A Kenyan entrepreneur, King’ori Wambaki, has found success in the United Kingdom by brewing and selling Muratina, a traditional Kikuyu alcoholic drink, to a growing market. Although the brew is largely illegal in Kenya, Wambaki has managed to turn it into a lucrative business in Cheshunt, UK, where his innovative approach has made him a household name.
Highlights:
- King’ori Wambaki is minting money in the UK by selling Muratina, branded as “Muratelia.”
- The traditional Kikuyu drink has been adapted to suit the UK market with no local competition.
- Wambaki supplies his product to several restaurants and shops across the UK.
Muratelia: A Unique Product in the UK Market
Wambaki, who has lived in the UK for over 27 years, began his journey as a student, later working in various roles before launching his own business. He rebranded Muratina as “Muratelia,” packaging it as wine spiced with honey and containing 12 percent alcohol. The drink is primarily targeted at the millennial market but has also attracted interest from older generations.
With no competition in the UK market, Muratelia quickly gained traction. Wambaki supplies the drink to three restaurants and four shops across the UK, making it a go-to beverage for adventurous customers seeking something new and exciting.
“The business provides income better than what I can earn while being employed,” Wambaki shared. His success stems from extensive research and careful business planning, allowing him to position Muratelia uniquely within the UK beverage industry.
Cultural Heritage Meets Modern Business
Wambaki’s product taps into both his cultural roots and modern business strategies. By branding Muratina as a premium product and positioning it as wine, he has found a way to introduce traditional Kenyan culture to a global audience. His success hasn’t just stopped at selling the drink; Muratelia has even made its way into the modelling and fashion industries, with branded bags and clothing helping to expand its reach.
His approach to marketing has also set him apart. With an emphasis on millennial consumers, Wambaki’s product has grown in popularity through its novelty, creating a loyal customer base in a competitive market.
From Finance to Brewing
Wambaki’s success is backed by his impressive academic credentials. According to his LinkedIn profile, he holds a Master of Science in Finance and Management and a Bachelor of Science in Economics. This strong academic background has no doubt contributed to his ability to navigate the business landscape, crafting a solid business plan that capitalised on an untapped market.
In addition to his academic achievements, Wambaki’s journey from an economist to a successful entrepreneur highlights how innovation and embracing one’s cultural roots can lead to unexpected opportunities. While Muratina might remain illegal in Kenya, in the UK, it is providing Wambaki with both financial success and recognition.