Murage Modern Furniture Pacific: From Dropout to Multimillionaire

by Alex · March 6, 2024

Murage wa modern furniture pacific a multimilionnaire in Kenya

Gibson Murage Gitonga, popularly known as Murage wa Modern Furniture Pacific, was born in Thunguma, Nyeri County, and raised in Nyahururu.

He grew up with two siblings and is the second born. His father worked at a quarry in Maimahiu.

Murage’s early education was challenging, as he attended three different primary schools.

He started at Thunguma Primary School in Nyeri up to class three, then moved to Nyakinyua Primary School in Nyahururu for one year in class four.

He then moved to Leshao and attended Michinda Primary School, where he completed classes four to seven.

Due to financial constraints, the family later relocated to Kagundu, where he completed classes seven and eight.

Despite the financial difficulties, Murage pursued his education at Mungetho Secondary School.

However, in Form 2, his mother could no longer afford school fees for both him and his brother.

This forced him to drop out and seek alternative ways to support himself and his family.

To contribute financially, Murage fetched water from a dam using a bicycle after school, making around three trips per day carrying three 20-litre jerricans of water, for which he was paid 90 Ksh.

His mother, having collected a loan to pay school fees, gave him 8,000 Ksh. He decided to drop out of school to relieve his mother of the financial burden.

How Murage Started His Carpentry Career

With the money meant for school fees, Murage returned to his grandmother’s place in Nyeri, rented a house for 200 Ksh, and started working at a quarry for 300 Ksh per day.

Despite his mother’s encouragement to return to school, he opted to pursue a carpentry course, which his father funded with 10,000 Ksh.

He began working as an assistant carpenter, earning 600 Ksh per day. By 2014, Murage had become a renowned carpenter in Nyeri due to his unique furniture designs.

Over the next five years, he saved enough money to purchase furniture-making machines.

Establishment of Modern Furniture Pacific LTD

In 2019, Murage ventured into entrepreneurship, starting his own business, Modern Furniture Pacific LTD.

Despite initial uncertainties, his business thrived, with his first display furniture selling on the same day.

As demand grew, he bought a motorbike for transportation. He later sold it and bought his first car in January 2021.

Expanding his business further, Murage purchased two Toyota pickups for nationwide delivery services.

His success, he attributes to his savings habits, avoiding excessive entertainment, offering quality products, and effective marketing strategies.

His popularity has grown beyond Kenya, with clients across the continent. He has also gained recognition from Inooro TV Kenya.

Murage’s business specializes in Kenyan local wood furniture, including sofas, chairs, tables, beds, cabinets, and decorative items.

His recent Modern Furniture Pacific Mega launch in Nairobi marked the opening of a new branch, adding to the main branch in Nyeri.

His marketing advantage comes from his TikTok presence, where he is known for his entertaining dances.

He has enlisted Churchill and Erick Omondi as brand ambassadors, further boosting his brand’s popularity.

Murage is married to Lucy from Nyahururu, and they have a daughter named Zipporah Ng’endo.

Murage’s Impact and Influence

In addition to his remarkable journey from challenging beginnings to entrepreneurial success, Gibson Murage Gitonga has made a significant impact on others.

Despite his success, Murage remains deeply rooted in his community and is known for his generosity.

One of the ways he gives back is by offering free training to aspiring carpenters and artisans.

This initiative not only provides valuable skills to individuals who may not have had access to formal education but also empowers them to pursue their own entrepreneurial ventures.

Another testament to Murage’s impact is his commitment to providing employment opportunities.

His company, Modern Furniture Pacific LTD, employs over 50 staff members, providing stable jobs and livelihoods for many families.

By prioritizing local talent and skills development, Murage is not only contributing to the local economy but also inspiring others to pursue their passions and dreams.

Murage’s story is a true example of resilience, hard work, and the power of giving back to the community.

His dedication to empowering others and creating opportunities for growth and success exemplifies his role as a leader and mentor in the Kenyan business community.