Evans Nyagaka Anyona: From Maize Seller to Transport Tycoon

Discover how Evans Nyagaka Anyona, founder of ENA Coach and co-owner of Transline Classic, rose from selling maize to leading Kenya’s transport industry.

By Charles Wachira

In Kenya’s bustling transport industry, few names are as prominent as Evans Nyagaka Anyona, the entrepreneur behind ENA Coach and co-owner of Transline Classic Ltd.

 His journey from a maize seller to a transport magnate is a testament to resilience, strategic vision, and the ability to seize opportunities, no matter how dire the circumstances.

Born and raised in Kisii County, Evans’s life was marked by hardship early on. 

He lost his father when he was still in Class Six, leaving his mother, a widow, to raise him and his siblings.

 Despite the financial struggles, his mother managed to support his education up to the O-level. 

However, after Evans scored a D in his Form Four exams,not a very impressive mark and his academic journey came to a halt due to a lack of school fees.

This setback did not deter him. Instead, it became the catalyst that pushed Evans to embrace entrepreneurship.

 With limited options, he ventured into selling maize in 1992 during a severe drought that hit Kenya.

 The country was reeling from a food shortage, and Evans saw a business opportunity. He purchased maize at KSh 7 per tin and sold it at KSh 35 as the prices surged due to the scarcity, earning him a significant profit.

“I realized that sometimes, the toughest challenges present the best opportunities,” Evans recalls. “That’s how my entrepreneurial journey started.”

With the proceeds from his maize-selling business, Evans opened a small shop, which eventually grew into a wholesale outlet. His ventures were paying off, but his ambitions were far from satisfied.

The Birth of Transline Classic

In the early 2000s, Evans transitioned from retail to public transport. He bought a small pick-up truck, which he modified into a “seven-aside” matatu, where passengers sat facing each other. 

The unique design worked well, and his new matatu business quickly gained traction. Soon, he expanded his fleet, purchasing seven more pick-ups before upgrading to Toyota and Nissan matatus, which were more popular and reliable for long-distance travel.

The turning point came in 2005 when Evans co-founded Transline Classic Ltd, a company that initially focused on the Nairobi-Kisii route. 

Alongside his business partners, James Bichange and Haron Kamau, Evans took the first major step toward building a transport empire.

 They started with three buses, purchased through a loan from Equity Bank, a move that was risky but necessary to scale their operations. The company quickly grew, expanding its fleet and routes as demand for their services soared.

“We saw an opportunity in offering reliable, comfortable, and affordable travel for passengers, especially on the Nairobi-Kisii route, where the demand was growing fast,” says Evans. “It wasn’t easy at first, but with persistence, we began to expand.”

By 2012, Transline Classic had grown its fleet to 24 buses, and today the company boasts over 80 buses and 11-seater shuttles that operate across multiple routes, including Nairobi to Kisii, Kisumu, Eldoret, Busia, Bungoma, and Kitale.

Innovation and Growth

What set Transline Classic apart from its competitors was Evans’s commitment to passenger comfort and modern amenities. The buses were fitted with features that appealed to the modern traveler—TV screens, free Wi-Fi, charging ports at every seat, and entertainment systems—offering an experience that went beyond the traditional matatu service. Evans recognized that by improving the overall experience, he could attract more passengers, and this strategy paid off.

“We wanted to ensure our passengers felt valued. That’s why we invested in providing comfort and services that made their journeys more enjoyable,” Evans explains. “It’s not just about getting someone from point A to point B; it’s about how they feel during that journey.”

The company’s rapid expansion was also driven by its ability to adapt to changing market dynamics. Evans introduced smaller 14-seater matatus and 11-seater shuttles for routes that required less capacity, a move that allowed Transline Classic to tap into underserved areas while maintaining operational efficiency.

ENA Coach: A New Chapter

Following the success of Transline Classic, Evans launched ENA Coach, a new bus company that expanded his footprint in the Kenyan transport sector. ENA Coach became known for its reliable and high-quality services, particularly on long-distance routes. It quickly gained a strong reputation, becoming a go-to option for travelers across the country.

Partnerships and Diversification

Evans’s success story also highlights the power of strategic partnerships. His long-time business associate, James Bichange, brought in matatus that helped form the backbone of their fleet, while Haron Kamau, who later founded Overseas Buses and owns Kamel Park Hotel in Kisii, was also instrumental in the early stages of their business ventures. These collaborations were crucial in establishing a strong foundation for Transline Classic and its subsequent growth.

“I’ve always believed in the strength of partnerships,” says Evans. “Having the right people by your side makes all the difference in business.”

In addition to his transport ventures, Evans has diversified his investments, including interests in real estate and agriculture. His ability to balance multiple businesses while keeping Transline Classic and ENA Coach at the forefront of Kenya’s transport industry has earned him the respect of his peers and made him a role model for young entrepreneurs.

A Legacy of Resilience

Evans Nyagaka Anyona’s journey from selling maize during a drought to becoming one of Kenya’s most successful transport entrepreneurs is a powerful reminder that education, while important, is not the only path to success.

 His resilience in the face of adversity, combined with his keen business instincts and willingness to take risks, has built a transport empire that serves thousands of Kenyans daily.

Today, Transline Classic and ENA Coach operate across Kenya, providing jobs for hundreds of drivers, conductors, and support staff. Evans’s story is an inspiration for anyone looking to overcome life’s challenges and build a better future for themselves and their community.

“If you have a vision and you’re willing to work hard for it, nothing can stop you,” Evans says. “I may not have had the best start, but I’ve always believed in my ability to create something meaningful.”

With a fleet of over 80 buses and a growing business empire, Evans Nyagaka Anyona is proof that with determination and strategic thinking, even the most humble beginnings can lead to extraordinary success.

Keywords:Evans Nyagaka Anyona, ENA Coach, Transline Classic, Kenyan transport industry, entrepreneurship in Kenya