Just dial, I’ll bring you the condom
Personal experience and the prevalence of HIV/Aids inspired Fridah Ndiwa to start a condom delivery service, Dial-a-CD.
Six months after she opened shop, Ndiwa and her staff of 15 are always busy receiving calls and delivering orders to hotels, homes, offices, red light districts and even parking lots.
“Mine is a business with a good cause. My goal is to have zero HIV infections,” said Dr Ndiwa, chief executive, La Bonte Ltd.
The company operates 24 hours a day and has partnered with Nipon, a condom manufacturer in Thailand.
La Bonte imports condoms which are branded and packaged to their preference.
Apart from Nairobi, the firm also has offices in Mombasa and Kisumu.
In a day they deliver 6,000 packets. A packet with three condoms delivered to your home will cost you Sh300, Sh200 in chemists, Sh180 in supermarkets and Sh150 if you get it from their offices at Unafric House or Mimosa Court on Ngong Road.
Payment is done via mobile money.
Invested
“We are still a conservative country and people give those buying condoms in shops, supermarkets or chemists weird looks. At La Bonte, we make the process less strenuous,” said the medical doctor.
In Nairobi, the company has invested in seven motorcycles and three vehicles for distribution.
“I am glad that my business is helping those people who do not have courage or time to visit shops for condoms,” she added.
Her business is thriving and already, the 28-year-old has 15 containers en-route to Kenya.
After conquering Kenya, La Bonte plans to venture into the east and southern Africa markets besides introducing platinum services where by Euphoria condoms will be sold in aeroplanes.
And with Valentine’s Day just two days away, Dr Ndiwa is working with the National Aids Control Council on HIV/Aids awareness campaign.
Stay alive
Today as part of marking the International Condom Day, Ndiwa and the council will distribute 1,500 condoms and also educate the public on safe sex.
“I am in the business of helping people stay alive, avoid unwanted pregnancies and prevent spread of HIV/Aids, it is fulfilling,” she concluded.
After graduating from the University of Nairobi, Dr Ndiwa worked with Nema before venturing into business.