Kenyan Innovator Seeks To Replace Baby Daddies By Helping Single Mums Do Repairs

• When Douglas Mawata's friend, a single mother, shared her predicament doing repairs in her home, it inspired a business idea
• The IT expert developed a mobile phone application to address her needs and those in similar situation
• He spoke to TUKO.co.ke about the platform that partners with technical institutes to create employment and ensure professional workmanship

Single parenting is on the rise in Kenya, and an innovator helping single ladies handle repairs in the absence of men.

How does mobile app help single mums?

Douglas Mawata, a Kenyan IT specialist, has tapped into his skills to create a mobile app inspired by the needs of single women and mothers.

Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, Mawata said he got the light bulb moment to create the Standy Fix app after a friend shared her predicament.

“Whenever she needed a bulb changed or anything fixed around the house, she had to call her baby daddy, a situation which was not ideal.”

Mawata decided to solve the problem for his friend and many other Kenyan women.

“Clients can order a wide variety of services through the app, and we send trained technicians to cater for their needs.

Our services include fixing hot showers, mirrors, taps and sinks. We also handle damaged sockets, bulbs holders, switches, and do TV Mounting."

Standby Fix also offers repairs for TVs, laptops, phones, and fridges in people's homes.

The innovator noted that the app sought to solve another problem- fundis inflating prices for their services.

“When a single mother requests a service, they send an image of the problem, and we quote the cost beforehand- it can be as low as KSh 300. This eliminates instances of being overcharged.”

Standby Fix has around 5,000 qualified technicians and ensures efficient service delivery and client security.

“Our technicians wear uniforms and customers can confirm their identity through the app.

Once at the site, they must share an image of the work via the platform before starting their task and also share pictures confirming the job is done.”

Another niche market for Standby Fix is Kenyan apartment owners based abroad.

“Unscrupulous fundis often take advantage of Kenyans in the diaspora by doing shoddy work or failing to keep their end of the bargain. We aim to provide dependable and quality services for them.”

Mawata has partnered with Technical Vocational Education and Training institutes to offer employment to youths and ensure that the fundis are qualified.

The entrepreneur, who gives back by offering free services to churches and special schools, encouraged young people to attain technical skills.

“The repair and maintenance industry is wide, but you must be innovative to market yourself and create a brand. Chances of getting a job with technical skills are very high,” he said.

How did single mother build sucessful business?

In other news, TUKO.co.ke reported that a South African single mother battled financial hardship to raise her daughter after her ex-husband refused to help them.

But Omontle Thato Moremong refused to be defined by struggle, and even though she endured a lengthy court battle, she overcame the hardships.

She shared a video on building her own path as an entrepreneur and motivational speaker, she now empowers other women and inspires them with her story of resilience.