Eliud Mwatha Kimani, popularly known as Mwatha Mwa in Texas business circles, has a journey from Kenya to the United States that exemplifies resilience, hard work, and unwavering determination. Born and raised in Gatundu South, Kenya, Eliud attended local primary and high schools before pursuing a Diploma in PR & Marketing Management at the Kenya Institute of Management.
After graduating, he faced the challenges of job hunting in Nairobi and eventually secured a position with a media company in 2003. During his time there, he played a crucial role in launching a vernacular radio station, which became the region’s most popular—a success he proudly attributes to his dedication and skills. Despite this achievement, Eliud decided to seek new opportunities and moved to the United States at the end of 2006.
The transition was far from easy. Arriving as a visitor, Eliud faced the harsh reality of being in a foreign country without legal documentation, a job, or substantial savings. His initial days were marked by low-paying, odd jobs with difficult hours, yet his determination never faltered. He continually sought ways to improve his situation, holding on to the hope of a better future. In an interview with Alex Chamwada, Eliud described the difficulties of this period, sharing how he eventually changed his immigration status by the Grace of God, becoming a US permanent resident and later a citizen.
In 2009, Eliud decided to follow his passion for the travel industry. With no savings or financial backing apart from his final paycheck of $200, he quit his job and launched Liberty Travel Group, a travel agency in the US. Starting as a taxi driver, he used the opportunity to learn about the travel industry from the ground up. His hard work and determination paid off, enabling him to transition from being a taxi driver to owning his own taxi service. Over time, Eliud expanded his operations, founding a limousine company that eventually evolved into Liberty Travel Group, now one of the largest travel agencies in the US.
Liberty Travel Group offers a wide range of travel solutions, including executive travel, VVIP ground transportation, executive chauffeur services, private and group tours to the US, custom-crafted itineraries, air travel solutions for commercial and private flights, accommodations for individuals or groups, and cruise reservations. These services can be packaged or offered individually to suit the needs of clients, including small groups of 1-12 people, medium groups of 12-28, and larger groups of over 28 people. The agency caters to corporate retreats, educational tours, team-building events, government benchmarking trips, school and college excursions, as well as holidays for friends, couples, and families. Eliud’s ability to provide full, tailored itineraries and execute them seamlessly has become a hallmark of his business.
Becoming a recognized travel agency required rigorous training and accreditation. Eliud underwent extensive vetting by the US federal government to ensure his operations were legitimate and professional. His dedication to learning and compliance with industry standards bore fruit, helping him establish a reputable business that continues to thrive.
