The Story of Gaigai Hardware: How a Young Entrepreneur Built a Plaza from a Kiosk

In Nakuru’s Kabarak Road, between Olive-Inn and Zaburi shopping centres of Kiamunyi estate, stands the GoodPutt Hotel. The hotel is housed in a towering structure known as Gaigai Plaza, whose ground floor still hosts the bustling Gaigai Hardware. This plaza, alive with the dual rhythm of booming hardware trade and vibrant hospitality, is more than just a building—it is the culmination of a journey that began nearly 4 decades ago.

Here is the remarkable story of Mr Phillip Maina, the man behind it all, the visionary owner of Gaigai Hardware, whose humble kiosk grew into a landmark enterprise and whose legacy continues to shape Nakuru’s business landscape.

In 1987, a young entrepreneur in Litein, Kericho, opened a modest kiosk. It was nothing more than a small wooden structure, but it carried the weight of big dreams. A year later, with the support of his wife Margret Maina—the love of his life—the kiosk expanded. Together, they laid the foundation for what would become one of the region’s most recognisable business names: Gaigai Hardware Store Ltd.

By 1990, life was changing fast. Their first daughter, Ann Wanjiru, was born, and in the same year, the family secured their first shop in Litein. The shop became a hub of activity, with John, Ciru, and Margret often seen behind the counter, serving customers and building relationships. Locals began to recognize him as a “famous businessman in Litein, Kericho,” a reputation earned through hard work and consistency.

The vision grew beyond Litein. In 1992, Gaigai Hardware opened a second shop in Nakuru, strategically located on East Road, Plot 10, facing Menengai High School. This expansion marked a turning point. The family acquired their first official car, used not only for business transport but also to take their children to school—a symbol of progress and stability. Soon after, a second car followed, underscoring the enterprise's growth.

By 1993, the Nakuru shop had become a bustling center. Frequent visitors like Munyakah offered encouragement, and the business diversified with a bicycle garage on Plot 10. The shop became more than a commercial space; it was a community hub where relationships were nurtured and opportunities created. In 1994, Mrs. Gikiga was photographed at the Nakuru shop, a reminder of the many people who became part of the Gaigai story.

The new millennium brought bigger ambitions. In 2001, the Nakuru shop shifted to a larger space on Plot 10, reflecting the company’s steady growth. Seven years later, in 2008, Gaigai Hardware expanded again, opening another shop in Olive, Kiamunyi. Each milestone was a testament to resilience, vision, and faith.

At the heart of this journey is a guiding belief: “When I look at my past I thank the Lord, and when I look to where I am going I trust Him more.”

From a kiosk in Litein to the towering Gaigai Plaza, this is not just a story of business success—it is a story of family, faith, and the relentless pursuit of a dream.

Over time, Gaigai Plaza evolved beyond its original purpose. Once the proud symbol of Gaigai Hardware’s journey, it has been transformed into GoodPutt Hotel, a modern establishment serving Nakuru’s growing hospitality needs. The building carries the legacy of enterprise, family, and faith, while opening a new chapter as a hub for travellers and the local community.

This transformation reflects Nakuru’s dynamic landscape—where commercial spaces adapt to meet new demands and the spirit of entrepreneurship continues in fresh forms. GoodPutt Hotel does not erase Gaigai Plaza's past; instead, it builds upon it.

The walls that once echoed with the sounds of hardware trade now resonate with laughter, conversations, and the rhythm of hospitality.

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