Kenyan Entrepreneurs and Thinkers’ Reflections on Self-Improvement
In Kenya, the road to success is often marked by a combination of resilience, innovation, and adaptability. The art of growth has been mastered by many Kenyans, from small business owners in Gikomba to tech entrepreneurs in Nairobi’s Silicon Savannah. What knowledge can we acquire from their experiences?
1. The Hustle Mentality: Learning from Street Vendors
Nairobi’s streets are brimming with hardworking merchants who sell a variety of items, including used clothes (mitumba) and fresh fruit. These traders demonstrate resilience and perseverance by waking up before dawn and working late into the night
A single mother named Wanja started selling boiled eggs outside a nightclub. Her profits were redirected, she expanded to vend cigarettes and coffee, and now operates a food kiosk. Her story is a testament to the importance of starting small, being consistent, and growing beyond what you already have
2. Limited resources fueled The Jua Kali Spirit, which fostered innovation
Jua Kali, the informal sector of Kenya, is characterized by its abundance of artisans and craftsmen who produce exceptional products with limited resources. These people serve as a reminder that self-improvement necessitates taking action and making the most of available resources
A motorized wheelchair for disabled individuals was created by Peter, a mechanic from Kariobangi, using scrap metal and old bicycle parts. Many people have regained their mobility due to his innovative approach. How can Creativity and problem-solving skills be used to differentiate yourself from others?
3. The Importance of Repeated Learning
Kenyan entrepreneurs, including Drive829Executive Director for Education and Ushahidi co-founder Juliana Rotich, place great importance on education, stressing the value of formal or self-taught qualifications. With the availability of free online courses, personal development is now a simple task
To develop yourself further::
Take a look at books written by influential figures like Ngugi wa Thiong’o and Wangari Maathai
Free online courses are available on Coursera and Udemy, among other platforms
Engage in conversations with individuals who share similar beliefs and values to expand your social network
4. Resilience in the Face of Distressed Recovery
The self-development process involves failure. After losing the 2002 presidential election, Uhuru Kenyatta eventually became Kenya’s fourth president. Similarly, successful companies such as Safaricom underwent similarly battered businesses before they rose to market leader status
Kenyan entrepreneurs persist in pushing for more funding, despite the fact that many startups fail due to lack of funding. How can one use failure as a positive experience instead of just passing it away?
5. Finding Meaning and Volunteering
Self-improvement is not solely focused on achieving personal goals, but also involves making an impact. Wangari Maathai’s involvement in various fields extended beyond her profession to include planting trees, advocating for environmental activism, and transforming the world
When you mentor someone, volunteer, or contribute to your community, growth becomes valuable because it benefits others
The journey of growth is Not the endpoint, rather it is the beginning
Kenyans believe that the key to success lies in their ability to adapt and succeed. Success in any profession, be it student, business owner or professional, is based on learning, adapting to new circumstances and pushing yourself