- Malcolm Kiragu has turned his passion for cars into a booming mobile detailing business, catering to Kenya’s wealthy elite
- From McLarens to private helicopters, he offers premium services that go beyond the typical car wash
- Kiragu spoke to TUKO.co.ke about how he ended up starting the business, and how much he makes per service
When most people think of car washes, they picture water, soap, and a few buckets by the roadside.
Source: TikTok
But for Malcolm Kiragu, washing cars is nothing short of an art form, and his clients are among Kenya’s wealthy elite.
When did Kiragu start detailing business?
In an exclusive interview with TUKO.co.ke, Kiragu disclosed that the idea came from an inborn passion for cars.
From sleek McLarens to private helicopters, Malcolm’s mobile detailing business has taken car care to another level.
After starting out seven months ago, he has since converted his modest Toyota Probox into a mobile detailing unit.
In its trunk are carefully arranged bottles of cleaning solutions, microfiber towels, and a 230-litre water tank, everything he needs to bring a luxury shine to any driveway or helipad.
How Kiragu started detailing business
The idea, he explains, was born out of an observation that Kenya only has pit stops where cars stop for cleaning.
“There were no premium detailing services that cater to high-end vehicles the way they deserve, and most pistops don’t give a lot of attention to detail,” he said.
So, he set out to change that and spent seven months teaching himself online, watching countless tutorials on detailing techniques, paint correction, and leather restoration.
By the time he was ready to take his first client, he had already drawn up a standard rate card, and a reputation for excellence quickly followed.
How much does Kiragu charge car owners?
Because he offers mobile services, Malcolm’s rates vary depending on the time and travel involved. On average, he charges between KSh 15,000 and KSh 25,000 per session.
Generally, he inspects every vehicle before giving a quote as more complex jobs, like private helicopters, require custom pricing.
“It takes like two days to finish a chopper, so the pricing has to be different,” he laughs. “You can’t rush that kind of work.”
His favorite project so far?
“Definitely the McLaren,” he says without hesitation. “The materials are so premium that you have to be extra careful. One wrong move and you could damage something worth millions.”
Source: TikTok
Kiragu’s future dreams
For Kenya’s growing community of car enthusiasts, his services have filled a gap that many didn’t even know existed.
“People have premium vehicles, so they needed premium services,” he says confidently.
And as his client list grows, so does his ambition. He dreams of building the biggest detailing company in Kenya and Africa.
From washing cars to polishing helicopters for the country’s elite, Malcolm Kiragu proves that passion and persistence can transform even the most ordinary idea into an extraordinary business.
Kenyan woman rises from teacher to CEO
In another inspiring story, Lilian Atho is the founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Real Time Global, a conglomerate with eight companies.
The 48-year-old, who ventured into business after quitting teaching, explained why the classroom did not motivate her.
She told TUKO.co.ke that her first business after abandoning the classroom was selling groceries in her estate.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
