Kagure Wamunyu is transforming Kenya’s construction industry through Jumba, a construction technology startup that streamlines the procurement and financing of building materials. Recognising the sector’s inefficiencies, Wamunyu co-founded Jumba in 2021 to address high material costs, supply chain disruptions, and unreliable deliveries. Her platform connects suppliers, manufacturers, and buyers, ensuring that affordable, high-quality materials reach contractors on time.
Kenya’s construction sector has seen significant growth, with analysts projecting an annual growth rate of 6.1% over the next three years. In 2021, the industry was valued at $16.6 billion, with further expansion expected due to housing, transport, and manufacturing investments. However, many contractors still struggle with material shortages, price fluctuations, and logistical setbacks, making Jumba’s solutions more crucial than ever.
Kagure Wamunyu is a civil engineer, urban planner, and logistics expert who has worked at Uber Kenya and Kobo360. Her experience in transport and infrastructure exposed her to the challenges facing Africa’s construction sector, where overpriced materials, unreliable supply chains, and inefficiencies slowed down progress. Determined to create change, she partnered with Miano Njoka to launch Jumba.
Jumba, the future of construction supply
Jumba is a construction technology startup that simplifies the procurement of building materials in Africa through a digital marketplace. It connects suppliers and buyers for essential materials like cement and steel, allowing users to place orders via an easy-to-use app or website.
All suppliers are vetted to ensure high-quality materials at competitive prices. Jumba also partners with logistics providers to ensure timely deliveries and offers order tracking. Additionally, the platform provides credit options for contractors and supports mobile payments like M-Pesa, making transactions smoother and more efficient. Overall, Jumba saves users time and money in the procurement process.
In 2023, Jumba raised $4.5 million in seed funding, following an earlier $1 million pre-seed round, bringing its total funding to $5.5 million. The company operates in Nairobi, Garissa, Nakuru, and Njoro and plans to expand across East Africa.
With Jumba, Kagure Wamunyu is redefining Kenya’s construction industry, making it more efficient, transparent, and accessible for contractors and builders.
