TOTOSCI cables: Kenya’s first locally-made charging cables
Poor quality charging cables flooding the local market inspired 30-year-old Zetech University graduate to innovation.
While looking for quality charging cables for his phone, Anthony Muthungu realized that most cables in the market were cheap imported knock-offs that barely lasted a month. This experience motivated him to look for ways of manufacturing quality cables that were durable and affordable.
Seeing a gap, Muthungu established his tech startup, Totosci in 2021.
Located at KIE Industrial Park in Sagana, Kirinyaga county, his company started with four staff members who embarked on manufacturing quality cables, using available resources.
“I source some of my raw materials locally, and import some,” he says.
“I source some of my raw materials locally, and import some,” he says. Keen on sustainability, he uses recycled plastics for his mould.
“By focusing on sustainability, we significantly reduce plastic and electronic waste by recycling waste plastics and manufacturing superior quality USB Cables.”
Today, the company has grown tremendously, employing many people and bolstering its production capacity.
His company now manufactures between 2000-3000 durable charging and data transfer cables per day.
Their cables are approved by KEBS, having passed the required quality standards. The Made in Kenya TOTOSCI USB Cables and Chargers deliver fast charging, high-speed data transfer, and durability.
“I was tired of spending money on low quality cables. They barely lasted and were unreliable,” he says.
Starting from scratch, he designed and prototyped quality cables that could pass high standards of quality and could be trusted by consumers.
Showcasing his innovation at the recent Zetech University innovation week, themed “Education for Sustainable Prosperity: Empowering Lives through Innovation,” Muthungu called on the government to support local innovation and manufacturing by creating a more conducive production environment. He singled out the high cost of electricity and high taxes on locally made electronics as a major drawback for local innovators and manufacturers.
Zetech University Vice Chancellor Prof. Njenga Munene commended Muthungu’s initiative and reiterated the institution’s commitment to safeguarding student innovations.
“We have enforced stringent measures to prevent the theft of student innovations by ensuring proper registration with relevant authorities,” said Prof. Munene during the exhibition.
In Kenya, there’s growing concern about the unprecedented rise of electronic waste, a problem that Muthungu believes has been brought about by importation of low quality, non-durable electronics and charging cables.
“low-quality and cheaper USB Cables, which have a shorter lifespan turn into waste more quickly,” he explains.
By investing in TOTOSCI USB Cables, you will save money and time by avoiding the need for frequent replacements.
TOTOSCI USB Cables are universally compatible with a wide range of devices including smartphones,tablets,cameras and other electronic devices.
With a high mobile phone penetration in Africa, a growing middle class population that can afford high quality products, Muthungu is optimistic that his cables will soon become a household name locally and regionally.
His products are available for purchase online and in select stores countrywide.
“For those seeking to support us, they can place their order on www.totosci.net, and delivery is done either the same day or the following day,” said the innovator.
Apart from manufacturing charging cables, Muthungu plans to manufacture mobile phones in future.
“My long-term plan moving forward is being able to build a mobile phone manufacturing company and all associated accessories,” he said.
His greatest challenge so far is the influx of cheap knock off imports that continue to rule the market.
As a local innovator, he calls on Kenyans to embrace the “Buy Kenya, Build Kenya” initiative to support local manufacturing.
With a strong passion for innovation and impact-driven entrepreneurship, Muthungu has been recognized in numerous prestigious awards and fellowships. He is a Top 40 Under 40 Men honoree by Business Daily Africa (2018 & 2021), a Top 100 Kenyans 2019 by Kenyans.co.ke, and the Face of Kenyan Science 2018 by Africa Science Week – Kenya.
His work has been recognized by international and local organizations, including the Royal Academy of Engineering, International Finance Corporation (IFC), American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Kenya Climate Innovation Center, and Africa Young Entrepreneurs Support YES Centre.
He has also been a finalist and winner in multiple innovation challenges, such as the DEMO Africa Kenya Tour, ASME iShow Kenya, Business Innovation Challenge at Tangaza University, and the Kiambu Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Week.
Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Muthungu is a Board Member at St. Paul Githakwa Secondary and Primary School and actively contributes to Kenya’s innovation and business ecosystem as a National Technical Committee Member at the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
He has also been selected for numerous fellowships and accelerator programs, including the Because Accelerator, GreenBiz Accelerator, Innovate Now, E4Impact Entrepreneurship Center, and the Kenya Industries and Entrepreneurship Project.
With a steadfast commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and positive societal impact, Muthungu continues to shape the future of technology and local manufacturing in Kenya and beyond.
