Edwin Muthomi has steadily built a car dealership empire that now serves hundreds of Kenyans every year. As the founder of Somiek Cars, Muthomi’s rise has been driven by grit, vision, and a relentless desire to change how ordinary Kenyans buy cars.
Muthomi has often shared that he did not come from a privileged background. Growing up, he said, he watched others driving sleek cars and always dreamed of being part of that world. While many dismissed it as just a childhood fantasy, he saw it as motivation.
After finishing school, Muthomi took up several small jobs — sometimes as a delivery assistant, other times as a sales rep — but he never lost focus. He admitted that even though he had no capital or formal training in business, he had a deep passion for vehicles.
That passion eventually opened the door for him to help a friend who imported cars. In doing errands, managing customer inquiries, and observing the business, he slowly learned the ropes.
He recalled how he started small — with just a tent on borrowed space, an old laptop, and a phone line. At the time, he said, he would personally source vehicles, respond to calls, negotiate deals, and handle deliveries. There were no shortcuts. He knew that if he built customer trust and stayed consistent, the business would grow.
And it did.
Today, Somiek Cars operates from key locations including Ngong Road, Nakuru Barnabas, and Narok, with an online footprint that makes car buying more convenient for customers countrywide.
The dealership offers a wide range of vehicles to suit different needs and budgets. From fuel-efficient options like the Toyota Axio (2015) and Honda Fit (2015) for city driving, to reliable family SUVs like the Nissan X-Trail, Mazda CX-5, and the Subaru Forester Non-Turbo equipped with Eyesight technology and Lane Assist.
For entry-level buyers, models such as the Mazda Demio, Toyota Vitz, and the Axela 2008 are available with flexible payment options.
Muthomi explained that one of the reasons Somiek Cars has won the trust of many is because of its simple and inclusive payment system.
Customers only need to make a deposit — sometimes as low as KSh 250,000 — and can drive away the same day. The balance is spread over a flexible 24-month plan, with no need for complicated bank statements or credit checks.
He noted that many of his clients are young professionals, civil servants, entrepreneurs, and even boda boda riders who want to upgrade their lives.
By making financing easy, he has opened the doors of car ownership to people who previously believed it was out of reach.
The dealership also operates an active Facebook page, where customers can view cars, ask questions, and begin their purchase journey — without stepping foot into the yard.
Looking back, Muthomi credited his success to hard work, faith, and a commitment to giving Kenyans value. He believes anyone can rise, no matter their background, as long as they remain focused and serve with integrity.
