Moi University Enactus Team Crowned Champions of The 14th Enactus Kenya National Business And Entrepreneurship Competitions

Nairobi - Kenya, 16 June 2016 –Kenyans are set to benefit from a number of enterprise projects initiated by Enactus Moi University team that address income generation and health issues. Enactus Moi University was this year’s national champions of the 14^th Enactus Kenya National Business and Entrepreneurship Competitions that saw over 27 public and private universities in Kenya participate. The team will represent Kenya at the Enactus World Cup in Toronto, Canada later this year.

One of their projects dubbed “Chepkube” gives former illicit brewers and consumers an alternative means of income generation and livelihood. The target group engages in chicken brooding using the “Chepkube” environmental friendly jiko brooder. The other, dubbed ‘Afya Kid’ aims at reducing child mortality rates in Kenya by using mobile phones.  Mothers are reminded on when to take their children for immunization while nurses keep track of the immunization coverage.  Their third project, ‘Como Defluoro’ project  seeks to address  causes of teeth discoloration, brain damage, endocrine system disruptions and severe cases of infertility in men by reducing  the levels of fluoride in water.

Enactus Africa Nazarene were the First Runners Up in the  competition with  their “Taka Smart Project,” a social enterprise that offers reward points in exchange for recyclable waste such as plastic bottles hence ensuring sustainable business environments;  The Young Enterprise Education in Schools (YEES) project that aims at inculcating the saving and investment culture among  learners in Primary and Secondary schools; a business management and accounting app; as well as vertical farming to help address limited farming space in urban areas.

The Second Runners Up, Enactus University of Eldoret project “Faida Mazao” aims at curbing food loss and waste through solar powered cold storage facilities.  This project will enable farmers to store their surplus, minimize waste and achieve maximum profit from the sale of their produce.

“The competition was very stiff but we are happy that we emerged the 14^th Enactus Kenya National Champions. The secret to our winning is sacrifice, passion and touching people’s lives. I thank all my team members for their sheer hard work,” said Jadline Gathoni Njoki, President of Enactus Moi University.

 “We thank all our partners for this year’s competitions and urge the corporate sector and the academia to join hands and give youth an opportunity to participate actively in offering solutions to challenges facing the country,” added Florence Suji, Enactus Kenya Advisory Board Chair.

“This is a great occasion for students to interact with potential employers, universities with business and for business leaders to share leadership skills with Kenyan youth. We aim at recruiting over 5,000 students from all over Kenya to grow their leadership skills, current market demand information and innovative ideas that attract investment,” said James Shikwati, Enactus Kenya Country Leader.

The objectives of the 14th Enactus Kenya Expo included: to identify a university with high impact community outreach project to represent Kenya in competitions in Canada; to offer universities an opportunity to show case their innovations; to offer students employability skills training and discuss topical issues that impact on business and the future of Kenya.

Topical issues on challenges facing different industries in business and how to address them were also discussed by business leaders and consultants selected from various industries in Kenya in the forum. Other activities included; Company and Career Booths, Student Project, University Team Exhibitions among others. The whole process was to provide an opportunity for collaboration, sharing of knowledge between business leaders, academia and universities and foster innovation as well as excellence in community leadership.

Since 2003, Enactus Kenya has hosted 14 National Business and Entrepreneurship Competitions and participated in 14 international competitions that involve university undergraduate students. This year’s competition attracted over 27 Enactus Kenya affiliate universities who showcased the achievements of their community outreach projects to a panel of carefully selected Business leaders serving as judges, over 100  business leaders and faculty members.  Enactus Kenya has 3,054 registered student members.

Enactus mission is to create a partnership between business and higher education and equip students with innovative ideas that attract investment through community projects, knowledge sharing and competitions. Enactus Kenya operates under a Business Advisory Council that comprises 14 members.

About Enactus Kenya

Enactus Kenya (Then SIFE Kenya) was launched in 2003 following an M.O.U between Enactus International (Then SIFE International) and Inter Region Economic Network Ltd (IREN). The organization operates in over 30 colleges and universities, with more than 2,500 students participating.

Enactus is an international organization that brings together student, academic and business leaders who are committed to using the power of entrepreneurial action to shape a better, more sustainable world. Guided by faculty advisors and business experts, participating students form teams on their campuses to create and implement community projects that empower people in need. The experience not only transforms lives, it helps students develop the skills and perspective necessary to become effective, values-driven leaders. Founded in 1975, today Enactus has more than 66,500 student participants on campuses in 36 countries.

For more information, contact:

Ms. Sally Jepkorir

Brand & Communication Team Leader 

sally@irenkenya.com  

Mobile: 0724972298

Or visit us at www.enactus.com/Kenya