Everyone wants to be an entrepreneur, but very few are have the will and the zeal to embark on the journey. The entrepreneurial journey is attractive from the sidewalks, but as soon as one steps into the race, blood, sweat, and commitment define it.
In a country where 450,000 businesses are dying annually, 30,000 monthly, and 1,000 daily, being an entrepreneur is not for the faint-hearted. It is for those who fall, not once but nine times, but still manage to rise after every fall and move on.
Businessman and entrepreneur Steve Biko Wafula believe that an entrepreneur must be guided by 18 rules, without which, he or she will just be a walking shell. Here are the 18 rules:
- Be Thankful.
- Be Kind.
- Be Useful.
- Be Strong.
- Be Loving.
- Be Honorable.
- Be Respectful.
- Never Quit.
- Never Fear.
- Refuse To Lose.
- Stay Happy.
- Stay Healthy.
- Stay Faithful.
- Pray Without Ceasing.
- Honour God
- Honor Your Parents
- Be teachable
- Listen
Read More:
- The Four Skins Of A Kenyan Entrepreneur
- Why The Kenyan Entrepreneur Needs Digital Skills
- Challenges Kenyan Entrepreneurs Face And How Digital Skills Are The Only Solution
Being an entrepreneur in Kenya is not easy. It is like every system in this country hates entrepreneurs; from Kenya Revenue Authority to the House on the Hill. Being an entrepreneur in this hopeless country should be added to 1000 ways to die.
But you must refuse to die.
Setting up a business in Kenya is not a walk in the park. Millions have ended up giving up before even kicking off. The requirements and the kickbacks one has to pay, end up eating up the investment before even one finds out where to set up the business.
The cost of doing business in Kenya is out of this world. One must always budget for corruption too for without “knowing people”, you will never set up a meaningful business. No wonder so many investors are opting for Rwanda and Uganda.
Getting the required permits and certificates, as well as rent for a place you intend to set up the business, will dig a huge hole in your pocket before you even set up. In other words, the chances of your business failing before it starts are always high.