Enactus Kenya, an organization that promotes entrepreneurship among youth, targets to empower 5,000 students in Kenya to with business leadership skills.
Country Director James Shikwati says most young people in Kenya lack skills for employment and entrepreneurship.
The organisation, affiliated to Enactus International, has been running international competitions targeting university undergraduate students since 2003 in an effort to hone their skills.
This year it will hold the 14th annual competition on July 14-15 in Nairobi which will bring together 3,000 students from 30 Enactus Kenya affiliate universities to showcase the achievements of their community outreach projects to a panel of business leaders.
According to Shikwati, about 160 business leaders and university faculty members will also participate in the competitions scheduled for July 14-15, 2016 at KCB Leadership Centre in Nairobi.
“At Enactus Kenya, we aim at recruiting over 5,000 students from all over Kenya to grow their leadership skills, current market demand information and innovative ideas that attract investment,” said Shikwati during the breakfast forum for university Vice Chancellors held today ahead of the 14th Enactus Kenya National Exposition.
The Enactus Kenya Impact Assessment Report by Infotrak Research & Consulting was released, showing that 91.5% of Enactus Kenya Students (both current and alumni) have been impacted positively by the programme through the provision of life skills and guidance to right career choices.
The Infotrak research points out various challenges faced by Kenyan students, including lack of employability, career, leadership and entrepreneurship skills. Florence Suji, Enactus Kenya Advisory Board Chair, said corporate sector and academia should join hands to give youth an opportunity to participate actively in offering solutions to challenges facing the country.
Enactus Kenya annual activities include Leadership Training, Team Buildings, On Campus Events, Thematic Events, Annual National Business and Entrepreneurship Competition and Mentorship Programs, among others.