Exporters get a boost after Masai Mara networking

By Ally Jamah

"I hadn’t realise that there are serious business opportunities in green tea. I will definitely follow up that idea. There is money to be made here," exclaims Sophie Gitau, a business lady who exports fresh produce to Europe.

Sophie is not at a business expo, where such a statement is likely to be heard, She is in the middle of the Masai Mara Game Reserve, attending a unique networking event, whose concept was recently introduced in Kenya.

The exporter is seated under a large tent together with over 500 business people trying to identify new business ideas.

Her statements come after listening to a presentation by the Director of External Trade in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Johstone Weru, on business opportunities outside Kenya.

This new networking concept seeks to bring together large numbers of business people in environments that allow more personal engagements that go beyond just exchanging cards.

Which explains why Masai Mara was the destination of choice.

Exchange ideas

"We wanted to get business people together in a relaxed environment, where they can exchange business ideas away from the hectic urban environment, and have fun as well," said Barclays Bank of Kenya Managing Director, Adan Mohammed, whose bank pioneered the concept in Kenya.

The idea came after the bank realised that most of its business customers rarely knew what each other was doing and sought to link them up.

"We wanted to add value to our business clients by linking them, and creating more opportunities for business. But we wanted to do it in style," explained Barclays Consumer Banking Director Abdi Mohammed.

Many in business often know the value of networking, but rarely get an opportunity to combine it with a mini-holiday to relax their nerves.

On the Friday morning of April 15, more than 500 entrepreneurs headed for the Mara, were flagged off from Sarova Panafric by Trade Minister, Amos Kimunya, and Barclays MD, Adan Mohammed, after a hearty breakfast.

Small talk

The six-hour journey allowed the entrepreneurs, who had never met before, to chat about their business and their personal lives.

When they arrived at the game reserve that evening, they went for a game drive in the lush wilderness.

"It was very exciting and relaxing for me to see a real lion for the first time. I have never come to Masai Mara before, even though I live in Kenya," gushed Mohamed Malim, who owns several 4 star hotels in Nairobi.

The following day, the entrepreneurs gathered under a large tent in the Sarova Mara Hotel, where they listened to presentations by experts on various fields.

"There are so many opportunities of making money in the East African region and other places in the world, but most business people in Kenya may not be aware of how to go about it," Johnstone Weru explained.

With an attentive audience hanging onto his words, Weru brought to light how the Government has signed agreements with various countries, which allows Kenyan entrepreneurs free access to their markets.

Motivational speaker and comedian Pepe Minambo was next on stage, shedding light on the fruits of networking. He left the audience in stitches, with his bright and witty style.

"You can save many weeks of hard work and time by connecting with the right people. You will also learn from other peoples’ successes and failures through networking," he advised.

During the breaks for tea and lunch, entrepreneurs conversed about their businesses, while swapping their contacts.

"I have met several owners of colleges and schools who would be inviting me to give motivational talks to their students soon. I am happy I came here," said James Karungu, an author of several motivational books.

But the highlight of the networking event was later in the evening during a cocktail in a Maasai Manyatta, deep inside the Mara bush. The entrepreneurs met each other as they sipped wine and grabbed meaty bitings served by attendants.

There was merrymaking as the guests danced to traditional music blaring from speakers close by.

"I have had fun and made good business as well. I plan to sign up again" said Caroline Kariuki, a 25- year old, who is in the real estate industry. The following morning, it was time to return to Nairobi and judging from the hearty farewell messages, it was clear that the entrepreneurs had also become good friends.