The event brought together Kenyans in the Diaspora to discuss Kenya’s business environment and how they can invest in Kenya/FILE
The event brought together Kenyans in the Diaspora to discuss Kenya’s business environment and how they can invest in Kenya.
According to the Director of Kenya2U, Simon Muracia, the event was an attempt of consolidating the entrepreneurship ambitions of Kenyans in the Diaspora and the available opportunities in Kenya.
“I have lived in the UK for more than 20 years. Over time, I have faced many challenges as I would like to start a business in Kenya, but I don’t know many Kenyans at a personal level. This motivated me to start this company as now I can meet people I can work with people who I am close to,” Muracia explained.
The event was attended by a Kenyans who mainly live in the UK. This saw them create friendships that would hopefully mould businesses.
Lucy Kamau, who lives in the UK, expressed her delight at attending the event.
According to Lucy, the event was timely as she had met like-minded people who also had interest in investing in Kenya.
“It becomes hard to work with relatives back home due to conflicting interests. However, it would be easy to work with a person who is also living in the Diaspora as they understand firsthand how the outside world works and how difficult it is to save money for starting a business,” she explained.
Muracia also faced the same issue. According to him, working with relatives can be strenuous, hence his decision to launch the networking forum.
Business networking is also a business plan on its own. According to Muracia, the idea is a thriving business in the UK and he hopes to replicate it here.
“It is hard to work two streets without finding centres where business networking is held. And it is a successful idea as it is win-win,” he explained.
He has therefore invested a total of Sh500,000 into the business alongside his four friends who live in the UK as well.
Going forward, Muracia said that a website for Kenya2U is on its way. They have also established an office and employed five people who include a director.
