A Maasai man strolled into a bank one sunny morning, confidently striding to the front desk to ask for the loan officer.
With a business trip to Dubai on his agenda, he explained that he needed a loan of KSh 5,000 to cover some expenses for his four-week stay abroad.
The loan officer, intrigued, listened carefully as the Maasai man laid out his request.
However, the loan officer quickly informed him that the bank would require some form of collateral to secure the loan.
Without hesitation, the Maasai man reached into his pocket and produced the keys to a stunning brand new Mercedes-Benz S-Class 500, parked elegantly right outside the bank.
He handed over the keys and the vehicle’s logbook, confirming that everything was in order.
The loan officer, taken aback by the man’s bold offer, decided to accept the luxurious car as collateral.
This decision sparked laughter among the bank president and staff, who found it amusing that someone would use a KSh 15 million vehicle as security for a relatively small loan of KSh 5,000.
They exchanged knowing glances, sharing a light-hearted moment over what they perceived as an unusual business choice.
After completing the necessary paperwork, an employee of the bank took the keys and drove the impressive Mercedes into the bank’s underground garage, parking it securely among the other vehicles.
The staff members were all entertained by the situation, and they couldn’t help but discuss how the Maasai man’s choice of collateral was both unconventional and a stroke of genius.
Fast forward four weeks, and the Maasai man returned to the bank, a smile on his face as he approached the loan officer. He repaid the loan of KSh 5,000 along with the interest, which totaled KSh 150.41.
The loan officer, still amused by the earlier events, remarked, “Sir, we are thrilled to have had your business.
This transaction has turned out very well. However, we are a bit puzzled. During your absence, we did some digging and found that you are actually a multi-millionaire. Why would you even bother borrowing just KSh 5,000?”
With a twinkle in his eye, the Maasai man replied, “Well, where else in Nairobi can I park my car for four weeks for just KSh 150.41 and know that it will still be there when I return? You folks are running a fantastic business!”
His clever response left the bank staff in stitches, realizing they had learned an important lesson that day: sometimes, unconventional methods can yield the most practical solutions.
The Maasai man’s witty remarks and unique approach to banking became a memorable story within the bank, reminding everyone that there’s often more than meets the eye when it comes to business transactions.
As he exited the bank, the Maasai man waved goodbye, the laughter of the bank employees echoing behind him.
In a city where parking fees can be exorbitant, his ingenious strategy not only secured him a loan but also highlighted the importance of thinking outside the box.
The bank staff, who initially saw the situation as a joke, now admired the Maasai man’s ingenuity and his ability to turn an ordinary loan request into an extraordinary experience.