Real estate has long been recognized as one of the most powerful ways to accumulate wealth. The key to achieving success in this industry often comes down to time, determination, and a positive mindset. In this article, we explore the inspiring journey of Leah Wambui, a young Kenyan woman who has defied the odds to build a multi-million dollar real estate empire in Kenya.
Who is Leah Wambui?
Leah Wambui is an entrepreneur born in Kenya’s central region during the 1980s. Orphaned at the age of sixteen, she faced numerous challenges, yet her resilience kept her moving forward. Despite the setbacks, Leah managed to complete her high school education with outstanding results. Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, her dreams of pursuing higher education were shattered.
Leah’s Struggles After High School
With her hopes of attending university dashed, Leah turned to job hunting in order to make ends meet. She found support from a kind relative who helped her secure a receptionist position. However, Leah soon realized that this job was not a long-term solution. She yearned for a better life and began searching for opportunities to create a brighter future for herself.
Determined to break free from the constraints of a traditional job, Leah decided to start her own business. After consulting with her entrepreneurial aunt, she launched a wines and spirits business that quickly flourished. This success allowed her to expand her operations, acquire additional outlets, and even lease a vehicle to manage the growing business.
The Birth of Cheriez Properties Limited
After years of hard work, perseverance, and a bit of luck, Leah’s breakthrough came when she was able to purchase five acres of land in Kitengela. This marked the beginning of Cheriez Properties Limited, a real estate company that now boasts a portfolio of 200 homes, each valued at 15 million shillings.
Wambui’s Risks and Rewards
Leah’s journey to success was not without its hurdles. One of the most significant challenges she faced was land acquisition. In an interview with a popular vlogger, Leah shared that she took a huge risk: “I sold my house with my husband’s blessing and used some of the little savings we had managed to save,” she revealed.
Even with a well-planned strategy, things didn’t go as smoothly as expected. Leah recalled how, despite having a show house ready for potential buyers, the initial response was underwhelming. “We had our first show house and invited people to come. I thought once we had the show house, the buyers would come. But most of the visitors were friends and family, not actual clients,” she said.
When initial efforts to attract local buyers fell short, Leah turned her focus to international clients, but this too proved to be a dead-end. It wasn’t until 2016 that she saw her first real success, when two buyers finally purchased homes priced at Ksh 16 million.
Overcoming Setbacks and Gaining Success
Although Leah eventually achieved significant milestones in the real estate industry, it was far from an easy journey. One of the most difficult moments came when she had to make the tough decision to fire all her employees after discovering repeated incidents of theft. “I woke up one day and fired all my staff because the theft was unbearable,” she recalled. “I would have tiles delivered for the housing units, and trucks would show up at night to steal them. The project manager was even conspiring with workers to inflate invoices.”
Despite the setbacks and the temptation to give up, Leah pressed on. One day, just as she was about to abandon the project, a buyer emerged and purchased one of the houses. From that sale, Leah was able to finance the completion of other units, and demand for her properties continued to grow.
Today, Leah Wambui stands as a proud member of Kenya’s elite millionaire club, having successfully built a thriving real estate business. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, risk-taking, and the relentless pursuit of dreams.
