A young innovator who has been assembling mobile phone chargers and cables is making a fortune from his innovations, with several companies in the telecom industry offering a market for the products.
On a good month, Antony Muthungu, a 28-year-old Engineering graduate from Zetech University, makes more than Sh2 million profit from a company that he opened five years ago.
Muthungu, the CEO of TotoSci Holdings Ltd, assembles phone chargers of various brands and USB cables and also manufactures assistive devices using cutting-edge technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, and assistive software.
He makes more than 2,000 each day and sells to various markets both locally and across the region as far as Rwanda.
Muthungu, from Kiangwaci, Kirinyaga County, operates from his plant in Kirinyaga’s industrial park and has employed five tech-savvy graduates in his firm.
His journey started in 2020 after completing university when he followed his passion of making phone chargers after realising a gap in the market for reliable, high-quality products.
He says during that time, he repeatedly had been buying charging cables that turned out to be faulty—including five in a row that failed to work.
“I was tired of spending money on cables that barely lasted. That’s when I decided to design and produce my own cables, ensuring they meet quality standards and can be trusted by consumers,” Anthony explained.
He says the durability of his products has made Safaricom M-kopa and other companies and Industries develop an interest in partnering and providing a market.
“The market is huge and the orders I have on a monthly basis are overwhelming. The company has resorted to targeting companies and industries rather than the common mwananchi.
One of his durable chargers sells at Sh1,000, a price he says is fair given their durability and effectiveness.
He has managed to remain relevant in the industry by keeping up with the emerging technologies and assembling USB cables and chargers for the newest mobile phone brands on the market.
His aspirations are to move into the assembly of cheap, locally assembled phones, which outcompetes the leading mobile phone assembling companies.
“This is now the new direction that we want the company to move into. We have the expertise for this and hope to hit the market soon,” says Muthungu.
The journey has not been as smooth as Muthungu decried the high tax regime and cost of electricity as hindrances to the fast growth of the manufacturing sector.
“The cost of electricity and fuel is too high, and taxation on locally manufactured electronics is unsustainable,” he said.
He urged policymakers to reduce production costs to empower more young people to venture into tech manufacturing and innovation.
The innovation was among the key highlights of this year’s Innovation Week at Zetech University, where several young innovators showcased their innovations.
Zetech University Vice Chancellor Prof. Njenga Munene applauded the innovation and entrepreneurial skills of the innovators, saying they need to be linked with the market.
He reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to support innovations through funding and providing mentorship as well as protecting their intellectual property.
“We have enforced stringent measures to prevent the theft of student innovations by ensuring proper registration with relevant authorities,” said Prof. Munene during the exhibition.
By Muoki Charles
