How a 19-Year-Old Built FASMU Freight Forwarders into a Trusted Logistics Brand

By Staff Reporter

Taifa news 

 In an industry long dominated by men, FASMU Freight Forwarders Limited has emerged as one of Kenya's recognised clearing and forwarding firms, thanks to the determination and resilience of its founder and director, Umulkheir Said Abdi.

Founded in 2006 when Abdi was just 19 years old, the company has grown from a small start-up into a logistics business serving importers and exporters across East Africa. Licensed by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) since 2008, FASMU Freight Forwarders specialises in customs clearance, freight forwarding and cargo transportation through the Port of Mombasa, serving markets across the region, including South Sudan.

Abdi says entrepreneurship was not her first plan. After completing high school in Mandera, she initially wanted to venture into the fast-food business while pursuing a diploma in Clearing and Forwarding. However, encouragement from friends, lecturers and her father inspired her to register her own logistics company.

"My father believed in my dream at a time when many people thought I was too young to run a business. His confidence gave me the courage to take the first step," she recalls.

The company was registered in Nairobi before relocating to Mombasa in 2007 to be closer to the country's busiest port. Nearly two decades later, FASMU Freight Forwarders has built a reputation for reliable logistics solutions and efficient cargo handling.

Breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry

Building the company was far from easy. Clearing and forwarding remains one of the most male-dominated sectors in Kenya, with women often facing scepticism from clients, transporters and industry players.

She adds that earning credibility required working harder than many of her male counterparts, consistently delivering quality service and proving that professionalism, knowledge and integrity matter more than gender.

The logistics industry also demands long working hours, constant travel to ports, border points and warehouses, and the ability to respond quickly to changing customs regulations. Balancing these demands while building a company from the ground up required resilience and sacrifice.

Despite the obstacles, Abdi says the challenges strengthened her resolve to succeed and opened doors for other women considering careers in logistics.

"I want more women to join this industry. It is challenging, but it offers enormous opportunities for those who are willing to learn and persevere," she says.

Looking beyond Kenya

Today, FASMU Freight Forwarders serves businesses moving cargo through the Port of Mombasa into Kenya and neighbouring countries. The company continues to invest in efficient logistics solutions as regional trade expands.

Looking ahead, Abdi says the firm's five-year strategy is to establish a stronger international presence by expanding into the Middle East, Europe and the Americas.

Beyond business growth, she hopes her journey will inspire young entrepreneurs, especially women, to pursue opportunities in industries where they have traditionally been underrepresented.

"My message is simple: don't allow your age or gender to define your future. Believe in your vision, work hard and remain consistent. Success comes to those who refuse to give up," she says.

As trade volumes through the Port of Mombasa continue to grow, FASMU Freight Forwarders Limited stands as an example of how determination, innovation and resilience can transform a youthful dream into a thriving logistics enterprise.