Did you know that SMEs constitute 98% of all businesses in Kenya? Indeed, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, there are more than 17 million SMEs registered in Kenya, contributing about 25 percent of the country’s GDP and employing up to 50 percent of the workforce.[1]

Considering those factors, Strathmore Marketing Club is creating a platform to nurture aspiring entrepreneurs by affording them comprehensive opportunities to network with industry leaders and learn the requisite skills to build their businesses and personal brands.

In this month of March, the Club (recognized as the most promising club in 2017) held its first panel discussion in the 2018 series, centered on the theme: Brand Building for SMEs and Startups.  The panel was attended by Mr. James Ngomeli – Chair of the Chartered Institute of Marketing East Africa branch, and C.E.O of Brands and Beyond, Ms. Njeri Kibaru – Director of Foods by Likii, and a seasoned marketer with past senior positions at GlaxoSmithKline EA and Bayer EA, and Ms. Carol Muthoni – Senior Consultant and Head of the SMEs Division at Brand Integrated Consulting.

The three shared knowledge on defining brands, the relationship between an entrepreneur’s personal brand and his/her business brand, or how to choose the most effective line of business to run according one’s abilities.

The participants, students and industry professionals, enjoyed an opportunity to interact with the panelists in one-on-one sessions during a tea networking session.

Strathmore Marketing Club is fully dedicated to creating a world class co-curricular opportunity, in the field of marketing and entrepreneurship, and to become the most interactive and relevant club for Strathmore students.

Are you an aspiring marketer looking for field exposure? Are you a student eager to learn relevant skills needed to build your personal/startup brand, network with industry professionals and develop your leadership skills? Are you a young professional looking for opportunities to meet renowned executives and learn from their experiences to start your own venture?

Strathmore Marketing will bridge the gap between who you are and who you aspire to become.

For all inquiries, send us an email through marketingclub@strathmore.edu.

Follow us on Twitter @SUMarketersKE

 

Article by Prudence Vera Mukami Mutembei, Bachelor of Commerce 3^rd year student, and a member of the Executive Committee of Strathmore Marketing Club.