From humble start to building regional transport firm

KIRAN Shah famously known as “Kiru” has been in the country’s transport and logistics industry for decades, running Swan Carriers Limited, a family-owned transport company which operates in Kenya and beyond borders, serving key sectors of the economy. He has also over the years played an instrumental role in disaster response across Kenya.

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He has transformed his business into a vehicle for national service. At great personal and financial commitment, he has transported relief food, medical supplies and essential goods entirely free of charge to regions facing famine, drought, floods, and other emergencies.

His compassion and enduring service to the nation and community saw him conferred with the prestigious Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (E.B.S) during the recent Jamhuri Day cellebrations by President William Ruto. The Star spoke to Kiru on his personal journey, business and service to community.

Who is Kiran “Kiru” Shah, where was he born, education and his beginnings in business?

I was born in Kisumu in 1959. Our family has been in existence in Kisumu for the last 90 years. I went to Aga Khan Primary School then Kisumu Boys and after my basic O-Levels, I found my way to the UK. My dad sent me to study but I didn't study and instead, I started working. I opened a small grocery shop with a partner from the UK. After two years, I was called back home, there was a lot of work within the family businesses. My father had four siblings so it was a large business and we were all involved. That time we were into confectionary, milling and also transport. As our family grew bigger, we started going different ways and eventually now me and my two boys. I shifted to Nairobi in 1985. I was the first one to move to the capital and since then I have settled in Nairobi but i still have a home in Kisumu.

Tell us about Swan Carriers? When and how did start?

Swan Carriers Ltd is a logistics and transport solutions company dedicated to providing reliable, efficient and customer-focused services. We specialise in the movement of goods across diverse sectors, ensuring timely delivery and operational excellence. Our business is built on strong values of integrity, innovation and sustainability and we pride ourselves on being a trusted partner to both local and regional clients. It was started in 1980 with three small trucks, 10-tonne canters. Today, Swan Carriers has 240 trucks majority of them trailers and has created more than 436 direct jobs and hundreds of indirect jobs. The headquarters shifted to Athi River from Kisumu.

What are some of the challenges you faced during the early stages of Swan and today?

Before there were no challenges. Drivers were good, people were honest, and roads were not congested so business was flowing and the turnaround was quick. Today as we speak, there are lots of challenges. The traffic on the roads, competition, people want to become millionaires overnight. Along the corridors we get challenges at the borders, for instance there is 18 kilometer line at the Malaba border because systems are not working properly so clearance and crossing becomes a challenge. These delays add to operating costs. We were doing up to five trips a month now were are down to two to three trips. There are non-tariff barriers along the corridors which are a challenge. If we were to follow the law and put into good use the infrastructure and technology we have, hopefully things will be better.

How would you describe your leadership style and what drives you?

Approachable, listening and patience. As a transporter, you have to be patient and someone who listens. If you are a hot tempered person then transport is not good business for you.

How do you balance family and running a successful business?

I have two boys and they all are into the business, both the wives are working, grandchildren. We have our day-offs where we just spend time together especially Sundays is just family, we sit, have food together and just relax.

Do you have any family values that you have incorporated into the business?

Yes. Honesty is the first one. Whatever you do, do it with honesty. Respect is another thing and then dignity.

Is Swan Carriers exploring any new technologies to improve operations?

Yes. We are looking into Electric Vehicles (EVs) in the near future. We have and continue to automate our systems for smooth operations and other changes.

What does it take to build a strong family-owned business?

First of all is trust. Then cooperation within the family and professionalism. Family life should be separated from the business and have a continuity plan. The business should operate within a constitution then there will be no ‘matata’ (worries).

Where do you see Swan in the next five to ten years and probably as Kiru, what legacy do you want to leave behind?

Well, I would not say I want to become a number one transporter, but an efficient transporter with good values. In the year 2030, our milestone, Swan Carriers will be 50 years old. That obviously we want to see, we want to see Swan Carriers become a strong regional transporter. We want to become a multinational covering the East African region, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and beyond. That is our vision.

Congratulations on the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (E.B.S) award. How does it feel and probably, what does it mean for you?

I never thought I would be recognised. It came as a surprise. When I got a call that I will be part of the team going to State House for the awards, I still could not believe and neither did I know what I was getting. When my name was called and I started walking towards His Excellency the President, my citation started being read then I heard E.B.S and that shocked me. I was expecting maybe a Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (M.B.S.). I felt I was in a different world but ofcourse I was before the President so I behaved properly. But the joy, I can’t explain. You know, at that time I wanted my phone to start sharing but the phones had been taken. People who were watching on TV took videos later and later on started posting. I don't have words to tell you what it means, but it means everything to me. Because the work, at least somebody recognised what we have done. Apart from being in the transport business, the community is at the core heart of our existence. Our contributions span humanitarian relief, public safety and organised community leadership. We have always transported relief food, medical supplies and essential goods free of charge to regions facing famine, drought, floods and other emergencies. We also mobilise resources which we ensure reach those in marginalised areas. For instance we recently brought together children living with Cerebral Palsy from Machakos County and had a Christmas party with them, gave out wheelchairs, transport. But all these things I don’t do them for fame, just making sure that we try and build a society where everybody feels appreciated.

What motivated you to engage in philanthropic work in Kenya?

Giving back to the community is important. I have been fortunate and it is my way of contributing to Kenya’s growth and helping those in need.

You are the Vice Chairman of the Visa Oshwal Community. Tell us about it?

The community is over 100 years in Kenya and our headquarters is at the Oshwal Centre in Nairobi.We have around 8,000 members, it is a clan and I am privileged to be the vice chair for two years now. Our basic philosophy is Jainism. This is an ancient Indian religion focused on spiritual purity, liberation and non-violence teaching that all living beings have a soul and deserve compassion, leading to strict vegetarianism and gentle living practices. We are 100 per cent vegetarian. We value others well-being. Cultural heritage is there, the Indian culture, the Shah cultural heritage, all is there. We foster unity.

Tell us about the neighbourhood initiative?

It is based under Gigiri Police Station and helps all in need. The primary focus is on community safety and security. We work with the security organs and the community to ensure safety and well-being of everyone.

What would you say is one of the most rewarding parts of your career?

Service to community. The business will be there because others are looking after it but service to humanity is the most rewarding thing to me.

Who are your role models growing up, what did you learn from them and how did you apply that into the business?

Okay, first role model is my parents, obviously. But if you look, Manu Chandaria, he has done quite a lot of philanthropic work. There are also many others doing things unannounced.

As an individual, how do you maintain the personal motivation, especially when you are faced with challenges, how do you stay calm?

We have a lot of problems in the community, the normal problems. As a leader when you listen to those problems, you feel that yours are nothing and the best thing is patience. You become a listener. Do not act without listening. It helps remaining calm.

How do you unwind after a long day of running a busy company?

My day starts at 6am. I have meetings at the Visa Oshwal Community after office hours then in the evenings, I am home by 6.30. I unwind the day by reading newspapers what was most interesting in the newspapers and catching up with what is going on in the world from news to sports.

What is your mantra?

If Kiru can do it, why not others?

Any parting shot?

Just to say Merry Christmas to the Christians and Happy New Year to all and as a transporter whose vehicles are all over the roads, please exercise caution while on roads. Drive safe. Don’t drink and drive. Life is very precious please save your life from the road carnage.