The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) has officially launched its 2016 NSE Investment Challenge.
The Challenge, which is in its eighth year, is aimed at inculcating an investment culture among the youth in universities and other tertiary institutions of higher learning.
Speaking during the launch, Bob Karina, the vice-chairman of Nairobi Securities Exchange said, “Deepening financial inclusion has always been at the top of our agenda and to achieve this we have been keen on fostering financial literacy especially to the younger generation who are tomorrow’s leaders.”
This year’s edition will focus on online and mobile trading in order to allow the participant’s to showcase the impact of technology on business operations.
These platforms are quickly gaining popularity as the penetration of smart phones continues to increase in the country.
This year, the two flagship sponsors are NIC Securities and Kasneb.
Commenting on their partnership NIC Bank Group Managing, John Gachora noted, “At NIC Bank, Education and Innovation are two key pillars of our Citizenship Agenda. This initiative supports this agenda perfectly and we are proud to be the official sponsor. Innovators and entrepreneurs have proven to be the drivers of many global economies and this is no different in Kenya.”
“Kasneb is proud to be the Official Sponsor of this worthy initiative that enables participants throughout Kenya to learn and discover their potential through participation in the NSE investment challenge,” said Kasneb CEO Pius Nduatih
The technology partner Smart Youth Investment noted, “Smart Youth Investments Ltd is proud to be a partner in this competition for the 8th year running. As we meet students in our regional activation tours, a few issues come up from our conversations with them; one is the need to mainstream financial literacy at lower levels of school such as primary and high schools."
"This will ensure a better savings and investing culture as the youth get to earn income in the future. The other most interesting issue was the need for youth to prioritise investing practices as opposed to mobile gaming. Both need the use of money but in investing the investor always wins while it’s said that in gaming the house always wins.”
This year, the winners stand a chance to walk away with cash prizes worth Sh600,000, with the generous support of our sponsors.
They also have the opportunity of receiving internships at the NSE, Kasneb and NIC Securities.