‘Taking Up Space’: Mwenda Thuranira opens up on how Ksh.20B loan changed his life

Business mogul and real estate entrepreneur Mwenda Thuranira has spoken about his meteoric rise from a humble upbringing in Isiolo to a multi-billion-shilling real estate empire.

The renowned businessman, who is no stranger to resilience, risk-taking, and reinvention, says he was propelled by an unexpected act of faith — a Ksh.20 billion loan offered after just five minutes of pitching his dream to a friend.

Speaking at the glamorous launch of his debut book ‘Taking Up Space’ at Villa Rosa Kempinski on Friday night, Thuranira recounted the pivotal moment that changed his life. After years of knocking on doors and being turned away, it was AMS Properties Chairman Anil Samani who finally gave him the breakthrough.

“Alitoa miwani akasema kijana unataka kupeleka wapi Ksh.20 billion?” Thuranira recalled, triggering laughter and applause from the audience.

Before that game-changing meeting, Thuranira had returned to Kenya from the United States, where he had cut his teeth in the real estate and hospitality sectors, to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams.

Settling first in Mombasa with his wife, Venessa Magiri, the couple tried to get their venture off the ground, but financing proved elusive.

“I spent nearly six years in and out of banks in Nairobi. All I had was a vision. But the banks saw risk, not potential," he revealed.

Now the founder and CEO of MySpace Properties, Thuranira launched ‘Taking Up Space’ to not only document his entrepreneurial journey but also to inspire a generation of go-getters, dreamers, and risk-takers.

“This is more than just my story. It’s a tribute to every person who’s ever been told to play small, to shrink, to wait for permission. Today, we take up space boldly, proudly, and unapologetically,” he said during his address.

“Too many people wait to be told it’s their turn. I want to challenge that. Taking up space means you stop shrinking. You show up. You lead. You dare to do more.”

His wife and longtime business partner, Venessa Magiri, also took the stage, sharing heartfelt and humorous reflections on their journey together.

“My husband left Meru with nothing but hope in his pocket and faith in his heart. Tonight, as he opens this next chapter, this book is not just paper and print, it is a map for every young Kenyan who has ever been told, ‘You’re dreaming too big,’” she noted.

Venessa went on to underscore her husband’s resilience in his marketing role in foreign land where one would be expected to cower and be timid.

“We started our first business in America, doing taxes. He was the marketer, dropping brochures under doors, while I manned the office. It’s been a long road, and I’m proud of how far we’ve come. One thing Mwenda taught me that changed my mindset was to always come with solutions, not complaints. That culture of problem-solving has been instrumental in how we run our businesses," she said.

“When he was writing this book, he’d sometimes wake me up at 2a.m. with a new idea. So today, I’m not just proud—I’m also relieved. At least now I can finally get some sleep!” She added, drawing laughter from the crowd.

At its core, ‘Taking Up Space’ is a compelling narrative that blends personal experience with professional wisdom, positioning Thuranira as not just a real estate mogul but a mentor for the next generation.

The book begins by tracing Mwenda’s humble roots in Isiolo and Meru, painting a picture of early influences such as his grandfather’s business values, the power of education, and the discipline that shaped his entrepreneurial mindset.

The first chapter, ‘Firm Foundations,’ sets the tone with lessons on self-mastery and personal development.

In ‘Family First,’ Thuranira underscores the stabilising force of family, sharing personal stories of struggle and triumph, and the importance of holistic success, balancing ambition with personal responsibilities.

‘Building MySpace’ is the turning point, where Mwenda recounts the struggles and breakthroughs of launching MySpace Properties. He opens up about battling a saturated market and how strategic branding, customer engagement, and bold innovation gave him an edge.

In ‘Employment Pays,’ Thuranira defies the common glorification of entrepreneurship by crediting his corporate experience, especially in the U.S., for equipping him with essential skills in customer service, financial literacy, and professionalism.

Chapters like ‘Leading Boldly’ and ‘Success Habits’ dig deep into leadership, decision-making, and the routines that have powered his rise. He stresses integrity, emotional intelligence, and inspiring teams through adversity.

The section on ‘Personal Branding’ offers insights into how he built a public persona that commands respect through reputation management, thought leadership, and authentic storytelling.

‘Reinvent Yourself’ and ‘Mastering Time’ reveal Thuranira’s strategies for staying relevant and managing time as his most valuable resource.

In ‘Fit for Life,’ the author emphasises the link between health and long-term success, sharing his personal fitness routines and self-care principles. He discusses business setbacks in ‘Failing Forward,’ encouraging readers to embrace failure as a teacher, not an enemy.

The chapters ‘Living Legacy’ and ‘Climbing Mountains’ expand the scope, urging readers to think beyond personal gain and aim for lasting impact. Thuranira also tackles harsh industry realities in ‘Real Challenges,’ offering tools for navigating crises and changing markets.

In ‘Investing in Real Estate,’ he provides practical guidance on entering the property market — from funding to risk management — while ‘Working the Market’ and ‘The Future of Real Estate’ examine tech disruption, smart cities, and Africa’s growing potential.

In the final chapters, Mwenda stresses the power of ‘Collaboration over Competition,’ and in ‘The Mindset of Success,’ he shares tools to overcome internal barriers like fear and self-doubt.

The book closes with a rallying cry: ‘Taking Up Space,’ to mean boldly stepping into one’s purpose, not just in business, but in every aspect of life.