An Eldoret based self-trained engineer has once again surprised Eldoret residents and Kenyans at large by his ability to replicate complex products made in Tech lead countries and making these products using locally available materials to the same quality if not better than the original, all this at a fraction of the cost. Muge, the mind behind Muge Tech has created the Muge 360° which is among a number of products that he has been able to fabricate over the years. The Muge 360° has gained much appeal from the public due to its universal use as opposed to other products which were niche products, targeting the gymnasiums as he is a fitness enthusiast as well.
During a brief interview session with Muge, this is what he had to say about the Muge 360°
For a person who does not know what Muge 360° is, how can you easily explain it and its function?
The Muge 360° is a locally crafted selfie rotating portable photo booth machine, an innovation by Muge Tech Solutions. It is remote controlled to enable a person to take videos using a phone or camera mounted on a tripod/spinner while standing on the photobooth platform. The phone or camera is paired to a Bluetooth shutter which helps the user to automatically start and stop a video while still standing on the platform.
When and why did you decide to create the Muge 360°?
I drew inspiration from my 17-month-old baby boy. I love spending time with him, I try to capture those wonderful moments with him by taking videos and photos. That’s how the idea came to mind, I started my research with the help of my wife and we made our first photo booth in a month. I made it for ourselves, we had our fun with it and thought to share it with everyone. I am naturally a very curious person especially with things that require some technical expertise or some improvisation. I love the mental challenges that come with it, they keep me focused. I am also a believer that you do not have to use a lot of money on things that you can easily improvise at a lower cost.
Where were the components to create the Muge 360 sourced?
Most of the items were sourced locally from the hardware, electrical shops, and salvage stores apart from the LCD Smart Digital Display which I imported from China.
How do you manage to create such products, what is your background in?
I have no formal training in engineering, I am naturally a skillful person, in other words, I WAS BORN THIS WAY…hehehe. I am grateful that I have a creative mind and I am able to bring ideas into existence. This curiosity has helped me so far that I do consultation with experts in the field. Needless to say, a lot of research is involved.
So as to get a return on your investment, how do you plan on making money from Muge 360°
The photo booth is available for lease/hire and also for sale. We have a rate card, for those who are interested can send a message on Instagram @mugetech or Facebook Muge Tech.
How are Kenyans receiving this product and the others that you’ve made. Do you see room for more ingenuity?
We had our first showcase on 30th May 2021 at Rupa’s Mall, Eldoret. We had an amazing crowd, people had so much fun!! The support was overwhelming especially when people got to know it’s a local product, so many encouraging words and congratulations came our way. We felt we are in the right space and time, to receive all those kind words. Since then, a lot of inquiries have come our way. People are curious about it and we are hopeful we will get a return on investment. Not only is there room, but also have a huge space for innovation. I pray for long life and good health, so as to continue growing my creative capabilities.
In this digital age where documenting our lives through visuals is becoming a secondary need, The Muge 360° definitely has a space in our lives.
A well written piece Eldoret Leo, keep it up. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾