How Kenyan Woman Built High-End Tour Company in New York

• When Naomi Ogutu relocated to the US in 2012, she was determined to be among the Kenyans thriving abroad
• She started as a taxi driver before launching a company that offers high-end tours through New York
• Thirteen years later, the mother of three runs a thriving business that includes executive car rentals and helicopter rides
• Kenyans looking for the experience pay KSh 2.8 million for a 14-day tour, a package that comes with luxury accommodation

On February 28, 2012, Naomi Ogutu packed her bags and left Kenya for the US, plunging into an unknown murky world.

Naomi Ogutu: Meet Kenyan Woman Running High-End Tour Company, Executive Car Hires in New York Source: Facebook

All she had were her bags, three children, and a dream to make it in arguably one of the world’s most difficult cities: New York.

Inspired by the Hudson River

Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, Naomi disclosed that her insatiable desire to create a comfortable life for her children gave her sleepless nights.

However, in a new city and needing to survive, she started as a cab driver for a taxi-hailing company.

Every time she drove past the famous Hudson River, Naomi’s mind wandered into a world she had yet to live.

In the world yonder, she saw herself as a businesswoman earning from creating dreams for the thousands of people who crossed the bridge.

Taking the leap

To set the ball rolling, she attended a masterclass at Master Cabi Academy where she learned customer service, financial management, and the city’s geography.

After a practical exam and a thorough vehicle inspection, she finally received a license to operate in the city that would make her dreams come true.

With every passenger she delivered and Uber driver she interacted with, Naomi sought to find out growth opportunities.

“I observed that most of the clients I picked from JFK International Airport asked for a tour of the city before going to their destination,” she recalled.

Naomi’s eureka moment

With a seemingly ready clientele buoyed by her vast knowledge of the city, Naomi started offering sightseeing services as a paid-for package.

“I began doing less of Uber and channelled my energies to offering tours across the city. most of my driving became sight-seeing,” she added.

By 2018, Naomi had disengaged from driving an Uber and was fully in the business.

She started marketing herself aggressively and before long, she had jostled her way to the creme of the city’s cut-throat competition.

Kenyan clients spend KSh 2.8m

As the business grew, she spotted another gap: executive car rentals, leading to the birth of Naomi Cars NYC.

She employs six dedicated tour guides who offer clients tours to the borough neighbourhoods of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, The Bronx and Queens.

“I often tell my clients that if you are single, New York is the only city where you will likely kiss a dollar millionaire,” she joked.

Kenyans looking to explore the world’s financial capital can part with $20,000 (KSh 2.8 million) for a 14-day tour, a package that comes with luxury accommodation.

Naomi’s piece of the American Dream

Bourgeoisie clients willing to pay more, including CNN’s Anderson Cooper, enjoy other benefits like chartered helicopter rides to have a bird’s eye view of the beautiful city.

“The secret is knowing and abiding by the State and city rules, especially the tax bracket. Its a lot of information but worth the knowledge,” she chimed.

Thirteen years after Naomi settled in the US, she is living the American Dream and basking in the glory.

Her biggest dream, to be an employer by her 10th year, finally came to pass.

Even with all the trappings of success, the doting mother still believes there’s more to achieve.

“My next plan is to buy a three-decker boat with a capacity of 300 people through which I’ll ferry clients across the Hudson River,” she concluded.