When Peter Mwangi left Kenya for Saudi Arabia in 2015, he, like many migrant workers, was chasing a dream. With nothing more than a high school education, a passport, and sheer determination, he boarded a flight to Riyadh with the hope of earning a better income and supporting his family back home in Kiambu.
But Peter’s journey would soon take an unexpected turn—not into a low-paying labor job as expected—but into the high-end world of luxury car detailing, where he now services Lamborghinis, Bentleys, Rolls-Royces, and Ferraris for some of Saudi Arabia’s wealthiest car owners.
Today, Peter is the proud owner of “Pristine Auto Spa”, one of Riyadh’s most sought-after premium car wash and detailing businesses, with a client list that includes athletes, business tycoons, and influencers.
The Humble Beginnings
Peter’s first job in Saudi Arabia was far from glamorous. He worked long shifts at a local car wash in Dammam, earning just enough to cover food and rent while sending a little home. Despite the physically demanding work and language barriers, he became known for his discipline and exceptional attention to detail.
“I always believed that if you do something well, someone will notice,” Peter recalls. “Even if it’s just washing a car.”
His break came two years later when a client brought in a Porsche Cayenne and was so impressed with Peter’s precision and care that he tipped him handsomely and asked for his personal services going forward. Word spread, and Peter began building a loyal customer base—often doing side jobs on his days off.
Turning Passion into a Business
In 2019, after saving for nearly four years and securing a small loan from a local Kenyan community group in Riyadh, Peter registered his own mobile car wash service, targeting high-end clients who wanted home services.
What started as a single van equipped with water tanks and pressure washers grew rapidly through referrals. His services expanded to include:
• Ceramic coating
• Steam cleaning
• Interior restoration
• Paint protection film (PPF)
• Engine detailing
By 2022, he opened his first physical location in north Riyadh, strategically located near elite residential neighborhoods.
Today, Peter employs over 20 people, including fellow Kenyans, Filipinos, and Saudis. His business handles up to 30 vehicles a day, most of them valued at over $100,000. He has also trained his staff to provide premium customer service—a rarity in the local detailing space.
Navigating Challenges as a Foreigner
Building a business as a foreigner in Saudi Arabia wasn’t easy. Peter had to navigate:
• Business regulations requiring local sponsorship (which he secured through a Saudi partner he met through networking)
• Visa and residency hurdles
• High operational costs
• Cultural sensitivities
But he was persistent. “You have to respect the culture, learn the language, and build trust,” Peter says. “That’s how you survive—and thrive.”
A Role Model for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Peter’s story has become an inspiration for many in the Kenyan diaspora. He frequently shares his journey via social media, where he documents car detailing transformations, posts motivational content, and offers tips on starting small businesses abroad.
His advice to others?
“Don’t wait for the perfect opportunity. Start where you are, use what you have, and be the best at it. Hard work will always speak for you.”
Giving Back and Looking Ahead
Beyond business, Peter now mentors young Kenyan men arriving in Saudi Arabia, helping them avoid exploitation and find stable jobs. He’s also started a side venture back home: a car wash and detailing training center in Kiambu, aiming to equip youth with practical skills for self-employment.
Looking forward, Peter hopes to expand his brand to other Gulf cities like Dubai and Doha—and one day, open a franchise in Nairobi under the same luxury brand.
Conclusion
Peter Mwangi’s journey is not just about washing cars—it’s about rewriting the immigrant narrative. From washing dusty sedans in the Saudi heat to buffing Bentleys in an air-conditioned showroom, he has proven that with vision, skill, and grit, success is possible anywhere.
