The third module of the Kenya Startup School – Educator edition kicked off today at the Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Nairobi, bringing together over 20 educators, trainers, and startup mentors. This KeNIA programme is implemented in collaboration with JICA and the UK-Kenya Tech Hub, and aims to equip educators with tools to foster entrepreneurship within their institutions.
By integrating real-world startup strategies into academia, the program seeks to bridge the gap between education and business execution, preparing young entrepreneurs to build scalable ventures.
Enos Masinde Weswa, Country Director of the UK-Kenya Tech Hub, led the opening session, urging educators to rethink creativity, observation, and problem-solving in the startup ecosystem. “When you are biased, you won’t observe. Your senses are crucial in observation,” he noted, emphasizing open-mindedness in entrepreneurship.
A key focus of the day was the Business Model Canvas (BMC), which Enos described as a framework for understanding how a business creates and delivers value. He outlined its essential components, including key partners, resources, and revenue streams. He stressed that market demand remains the top reason startups fail, using Google as an example of how a strong value proposition drives success.
Enos also highlighted challenges in commercializing university-based innovations, pointing out that many academic breakthroughs fail due to the lack of a defined business model. “Until you have a Business Model Canvas, university innovations will struggle with commercialization,” he cautioned.
The session also covered design thinking and market validation. Enos explained that design thinking is a problem-centred approach that identifies valuable solutions to pressing challenges. “Market validation ensures that solutions are commercially viable,” he emphasized, urging startups to develop sustainable business models.
In the afternoon, Mkamboi Mwakale, Founder and CEO of Saru Treasured Brands LTD (Saru Organics), shared her entrepreneurial journey. An unexpected pregnancy during university reignited her purpose, leading her to develop Saru Organics from a social entrepreneurship class project. Her breakthrough came when she met a farmer struggling to market moringa, recognizing an opportunity to create a business.
Mkamboi started with KES 10,000 to experiment with different oils. She later secured additional support, including a partner, Emmanuel, who contributed his semester fees, and parental funding, bringing their startup capital to KES 350,000. “Having paying customers and referrals has been the most rewarding part,” she noted, explaining how Goodlife Pharmacy’s interest in her products boosted her business.
Despite initial success, Mkamboi faced challenges with inventory management after securing bank funding to source packaging from China. “We ordered large volumes, but sales were slower than expected, leading to VAT delays and loan repayment challenges,” she shared. Her experience highlighted the importance of financial planning and adaptability in business growth.
Educators will explore advanced topics such as ecosystem development, scaling strategies, and global best practices. The program remains committed to transforming classrooms into incubators of innovation and ensuring Kenyan universities become hubs of entrepreneurial growth.
Future sessions will continue expanding this initiative, empowering educators to instil entrepreneurial thinking in students.
