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“An African book written by an African from a practical African perspective on how an African can make lots of money in Africa.”

 

SPEECH BY DR. ALFRED MUTUA DURING THE LAUNCH OF HIS BOOK “How To Be Rich in Africa & Other Secrets of Survival”

 

THE MEANING OF THE BOOK

 

Two years before I was born, the summer Olympics were held in Mexico City, Mexico. During the event held in 1968, Tanzanian marathon runner John Stephen Akhwari made history, not by winning the Marathon but by coming last. What made him unique was that he came in about an hour and a half after the winner. His leg was injured and it was bloodied and bandaged. When he was asked by film director Bud Greenspan why he had kept on going, he is quoted as replying, “My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start a race. They sent me to finish it.”

 

This is a book about the big race that we face in this world.  It is about how you and I can take advantage of simple, yet effective steps to improve our lives and the lives of the people around us.

As the book shows, you are not judged by what you think or plan to do but by what you actually do.  You have to start and complete the race.  The reality is, it does not matter where you were born or whether you are poor or what you currently do in life.  You can, by transforming your dreams into reality, become rich and live a fuller life – especially if you are an African today.  This is a continent on the move and this is the place to be. That is why the book is called “How To Be Rich in Africa & Other Secrets of Survival.” It is an African book written by an African from a practical African perspective on how an African can make lots of money in Africa.

The book is written in a simple fashion.   I am a stroryteller and so, I have used many practical examples to show what you can do.  The book is for the African who has a desire, a passion to succeed in life – like what I have, through God’s grace, done.  However, the book is also about the role we play while alive.

A friend of mine called Bi Cado has a saying, “It does not matter how long you live, you will be dead for much longer.”  In Sydney, I saw a sign that said, “Life is tough, you are lucky if you come out of it alive.”

Therefore, when we are here, we have to maximize every moment we have to live life to its fullest.  I love the song, “Don’t worry, be happy” by Bobby Mcferrin:

“Here’s a little song I wrote,

You might want to sing it note for note

Don’t worry . . .  be happy. . .

In every life we have some trouble

When you worry you make it double

Don’t worry . . .  be happy. . .”

 

But life is not just about you being happy, it is also about how you can make others happy – I believe we are here because of others – to be vessels to carry others with us to better lives. As you make money, it should not just be for you but an empowerment to make the world a better place.

Some people have asked me how I got the time to write the book.  It is easy.  It is all in the book:  In life, if you decide to do something and start doing it in a consistent manner, you will in time, complete what you started out to do. I started writing the book four months ago – writing at least for one or two hours every night before I went to bed and before I knew it, the book is out.

My plan was to get the book out before my 40th birthday which is this coming Sunday on August 22nd.  I thank the Lord that He has granted me the opportunity to write and share this book.

Finally, the most important part:

I wish to recognize those who have made my life and this book possible.

  1. First, the Almight God for his blessings and guidance.
  2. My lovely wife and three children.
  3. My parents, Thomas Maingi, Agnes Mwikali and my sister Anne and Musa Maundu and Kakumi Maundu. – Tulianzia mbali.

 

 

To my loved colleagues and close friends for their encouragement:

 

  1. Veronicah Muchiri
  2. Danson Ng’ang’a
  3. Patrick Quarcoo – in chapt 7
  4. Roberta Mulinge
  5. Victor Muniafu
  6. Joanne Mwangi – in the book
  7. George Waititu
  8. James Karundu
  9. Martin Wahogo
  10. Dr. Fred Iraki

 

Those who made the book possible:

 

  1. Ruth Muriu & Kawira James who worked on the manuscript.
  2. Joe Mbuthia – the principal editor of the book
  3. Zahra Musa and
  4. Wacuka Mungai who massaged the book
  5. Magesha Ngwiri who looked at a few chapters and got them to make sense
  6. Dennis Oketch – who designed the book.

 

They say that behind every succesful man there is a woman, but they should also say, to behind every succesful person there is a good banker.

 

  1. Ben Rateng &
  2. Anne Njau of Kenya Commercial Bank- KICC
  3. Carol Njuguna
  4. Mark Ng’eny
  5. John Ngui and
  6. Joan Gathura of Standard & Chartered Bank

 

Be good to your banker if you aim to make money.

 

  1. Naushad Merali
  2. Peter Munga
  3. Elias Kavwagi who agreed to be interviewed

 

Finally Sponsors:

 

I paid for the printing of the book by selling space – my new formula in books:

 

  1. My great friends Shailesh, Shashi, Keval & Rahul of L.G  Hotpoint – get a TV from them on discount – just mention my name.
  2.  Safaricom – Wangari and Regina
  3. Aquamist – CEO Karim Premji
  4. Span Image – Muhammed Taib & Ali Hussein
  5. Equity Bank – Alex Muhia.

 

To all of you my friends I say thanks and let’s make some money.
Sample Chapters
Buy the Book Now!!!

Have your say

Congratulations for launching a good BOOK for Africans. Nick from nairobi