Africa
Economy
Kenya
Highlights from Global Entrepreneurship Week 2024 at UoN in Nairobi
Bahati shalom
Nov 26, 2024
Participants pose for a photo during the Global Entrepreneurship Week
The University of Nairobi hosted a vibrant event under the theme ‘Entrepreneurship is for Everyone’, bringing together aspiring entrepreneurs, innovators, and experts. Organized in partnership with Jasiri, AFRETEC Network, C4DLab, and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), the day featured 25 startup pitches, panel discussions, and inspiring keynote speeches.
KNCCI CEO Ahmed Farah highlighted the vital role of entrepreneurship in driving Kenya's economic growth.
“Entrepreneurship is the engine of economic growth. Supporting young entrepreneurs is crucial for our future,” he stated, noting Kenya received Sh800 million last year for innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives. Farah called on youth to embrace entrepreneurship and shift their mindset towards investing in this critical sector.
Roselyn Marandu-Kareithi, Country Director at Allan and Gill Gray Philanthropies, showcased programs like Jasiri, which empower young entrepreneurs, and Wavumbuzi, which instills entrepreneurial thinking in high school students. Her colleague, John Icharia, stressed the importance of identifying unmet needs and building sustainable business models.
The event also spotlighted the University of Nairobi’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship through specialized curricula, incubation labs, and mentorship, as emphasized by senior lecturer Samuel Ruhiu.
“Entrepreneurship transcends age, background, and discipline. It’s a path open to anyone willing to dream, create, and persevere,” he said.
Lively panel discussions included insights from leaders like SoliTech CEO Mutie Mule, who emphasized fair business practices, and venture builder Susanna Ercolani, who advocated validating business ideas for market relevance. Innovative startups like Amicus Friends Talk, a platform aiding gender-based violence survivors with AI and blockchain, won top recognition.
Concluding the event, Acting DVC Francis Mulaa pledged ongoing support for entrepreneurial activities. “This is the beginning of many such events. We will have one such event every month,” he announced, encouraging collaboration and innovation.
The event showcased Kenya's growing entrepreneurial spirit, setting the stage for a future of inclusive and sustainable growth. The ideas born here promise to shape groundbreaking enterprises and inspire bold, transformative change.
