David Kitonga: From Shopkeeper In US To Owning Multimillion Resort In Machakos
- David Kitonga worked as a teacher for over two decades and opted for early retirement after securing a green card to the US
- Kitonga revealed he worked as a shop attendant in the North American country and also held other roles, including construction
- After working for several years in the US, he returned to Kenya after building the multimillion Kitonga Garden Resort in Machakos
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TUKO.co.ke journalist Japhet Ruto brings over eight years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting, offering deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.
David Kitonga's journey from a little-known shopkeeper in the United States (US) to the proprietor of a multi-million shilling resort in Machakos shows the power of tenacity and diligence.
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David came from humble beginnings but never lost sight of his objectives.
After working for several years in the US, he returned to his native country because he was driven by a great desire to better his and other people's lives.
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With steadfast dedication, he took on the massive task of transforming Machakos into a premier vacation destination by building the Kitonga Garden Resort.
According to Bizna Kenya, the resort sits on a 100-acre piece of land.
David Kitonga's humble beginnings
Kitonga is a former teacher who taught for over two decades.
He was born and raised in Mbiuni in a family of twelve that struggled to make ends meet. His family sold livestock to raise money for upkeep.
Among the schools he taught were Central Secondary School in Eldoret and Siani Girls Secondary School in Narok county.
"I was also a senior examiner with the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) marking Biology paper one," he disclosed.
How did Kitonga secure a visa to the US?
The former teacher was lucky to secure a green card to the US in 2009.
This prompted him to retire early and move to the North America country in search of greener pastures.
After flying to the US, his family joined him six months later. Kitonga revealed he worked as a shop attendant while processing his paperwork.
"While I awaited clearance for my papers, I worked in a local shop as an attendant for three months. I learnt a lot in the course of interacting with Americans," he said.
He did other jobs in the US: gas station attendant, construction worker (mjengo), and healthcare/nursing aide.
On the other hand, his wife worked as a nursing aide. Kitonga's family reaped fruits in the US and saved money.
They acquired a house and office block, and one of his children ventured into entrepreneurship.
How Kitonga built a resort
Kitonga explained that it was their interest to do business back home.
So, he purchased a 100-acre parcel of land in Machakos from his cousins in Mbiuni Hill.
"At the time, we were still in the US and we sought a good architect through my son and his wife. We began with her and for a whole year we worked on the design, he expounded.
Kitonga's daughter, an interior designer and his son, an electrical engineer, were involved in the construction and introduced original ideas.
Nestled in the natural beauty of Machakos's rolling hills, the resort offers a peaceful environment away from the city's bustle.
Traditional Kenyan artwork fused with modern design adorns the resort's striking entryway.
According to its website, the resort, with stunning views of the Yatta Plateau, features 30 cottages.
The luxurious property includes two restaurants, a bar, an infinity pool, a fitness centre, a full-service upscale spa, inviting lounges, and a boutique.
Why Kenyan man in the US wants to return home
In related news, a Kenyan expatriate who spent the past 13 years working in the United States shared a revelation that prompted him to return to his roots.
Opening up about his journey, Benson recounted his diverse work experiences, including a four-year stint in the military.
Despite his professional success, Benson confessed to feeling emptiness, realising that he was sacrificing invaluable time for financial gain.
Kenyan woman in the US sells chapati
In a separate story, a Kenyan lady who moved to the US for a nursing job as a caregiver found fortune in the chapati business.
Doline Nyambati narrated how she relocated to America with her family after securing a caregiving job, which did not last.
Nyambati explained that she identified a gap in the US workforce, with many people busy working and having limited time to cook.
Proofreading by Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke
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David Kitonga won the US green card in 2009.
David Kitonga: From Shopkeeper in US to Owning Multimillion Resort in
David Kitonga: From A Shopkeeper in the US to Owning Multi-billion
