Joanne Mwangi engages Youth at the Entrepreneurship School

Young people are being challenged to venture into entrepreneurship instead of waiting for employment. With the high rate of youth unemployment in Kenya, renowned Kenyan entrepreneurs believe that entrepreneurship is the only way for the age group.

Joanne Mwangi, the CEO of Professional Marketing Services Group (PMS GROUP), says entrepreneurship is the future for Kenya. Speaking during the “Think Young” Entrepreneurship School at Strathmore University, Mrs Mwangi is of the opinion that a time has come for young people to think beyond the office, and become self-employed, or stay jobless forever.

“The government is doing its part, but young people no longer have the luxury of waiting on the government to create jobs for them. They need to play a more proactive role and look for other alternatives,” she says.

Her sentiments have been echoed by Kenyan business tycoon Dr Manu Chandaria, who believes that Kenya’s youth can do anything they put their minds to. He says with their creativity, they have the ability to become successful entrepreneurs.

“Everything is possible, young people can create jobs for themselves. This however requires a lot of sacrifice, hard work and a burning passion,” he says. “If you don’t have a self-drive, then that’s the end for you.”

Dr Chandaria is also advising the youth to take failure as a stepping stone to the next level.

“Many people want to quit when they fail, but this shouldn’t be so. Failure is the first stage for getting to the next level.”

Mrs Mwangi on the other hand says young people should not be in a hurry to succeed. She says entrepreneurship requires a lot of patience and hard work.

“Young entrepreneurs seem to be in a hurry to make money quickly. They shouldn’t be, and their focus shouldn’t be on the money, but on giving superior service to their customers,” she says. “That’s the way their businesses will succeed.”

Kenya’s unemployment rate currently stands at 40 per cent. 70 per cent of those unemployed in the country are between the ages of 15 and 35.

Dr Chandaria and Mrs Mwangi however say Kenyan youth have the ability to turn this around with their creativity.

The first Entrepreneurship School took place from April 4th  to 8th April 2016 at iBiz Africa, Strathmore University Student Centre. The forum was organized by Think Young, a Brussels-based think tank that focuses on young entrepreneurs.

The Entrepreneurship School takes origins from the belief that the most effective teachers and inspirers of entrepreneurship are actual entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneurs from all around the around the world attended Entrepreneurship School 2016.

Original source:  kbctv

The Pope’s PR

The Pope’s PR

Crowds in the capital, Nairobi, waited in the rain at the University of Nairobi sports ground since the early hours of Thursday morning. They got rained on, but remained unmoved. They were waiting for one man – Pope Francis. Men, women and children alike.

Right from when he landed at JKIA on Wednesday afternoon, The Pope was already a loved man in Kenya. They have been waiting for him for months. After the usual protocols overseen by President Kenyatta, the Pope and his host proceeded for formal reception. On his way to State House from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the Pope’s simple escort comprised the Honda and a Toyota Allion, some of the most common vehicles on Kenyan roads. He himself rode on a Honda Ballade. He came out as any other Kenyan.

The next day during celebration of Mass, the Pope wore Papal robes made by our very own women, embroidered to look like beads worn by the Maasai. He appreciates the local culture he finds, and lives by the code ‘’When you go to Rome, do what the Romans do.’’ Only this time it’s ‘’When you go to Nairobi, do what Nairobians do.’’ Well except overlapping in traffic.

On his way, he called over an aged lady who’d been camping outside the Vatican Embassy, Smiley Baretto, and shook her hand. This clip has been replayed and replayed across TV channels.

In his address, the Pope spoke of the beauty of Kenya, reminding us ‘’we have a responsibility to pass on the beauty of our environment to the next generation in its dignity.’’ He also spoke directly to the biggest segment of Kenya’s population – the youth, encouraging them to shape a society which is ever more just, inclusive and respectful of human dignity.

People of different religious beliefs also appreciate Pope Francis the man.

As reported by the Huffington Post:

“Swiss guards confirmed that the pope has ventured out at night, dressed as a regular priest, to meet with homeless men and women.”

Whichever way you look at it, Pope’s PR is natural and people centered. Especially poor people like the one he’s visiting at the Kangemi slums.

The Biggest Race of the Year

The 13th edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon was a spectacle to behold with about 20,000 registering for the race. Proceeds from the marathon go towards the Seeing Is Believing initiative which provides free eye screening and treatment for children.

    

PMS Group  took charge of the registration process by having various teams at Standard Chartered Bank branches as well as select Nakumatt & Uchumi supermarket outlets to sensitize & register participants for the marathon.

Whats more, PMS Group has a vibrant running team which successfully took part in the #NairobiMarathon

We give a deserving salute to Standard Chartered Bank Kenya for successfully organizing another edition of the Nairobi marathon and look forward to a grander edition of the marathon in 2016.