Jiji, Kenya’s leading online marketplace, has launched a free online course at the Mt. Kenya University in Kenya. The course is meant to help young Kenyans turn business ideas into profitable ventures. Titled “Zero to Profit: The Essentials of Business Building,” the course is tailored for side hustlers, aspiring entrepreneurs, and small business owners looking to grow sustainably in today’s fast-evolving digital economy.
The official launch of Jiji Academy took place at Mount Kenya University, Thika, marking the start of a partnership between Jiji and MKU to drive uptake of the course among students and the wider youth community. The collaboration will be coordinated through the Office of the Academic Director.
The course, available online at no cost, is self-paced and delivers practical lessons. It offers participants real-world skills to help them build, brand, and manage a business from the ground up. The course covers every step in the entrepreneurial journey, from finding a niche to promoting products, ensuring legal compliance, and building customer trust.
According to the 2023 Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) Economic Survey, over 1.6 million young Kenyans aged 18–34 are unemployed, and a significant majority work in the informal sector without access to structured business training. Additionally, the 2024 GeoPoll survey highlights a strong entrepreneurial spirit among Kenyan youth, with an overwhelming 87% expressing interest in starting their own businesses. This highlights a growing inclination toward self-employment as a pathway to economic independence and opportunity.
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With over 22 million Kenyans now connected to the internet via mobile devices, Jiji is bridging the gap through a fully digital learning experience.
Speaking about the motivation behind the course, Maureen Naliaka, PR & Marketing Manager at Jiji Kenya, said:
“At Jiji, our mission has always been to empower people by creating opportunities, not just through our platform, but through meaningful initiatives that address real challenges.
We see the struggles millions of young Kenyans face in building a stable and fulfilling future. We also see the drive, ambition, and untapped potential in them. What’s often missing is access to the right knowledge, and that’s where Jiji Academy comes in.” – Maureen Naliaka, PR & Marketing Manager at Jiji Kenya.
“Zero to Profit” offers a comprehensive business toolkit. It guides learners through selecting profitable niches, sourcing reliable suppliers, understanding pricing strategies, and leveraging branding and marketing for growth. It also includes modules on taxation, safe delivery practices, fraud prevention, and long-term customer retention.
Learners who complete the course successfully will receive:
A certificate of knowledge
A free Boost Package to kickstart their business journey on Jiji
Emphasizing the broader goal of the initiative, Valeriia added:
“This free educational course is our first step in tackling youth unemployment and helping aspiring entrepreneurs take control of their financial future.
We believe everyone deserves the chance to learn, grow, and choose their own path; whether that’s starting a business or simply gaining the confidence to pursue new opportunities. To every Kenyan feeling stuck or uncertain: Jiji Academy is here to help you move forward.” – Maureen Naliaka, PR & Marketing Manager at Jiji Kenya.
The course is now live and free for all interested learners. Visit https://jiji.academy/ to register and start learning today.
