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Scangroup’s listing on the Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE) is undoubtedly the most gratifying moment in my professional life. The company now belongs to twenty something thousand other people. It feels delightful to share the good tidings and watch others enjoy and benefit from a venture I established.
I believe that had I been to university, I would have accomplished this feat ten year earlier because a formal education would have provided the intellectual skill set that I eventually developed much later. I believe that under and post-graduation university education is vital today because its gives your mind the discipline in thinking. In hindsight, I should have taken an undergraduate degree in economics before pursuing advertising. This is what precipitated my decision to take a management training course at Harvard University in the US in an effort to fill the intellectual gap.
Is Kenya an easy place to do business?
Kenya is currently sitting in a good place as one of the more stable countries in Africa. We are better skilled with an enabling environment despite the political scenario. I will give the politicians marks for maintaining relative stability in-spite of all they continue to do. The political situation has been the cornerstone of our prosperity thus giving us an edge over all other African countries. Most of our multi-national pan-African clients have regional offices in Nairobi they include Coca-Cola, Nestle, Airtel among others. With Kenya’s fabulous weather and great people, Nairobi is en-route to becoming the financial capital of Africa and I cannot help but feel optimistic.
The upcoming generation may not understand historical significances of the current dynamics in politics like the older people but there is an undeniable sparkle in their eyes when it comes to capitalism. They have extraordinary commitment, great enthusiasm and inexhaustible energy that always amazes me. However, this is not limited to Kenya because it is happening all across Africa. We refer to them as the “Afro-optimists”. They are optimistic, have global exposure, are better versed with the digital media and are determined to succeed. It comes naturally to them and they form the back-bone of the majority who are the under 16 sub-Saharan Africans. This is why mentorship programs are a necessity. These young people have to be developed for the continent to progress.
Our civil society is growing by the day, maybe not as fast but we are headed in the right direction. The private sector must ensure that they create employment opportunities. Frustration due to unemployment leads to an instable social structure. Coffee farming used to be lucrative, but today no one wants to farm. Nowadays, it is not the thing to do. Cash crop farming was once a lucrative venture but no one wants to invest in farming anymore. We need to revive Agriculture in Kenya and Africa.
What would you want to be remembered for?
It would be an honor to be remembered as one who made a difference in the Kenyan advertising industry. I believe that I have transcended the impossible. Twenty years ago, no one could have imagined that I would succeed in my endeavor. It is no rocket science as determination, will power, honesty and sincerity is all you require. You also need to clear focus, work hard, a good team and a supportive family. You cannot do it alone.
