In Kenya, being an underdog is a crime. You will do great things but people will tell you, 'hiyo idea uliiba', notes Eric Kinoti, an astute entrepreneur who founded Shades system EA and Safi Sana cleaning services.
In fact, after contemplating these, thoughts of startup business crossed my mind. Do you know why a startups take time to grow in Kenya?
According, Kinoti who started by selling eggs, it’s because we are never ready to support something small. We always want to be associated with the already established brands.
This is quite the opposite in developed nations such as the US and Europe. I happened to find out what made Microsoft an economic success, guess what?
Having founded Microsoft in 1975 with Paul Allen, five years later, they licensed the operating system to IBM for $80,000.
It is this decision of licensing rather than selling the software that was considered the wisest decision Bill Gates ever made.
These products dominate the software market today.
As an entrepreneur, Kinoti notes that many people in Kenya have made everything to be a popularity contest.
"If you can't match who and who, you are not good enough."
In fact, as a startup, he believes ordinary people can do extraordinary things if only they are given the chance and time.
Here in Nakuru, many young people are not left out either.
Walking the streets of the town, many have ventured into businesses such as selling mitumba clothes, while others develop software apps as others engage in catering services.
Notably, most of these startups are by university students, for example the Global Bridal Cake House which today offers a wide range of catering services and the Nakuru hostels.co.ke, a website that links students seeking accommodation facilities with the service providers are some of the startups to watch out soon.
So don't be quick to judge and don't be quick to jump in with a sheep mentality.
Be yourself and look at things differently, as Kinoti states.
It’s not about ideas, it’s about making ideas happen.
On that note, Kinoti advises, knowing you actually did what you'd set out to do, there can't be a greater feeling than that.