A Kenyan man, King’ori Wambaki, is making a name for himself in the UK by brewing and selling Muratina, a traditional Kikuyu alcoholic drink. While this beverage is mostly banned in Kenya, Wambaki has turned it into a successful business in Cheshunt, UK, where his brand has gained significant recognition.
Wambaki has lived in England for nearly 27 years, moving from student life to working for various employers, and eventually starting his own business. He markets his version of Muratina, which he calls Muratelia, as a wine flavored with honey. With an alcohol content of 12%, it is primarily sold to customers under the age of 35.
Muratelia is priced between £10 (Ksh 1,636) and £25 (Ksh 4,090), depending on whether it is sold at counters, retail outlets, or restaurants.
“Cheshunt is located outside London. We use ingredients available here in the UK, as we haven’t yet reached the point where we can import products from Kenya. The business provides an income that surpasses what I could earn through employment,” Wambaki explained.
He has invested considerable effort into researching and developing business strategies to market his product successfully. Muratelia has also found a niche in the modeling and fashion industries, with branded bags and clothing.
Wambaki currently supplies his product to three restaurants and four retailers across the UK. A key factor in his success is the lack of competition, as Muratelia is a unique product in the UK market.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Wambaki holds a Master of Science in Finance and Management, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Economics.
