Between 16th November and 19th November, the Daystar Leadership and Professional Development Institute (DLPDI) held a second entrepreneurship training following the first that took place in August 2020.

Moderated by the DLPDI Director, Dr. Solomon Nzyuko the four-day webinar attracted 22 participants, key among them students who wish to start a business alongside their studies. The webinar also targeted people afraid of the risks associated with starting a business, and those who find it hard to identify business opportunities. It was attended by 22 participants.

“You don’t wake up one day and leave employment; you have to organize yourself well,” she said, adding that the best time to walk away from employment is when the side hustle is bigger than employment.

Topics covered included: Exploring Entrepreneurship, facilitated by Mr. John Ndegwa of Aramat Safaris, Creating and Managing a Business Venture by Mr. Wilson Kimani, Growth and Expansion of Business by Ms. Betty Mwaura, and Entrepreneurship & Employment by Mr. Wilson Kimani, former employee of Unilever among other established organizations.

Mr. Wilson Kimani advised the participants to stick to what they are good at and their area of expertise, as they identify a busines venture in order to avoid premature failure. He implored on parents to teach their children to create their own employment, while advising those in employment to take entrepreneurship as a seed where they can gain exposure and learn how to set and achieve targets.

On his part, Dr. Nzyuko encouraged the participants to scan the business environment to understand and act appropriately. “Enterprise without wisdom is not suitable,” he advised.

Several entrepreneurs also shared their experiences in business. Purity Kimotho observed that employment offers financial gains, develops people management skills and lasting relationships necessary for starting a business, but advised participants to plan well before stepping out of formal employment.

“You don’t wake up one day and leave employment; you have to organize yourself well,” she said, adding that the best time to walk away from employment is when the side hustle is bigger than employment.

Giving her own example, Purity explained how she quit a seemingly lucrative position with a leading blue chip company to start her own business. She was however quick to warn participants not to slam the door when leaving, but to leave honorably and create good relationships while at it.

She further advised parents to encourage their children to work towards creating their own businesses.