Kenyan Entrepreneur Naomi Ogutu Builds Executive Transport Business in New York

Kenyan entrepreneur Naomi Wairimu Ogutu has built a growing executive transport company in New York.

Arriving in New York in 2012 with a master’s degree in project management, Ogutu expected to enter her field quickly. Instead, she faced limited job prospects, the pressures of adapting to a new country, and the need to support her young family. 

She took on retail work, balancing long shifts with childcare and the demands of settling into a new environment. The routine was challenging but helped her develop a discipline that later supported her business plans.

During this period, Ogutu also confronted difficulties in her personal life. A strained marriage added further pressure, prompting her to focus on her children and on building a stable future. 

To supplement her income, she began driving for Uber. The role introduced her to a wide range of passengers, including professionals and entrepreneurs whose conversations offered practical insights into business development. The experience also gave her detailed knowledge of New York’s transport network. 

She later secured contract work as a systems administrator at Con Edison, gaining financial security while continuing to explore entrepreneurial options. Ogutu eventually formalised her ambitions by enrolling in a course at the Master Cabi Academy. Soon after, she launched Naomi Cars NYC Inc, positioning the company as a provider of executive car hire and guided city travel. 

The business established a reputation for reliability and professional service, offering airport transfers, customised tours, and corporate transport. Its client base has since expanded to include visiting Kenyan delegations and other high-profile travellers.

She is now preparing to add a luxury boat service on the Hudson River, a move that would make her the first African immigrant woman to operate such a venture in New York. The project aims to widen her company’s services and strengthen its presence in the city’s leisure and transport industries.