Robert Langat: Kenyan Technopreneur Cashes in on Safaricom, Airtel Bulk Smss

• Robert Langat founded Mobitech Technologies over a decade ago to offer bulk Short Message Services (SMSs)
• The technopreneur recalled he spent KSh 50,000 to start the company, money from his savings and support from friends
• Mobitech Technologies now boast over 1,000 clients with Safaricom and Airtel being the biggest in Kenya

Robert Langat started Mobitech Technologies with just KSh 50,000 in the comfort of his home.

Over a decade later, the company which deals in bulk Short Message Service (SMS), expanded serving over 1,000 clients.

The technopreneur recalled his journey into the technology business noting that his first challenge was gaining trust from clients.

“With the little resources I had then, personal savings and contributions from friends, I started Mobitech Technologies from home. Then I moved to a shared office after getting a few clients. Later, I secured the required business permits and moved to our office,” Langat told Business Daily.

Mobitech Technologies

Langat explained that once the company got its first client, things became smooth as he started getting referrals.

He revealed his motivation to start the business came after he found out there was a market gap in offering bulk SMSs and other value-added services in the Information Technology (IT) sector.

“I was in the IT and telecommunications field creating mobile applications. Then I saw the gap in the market to offer bulk SMS solutions and other IT-related services to businesses and institutions," he narrated.

How Robert Langat inked deals with Safaricom, other telcos

Langat said Mobitech Technologies started by building customer relations. They use a web-based portal with details of customers belonging to Safaricom, Airtel and Telkom.

The telcos have complete control over the customer information.

"They simply log in, upload their customer contacts and send them SMSs," he said.

Besides telcos, other clients the company bagged include supermarkets, churches and Saccos. Langat has employed over five employees and counting.

“We charge a flat rate of 35 cents per SMS across all networks in Kenya. We don’t charge any monthly maintenance fees or set-up fees. There is no expiry period on the SMS purchased. For a sender name, we charge a one-time fee of KSh 6,800 per telco,” he disclosed.