Money Making Lessons from Meeting Organised by Dr. Kinyanjui Nganga at KICC in April 2019

I recently attended a conference dubbed Making Money that was graced by Kyle McCarter - the American Ambassador to Kenya, Tabitha Karanja - the Founder of Keroche Industry, Simon Kabu - the Founder of Bonfire Adventures, and Banice Mburi - the Founder of Jade Collections. The Chief Host was one Dr. Kinyanjui Nganga of Sense 101.

The panelists had shared nuggets of life-long lessons learnt in doing their business as outlined below.

1. Banice Mburi of Jade Collections

She excels in the beauty industry and has opened branches countrywide selling fashion products. She transited from being a TSC teacher because she realised teaching limited her growth once she discovered her passion in modelling.

She asked herself critical questions that jolted her into action:

1. Why do Kenyans wear mitumba? 
2. Are Kenyans destined to wear them for long? 
3. What can be done?

She believes in putting God first. That if the purpose is from God you cannot fail.

2. Simon Kabu of Bonfire Adventures

He reiterated that he is where he is on account of self-sacrifice, persistence and prayers.

Having hailed from a humble background, his parents couldn't afford fees and had to drop out in third year while at university.

He became a tout at Route 44, got promoted to being a driver, went back to school and completed his degree. Thereafter, he became a milk turn-boy or supplier with a degree, graduated to being salesman, sales supervisor and finally a regional salesperson.

The idea of Bonfire was born at a team-building event at Longonot.

His take-home is that success is not a one-time event. It requires perseverance, persistence, prayers and passion.

 

3. Tabitha Karanja of Keroche Industry

She started the local brewery in 1997 with Kshs. 200,000. The idea was borne out of a spirited research that found a gap in the Kenyan liquor market.

She focused on the lower market by coming up with affordable products that meet the international standards.

She then ventured into the middle market and produced beer without hangover. Currently, she has ventured into the African market as a global brand.

She initially faced stiff opposition from EABL but had to move on.

Her two-cents worth are two-fold:
1. Identify the gap. What do you want to do? 
2. Start with what you have. It is not about the money but the idea. You can do genuine business and succeed.

Whatever you want to do, do it today. Don't wait for the economy to improve. Strive to eradicate poverty in Africa and move on.

4. Kyle McCarter, the American Ambassador to Kenya

He was introduced by his wife of 35 years. He served as the Illinois Senator for 10 years before applying to become an ambassador and passed after a competitive interview.

He asserted that there is no way we can create a prosperous future if we don't eradicate corruption.

We should ensure that the next generation does not grow into bad habits of the old.

He invoked the wisdom of Abraham Lincoln who said, "Put your feet in the right place and stand firm."

Kenyans should be generous by giving back to the family, community and nation. We should not cling to excuses but be leaders who serve others.

The American government has invested heavily on youth empowerment and Kenyans should take advantage and give the youth a chance.

 

5. Dr. Kinyanjui Nganga

The Convener extolled on the five facts about money.

i. Money has no character of its own. It takes the character of the possessor depending on his/her mentality or what you think about it. If money cannot buy happiness, what can poverty buy?

ii. Money is powerful. It determines who rules because whoever has the sets the rules. It is used to subvert justice at the expense of the poor.

iii. Money reveals the real you. Your experience reveals your priorities. There is no amount of money that can give you peace but lack of it can make you peaceless.

iv. Money never gets finished. It is your mindset that is limited on how much you can earn or make. It is God's will that for people to have plenty of money. People confuse poverty with humility. Some erroneously teach that Jesus was poor yet we are created to live abundantly.

v. In every generation there are poor and rich people. Must you be in your generation? If everything is expensive to you, you are the poor person being referred to.

Overall, the conference was sensational and impactful on the need to learn the secrets of making money. We are never designed to chase money but to pursue purpose. Outside our purpose, we meet stiff resistance; we trade on our qualifications and are lowly paid not according to our potential but on the whims of the employer.

 

Chacha Nyaigoti Bichang’a,

Founder of Chachanomics Coaching Programs