That Giant Leap

Meet Chura Limited a tech start up that has been in operation for six months and currently incubated at the c4dlab-An incubation lab at the University Of Nairobi, Chiromo campus. For those of us who are not conversant with the Swahili language ‘chura’ is a Swahili name for frog. Why? Well Chura signifies the transition in leaping from one mobile network to another. This is because through their website Chura Limited is able to give mobile users access to all mobile networks.

The co-founders behind this riveting idea are alumni of the University of Nairobi namely; Samuel Njuguna, Stephanie Gaku, Njogu Kinyanjui, Jack Kinga and Byron Sitawa. This group of friends was able to realize that different telecommunication networks in Kenya had varied strengths and found a way to enjoy each of them. Their innovation is unique in enhancing network interoperability and the first of its kind in the country.

The idea was developed when they realized most Kenyan mobile subscribers use different networks for different purposes. An example is a subscriber that has one line for calls, another for texts and another for the internet. They thought it would be convenient to be able to serve all these lines from a single point in a fast and convenient way.
Chura offers four services:

1. Switch Airtime-Transfer airtime across networks.
2. Buy Airtime-Buy Airtime from any network using any mobile money service.
3. Airtime for Cash-Convert your airtime to mobile money.
4. Bulk Airtime- Send airtime to multiple phone numbers at the click of a button.

The airtime for cash service was created for users that had a lot of airtime, wanted to convert it to cash but had no avenue to do this. A good example is when radio listeners participate in the shows and win airtime in the process. Additionally, at the time users who bought airtime erroneously from their mobile money account could not reverse have the transaction reversed but Chura was able to help in that.

So how exactly does Chura work you might ask? The process is quite straight forward. A user makes a request online or through sms for the service they would like. He/she then sends airtime/ mobile money to Chura and Chura sends airtime/ mobile money to their desired number.

For every start up finances are always tricky. The traditional sources of finance are always very skeptical. These daring entrepreneurs funded Chura out of their own pockets. Yet another challenge is the culture of closing up technologies by network operators which presented technological and logistical challenges when developing the product. The team however has solved these problems through sacrifice and creativity. The company has received positive interest from investors but has decided to build the brand further before accepting any external finance.

Chura’s primary target is any mobile user that wants to maximize benefits from the different strengths offered by the different network operators. In short a user has access to the services of every network operator regardless of their home network.The services are accessible to anyone that has a mobile phone or access to the internet. They also have an SMS application as well as a web and mobile application. Chura is available anytime, anywhere in Kenya.

Just like any other business venture the bottom line counts. Chura it makes its profits from selling airtime and the service charges. This is at the heart of its business plan and the team is projecting exponential growth. They are working on a number of avenues that will enhance the product’s accessibility and user experience. They are also on track to launch some new products. Scalability is also in the team’s plans whereby they are currently developing a system to expand their capacity and replicate the services in other Multi-SIM markets in the region. At the moment the company does not have any employees but with their targeted they will be able to welcome more staff on-board.

Feedback for the service has been overwhelmingly positive. Most users are very happy about the convenience and efficiency that Chura provides. Chura Limited’s impact has seen improved quality of service from network operators to benefit their users. The team expects to see the liberalization of the mobile money platform and an opening up of technologies for use by developers in creating applications that will add value to the industry. They hope to promote a culture where people create relevant solutions to problems that Kenyans face.

The team of young entrepreneurs goes to show that innovation and having the discipline to follow through on creative ideas can have a positive impact on business and the country in general. Each of the co-founders has had to turn down attractive employment offers from huge corporations to pursue their entrepreneurial goals. Most of us know that it is quite tempting to go for safety and avoid risks but as one of the co-founders shared with me, “If you don’t take risks, you will end up working for someone who will.” So the real question for the rest of us is are we ready to take that giant leap and follow our entrepreneurial streak?

Chura is fully operational and any interested people can check out their website www.chura.co.ke as well as the social media page on Facebook for more interaction.

Also published on www.uonbr.com