Cytonn’s Managing Partner & CEO was the keynote speaker at a Business Leadership School forum, a group of young entrepreneurs who conduct frequent meetings to build their capacity as youthful entrepreneurs, and deliberate on different entrepreneurship opportunities available for youth in Nairobi.
Edwin Dande addressing the Business Leadership School
Edwin reiterated the importance of identifying a real pain point in society to inform the unique value proposition for a business. Using Cytonn’s example, Edwin noted that the firm sought to give its clients the best possible returns beyond the ordinary, traditional, regulated investments with returns of between 10 – 12%. While referring to some of the biggest brands in Kenya like Java, Good Life Pharmacy & Garden City all owned by foreign private equity firms, Edwin emphasized the need for local firms to go out of their way to ensure delivery of the best returns to clients, while providing the best possible services to the public.
Entrepreneurs sharing insights during the forum
The young entrepreneurs also got the opportunity to ask questions on how to improve their businesses, and how to better handle challenges in their businesses whenever they arise. Drawing experiences largely from the impressive journey Cytonn has gone through since inception; Edwin noted that the journey was never easy.
“Kenya does not have a shortage of entrepreneurial opportunities. What we have is a gap in execution. As an entrepreneur, you must wake up and deliver everyday whether you feel like it, or not,” he said.
Participants follow Edwin's keynote address
While giving the vote of thanks, Joseph Mwangi, the event organizer, thanked Edwin for finding time to speak to the young entrepreneurs and urged everyone present to remain persistent in their entrepreneurial journey, especially when it gets difficult.
Joseph Mwangi (extreme left) following the address
“Success in entrepreneurship can be slow, but if you are in it to succeed, the length of time is really not important. You have to remain relentless and pursue your strategy one day at a time. Then one day, you can get to where Cytonn is, with a promising future ahead.” Joseph noted.
