Entrepreneurs rise with links and relationships they build
By Elizaphan Muraguri, July 16, 2025Kenya is witnessing a significant shift in the employment sector as the majority of the population seeks to become entrepreneurs and business owners, abandoning the traditional jobholder title.
The lack of formal jobs and the ever-increasing cost of living place Kenyan citizens in a conundrum.
While the government tries to secure jobs abroad, not everyone favours this option, leaving entrepreneurship as the primary alternative.
According to the State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs contribute 85 per cent of non-farm jobs, translating to 15 million out of the 18 million workforce.
Presently, it absorbs nine out of 10 young people joining the workforce, a clear indication of entrepreneurship’s rise and the need for communities where like-minded people meet and exchange values, ideas, and business referrals.
Starting a business differs from sustaining it; one needs certain skills to pull it off. Not all these skills can be found in a classroom.
Entrepreneurs need guidance from others who have walked the path and experienced the industry. Being part of a networking platform broadens your business perspective.
Surrounding yourself with entrepreneurs who share common interests in your industry not only boosts confidence but also provides opportunities to learn and grow expertise.
Furthermore, it increases the chances of attracting investors and funding from those who see potential in your business.
A key requirement for any entrepreneur is knowing where to get revenue to grow their business. Networking organisations prove most useful in delivering exactly that.
Good networking environments provide entrepreneurs with support and resources like professional workshops, conferences, and mentorship programs.
They create room for partnerships and collaborations while increasing credibility and reputation.
This is where communities like Business Networking International (BNI) come in.
Being the world’s largest and most successful referral networking organisation, it offers entrepreneurs from all walks of life a chance to network with other business-minded individuals, sharing trusted referrals, support, and advice.
Once a member, you’re placed in a chapter where you’re unique.
Members are also placed in sub-teams where those sharing common professions get teamed together, increasing information flow and fostering collaboration.
For instance, an ENT consultant wanting to expand their clinic to a paediatric centre can easily reach out to the paediatrician, dermatologist, gastroenterologist, and cardiologist in their sub-team.
From BNI’s philosophy, “Givers Gain”, we see how this networking platform unites members into working together in goodwill for each other’s betterment.
Every member becomes the salesperson of another, bridging the gap of cold outreach.
As Porter Gale wrote, “Your network is your net worth”.
A successful entrepreneur is a successful networker.
The connections and relationships you build go a long way to boosting your business, and the best place to find trustworthy connections is at networking organisations and events.
The writer is the National Director of BNI Kenya
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