My name is Rahab Kige, and I proudly serve as the CEO and Director of Ultismart Homes Limited. We operate in Kenya’s fast-growing construction industry, specializing in home finishes such as doors, gypsum, tiles, and paints just to mention but a few.
Recently, Ultismart Homes Limited opened its fourth branch in Nanyuki, marking another milestone in our expansion journey. Imagine Business sat down with me to discuss our success story, growth lessons, and what continues to drive our vision forward.
While speaking to Imagine Business at their Naivasha branch, Ultismart Homes Limited CEO explained that they chose to establish our new branch in Nanyuki because the town is rapidly growing and offers limitless business opportunities.
“We’ve nurtured this dream for over a year, and we’re thrilled that just four days ago, it finally came to life,” she affirmed.
Building Growth Through People
For any successful business to grow, its greatest growth partners are the staff. When you have the right team that believes in your vision and mission, success naturally follows. I always encourage entrepreneurs to listen to and reason with their employees, because they help shape, create, and brand your business.
As an employer, I ensure that my entire team grows together—after all, we all eat from the same tree. I emphasize teamwork and inclusivity, regardless of one’s position.
Across all our branches, we maintain a consistent customer experience. We achieve this by training and assimilating our employees into Ultismart’s culture. This approach allows us to meet every client’s needs fully. Whether a client buys products worth 10 shillings or one million shillings, they receive the same quality service.
Our clients remain our second-most important stakeholders, right after our employees. This is what has aided to our successful business
Redefining Successful Business and Resilience
To me, success isn’t about becoming the biggest entrepreneur—it’s about positively impacting lives and homes. My greatest joy comes from creating job opportunities and helping others grow.
Our vision is to expand across East and Central Africa, transforming homes and empowering communities. I believe God’s greatest gift to every entrepreneur is influence, and at Ultismart, we’re using that influence purposefully and ethically.
However, success doesn’t come without failure. I have failed many times and tried different businesses before Ultismart. Failure is a normal part of business. Regardless of how many times you fail, the key is to start again. That resilience defines a true entrepreneur.
My motto is simple: You either make it—or make it. If one idea fails, try the next one.
The Construction Industry in Africa
The construction sector continues to grow steadily, especially across Africa. Although we occasionally experience slow seasons, the downturns never last long. As Africans, we naturally aspire to build and own homes, which keeps this industry vibrant.
Everyone dreams of owning a home at some point in their life, ensuring constant demand for construction materials and services.
Still, entrepreneurs in this field must stay updated on market trends, as the industry evolves quickly.
“New technologies replace old ones almost overnight. If you fail to stay updated, you’ll quickly fall behind,” she emphasized to Imagine Business insisting that that has also helped build her successful business
Competing with Integrity
True entrepreneurship cannot coexist with corruption or unethical business practices. If you want to succeed long-term, integrity must guide every decision.
At Ultismart Homes Limited, we operate with honesty and transparency. I take pride in my Christian values, which shape how I manage what God has entrusted to me.
Corrupt businesses may grow quickly, but that growth is never sustainable. Integrity, on the other hand, builds a foundation that lasts.
Empowering Women for Successful Business
I encourage women entrepreneurs to claim their rightful space in this fast-paced, male-dominated world. You can make it. God has not given us the spirit of fear; instead, He has empowered us to pursue our passions boldly.
When we opened our latest branch in Nanyuki, I learned an important lesson: start with what you have. If someone asked me to start again from where we are now, I might hesitate—but I would still do it. The key is to begin and keep going, even when it’s hard.
Today, Ultismart operates four thriving branches, thanks to resilience, teamwork, and faith.
I warmly welcome everyone to visit our branches and experience the Ultismart difference firsthand.
Looking Ahead
To my employees, board members, and the entire Ultismart family—I see the big goals ahead of us. Together, we will continue to build, grow, and achieve them.
My name is Rahab Kige, and I proudly serve as the CEO and Director of Ultismart Homes Limited. We operate in Kenya’s fast-growing construction industry, specializing in home finishes such as doors, gypsum, tiles, and paints.
Recently, Ultismart Homes Limited opened its fourth branch in Nanyuki, marking another milestone in our expansion journey. Imagine Business sat down with me to discuss our success story, growth lessons, and what continues to drive our vision forward.
While speaking to Imagine Business at our Naivasha branch, I explained that we chose to establish our new branch in Nanyuki because the town is rapidly growing and offers limitless business opportunities.
“We’ve nurtured this dream for over a year, and we’re thrilled that just four days ago, it finally came to life,” she affirmed.
Building Growth Through People
For any business to grow, its greatest growth partners are the staff. When you have the right team that believes in your vision and mission, success naturally follows. I always encourage entrepreneurs to listen to and reason with their employees, because they help shape, create, and brand your business.
As an employer, I ensure that my entire team grows together—after all, we all eat from the same tree. I emphasize teamwork and inclusivity, regardless of one’s position.
Across all our branches, we maintain a consistent customer experience. We achieve this by training and assimilating our employees into Ultismart’s culture. This approach allows us to meet every client’s needs fully. Whether a client buys products worth 10 shillings or one million shillings, they receive the same quality service.
Our clients remain our second-most important stakeholders, right after our employees.
Redefining Successful Business and Resilience
To me, success isn’t about becoming the biggest entrepreneur—it’s about positively impacting lives and homes. My greatest joy comes from creating job opportunities and helping others grow.
Our vision is to expand across East and Central Africa, transforming homes and empowering communities. I believe God’s greatest gift to every entrepreneur is influence, and at Ultismart, we’re using that influence purposefully and ethically.
However, success doesn’t come without failure. I have failed many times and tried different businesses before Ultismart. Failure is a normal part of business. Regardless of how many times you fail, the key is to start again. That resilience defines a true entrepreneur.
My motto is simple: You either make it—or make it. If one idea fails, try the next one.
The Construction Industry in Africa
The construction sector continues to grow steadily, especially across Africa. Although we occasionally experience slow seasons, the downturns never last long. As Africans, we naturally aspire to build and own homes, which keeps this industry vibrant.
Everyone dreams of owning a home at some point in their life, ensuring constant demand for construction materials and services.
Still, entrepreneurs in this field must stay updated on market trends, as the industry evolves quickly.
“New technologies replace old ones almost overnight. If you fail to stay updated, you’ll quickly fall behind,” she emphasized to Imagine Business.
Competing with Integrity
True entrepreneurship cannot coexist with corruption or unethical business practices. If you want to succeed long-term, integrity must guide every decision.
At Ultismart Homes Limited, we operate with honesty and transparency. I take pride in my Christian values, which shape how I manage what God has entrusted to me.
Corrupt businesses may grow quickly, but that growth is never sustainable. Integrity, on the other hand, builds a foundation that lasts.
Empowering Women in Business
I encourage women entrepreneurs to claim their rightful space in this fast-paced, male-dominated world. You can make it. God has not given us the spirit of fear; instead, He has empowered us to pursue our passions boldly.
When we opened our latest branch in Nanyuki, I learned an important lesson: start with what you have. If someone asked me to start again from where we are now, I might hesitate—but I would still do it. The key is to begin and keep going, even when it’s hard.
Today, Ultismart operates four thriving branches, thanks to resilience, teamwork, and faith.
I warmly welcome everyone to visit our branches and experience the Ultismart difference firsthand.
A Word to My Ultismart Team
To my employees, board members, and the entire Ultismart family—I see the big goals ahead of us. Together, we will continue to build, grow, and achieve them.
At Ultismart Homes Limited, we don’t just construct homes—we build trust, nurture dreams, and create impact across every community we serve.
Watch the full video on Imagine Business to learn more about Rahab Kige’s journey and business insights.
