born in Chepsetyon Village, Kericho county in 1949. He joined Keongo Primary School in 1956.
Kipsoi however dropped out of school in class three and took up menial jobs to earn a living.
In particular, the man tilled farms and dug pit latrines to fend for his siblings.
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Subsequently, during the village market days in Kericho back in the 90s, he acted as a chicken broker. It should be noted that President Ruto is also a chicken farmer in Sugoi, Usin Gishu County.
Business Venture
The late Kipsoi worked as a waiter before opening an eatery at Kapsoit Shopping Center where he sold tea and mandazi.
Similarly, he tried his hands in the matatu sector. His business streak did not stop there, as he opened a bar and restaurant.
His business venture saw him visit China to broaden his entrepreneur skills and afterwards ventured into the mining and construction industry.
Likewise, just like many entrepreneurs he had a couple of failed businesses but did not give up. Every challenge gave him the push to move forward.
Seven of the businesses he established collapsed. At some point he had nine matatus on the road, but he lost all of them.
Before venturing into the wholesale business, which grew to supermarket chains, the class 3 dropout had lost several of his shops.
Despite the challenges, he grew his business and took over the Rift valley region business line.
Kipsoi Death
The celebrated entrepreneur passed away on August 25, 2022, while undergoing treatment at MP Shah Hospital.
At the time of his death, the class 3 dropout was the chairman of Kipchimchim Group of Companies and had several stable companies.
Some of the companies under his name included Kipchimatt Supermarkets, Mbogo Valley, ABSS Warehouse Limited, Sangalo Tet and Kuresoi Tea companies, SABS Mining and Construction Company.
