CPA Graduate Mercy Olwal continues to thrive in the field of importing, exporting and transporting goods, within East and Central Africa, prospering through a strong spirit of service learnt while studying at Strathmore University.

 

Mercy, a mother of two boys, advices that a spirit of service calls for respect of others, a factor that she values dearly.

What Strathmore Ethos do you apply to your business contributing to its progression?

Serving is inseparable from respect for others. In our line of business we interact with people of different social status be they entrepreneurs, clerks, office assistants, truck drivers and loaders. Through respect you appreciate the distinct and vital role each of them play in the chain hence fostering harmony at each stage of the process that aids accomplishment of tasks in good time.

 

Clearing and forwarding and transportation is a service oriented industry. As such, the spirit of service that was inculcated in us at Strathmore is still at the core of our operations. We strive to ensure our clients are pleased with the services we offer, which entails more than just speedy clearance of their goods to save on storage costs.

 

During our schooling at Strathmore we embraced freedom tempered with responsibility. The same applies in all spheres of life be it in or out of school where success is the ultimate goal. I know all too well that there is a consequence for each action I take under the freedom I am entitled to as an adult. The consequence of an action is what guides me in whatever I do.

What exactly do you handle in imports, exports and transport?

All light load goods including but not restricted to vehicles, machinery and household goods within East and Central Africa.

What is your education background?

I went to Senior Chief Koinange High School, for my secondary education. Then I studied at Philips University in Cyprus where I graduated in 2006 with a First Class Degree in International Banking. I then joined Strathmore University to undertake my CPA course.

 

After Strathmore I joined the banking industry. I worked at Standard Chartered Bank, CFC Stanbic and IZWE Loans Kenya before I decided to be an entrepreneur.

What motivates you to work hard?

Nothing good comes easy, you have to toil for it. Success is one of them. The challenges we encounter along the way in the end make us better at what we do if we strive to overcome them.

 

Do you have a role model?

I have several role models covering every field of life I have interest in but in my entrepreneurial journey, my parents have been modelling me into the Entrepreneur I am today.  I admired their diligence and courage when they started their business from scratch after my Dad had lost his job.

 

I also admire Ms. Folorunsho Alakija, whenever am told import and export is so much of a male job, I “become” her because I admire her go-get spirit levels.

 

What is your 5-10 year plan?

I hope to introduce new products that will progressively enrich our services to cater for the diverse demands in the sector.

 

I joined the African Women Entrepreneurship Programme AWEP for which I have been appointed a representative for Coast region. I recently also registered a Non-profit organization called Solutions Afrique’ that aims to develop solutions that tackle education and poverty issues in the Coast region. I am also the Regional Administration Manager at IZWE loans. I hope to continue in these fields in the long run.  

 

The Strathmore School of Accountancy (SOA) traditionally renowned for its quality offering in the accounting fraternity in the East African region, the School has made its name and mark in offering professional courses such as: CPA, ACCA, CFA, CISA, CISM, ACA.  SOA is committed to ensuring better decision making by entrepreneurs, institutions, companies, governments, organizations and other bodies through better ways of working with financial information.