Kenyan real estate mogul Mwenda Thuranira marked a major milestone in his journey of self-discovery and entrepreneurship with the official launch of his debut book "Taking Up Space", hosted at the opulent Villa Rosa Kempinski in Nairobi.
The evening was a celebration of resilience, legacy, and the courage to dream big — a fitting tribute to a man who has built an empire from the ground up.
Taking Up Space chronicles Thuranira’s remarkable rise from his humble beginnings in Isiolo and Meru to becoming a respected voice and force in Kenya’s real estate sector.
Blending personal anecdotes with actionable insights, the book offers a raw and motivational account of Mwenda’s journey — one marked by grit, faith, and the unyielding belief in one’s potential.
“Taking up space is not just a collection of chapters; it is a piece of my heart,” Mwenda told guests during the emotional book launch.
“From the dusty paths of Meru and Isiolo, to American construction sites, to the boardrooms of MySpace Properties and now this moment.”
The book explores how early values — family, education, discipline, and mentorship — laid the groundwork for his entrepreneurial mindset.
It goes beyond just a business playbook, reflecting on holistic success, the importance of integrity in leadership, and the value of balancing ambition with personal responsibility.
“I wrote this book because I know what it feels like to be underestimated, to carry a vision in a world that is not ready for it,” he continued.
“But I also know what happens when you refuse to shrink... I wrote the book to honour the raw, messy, and unfiltered journey of becoming.”
From building MySpace Properties to navigating the high-stakes world of real estate in Kenya, Mwenda shares the hard-earned lessons of branding, market research, customer engagement, and the power of reinvention.
He challenges the notion that entrepreneurship is the only path to success, encouraging readers to also value the experience and skills gained through employment.
The book also highlights essential life tools such as time management, wellness, and the ability to bounce back from failure, with a timely focus on how digital transformation and smart cities are reshaping the African landscape.
Mwenda doesn’t shy away from the psychological barriers many face in pursuing greatness, urging readers to choose resilience over fear and collaboration over competition.
“My prayer is that this book lands in the hands of a young person, deep in rural Kenya, a father who has lost hope in business, a millennial navigating jobs, or a bold innovator ready to go global.
Because this isn’t just a book — it’s a journey filled with hope, mixed with tears, love mixed with aura, determination mixed with doubts, and focus mixed with faith.”
Adding a deeply personal touch to the event, Mwenda’s wife, Vennesa Magiri, took to the podium to deliver a heartfelt tribute that resonated with every guest in the room.
“This book is about a boy from Meru who dared to believe his voice, vision and value. It is not just pen and paper; it is a mark for every young Kenyan who has ever been told you're dreaming too big.
"Mwenda, I'm so proud of you for taking up space, for owning your truth, for turning the pages of your past into the beacon of your future. I bless you, Mwenda,” said Magiri, evoking an emotional round of applause.
In the end, Taking Up Space is more than a memoir or a business manual — it is a bold invitation to anyone who has ever felt small, silenced, or stuck. It calls on readers to rise, show up, and claim their rightful place in any room, industry, or space they enter.
With this book, Mwenda Thuranira isn’t just telling his story — he’s permitting others to learn from him and improve themselves.
Comments 0
Sign in to join the conversation
Sign In Create AccountNo comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!