All hail steven Owuor the events guru

By Shirley Ngega

Steven Owuor ,29, gained skills from the first company that hired him and went on to create own. He spoke to Shirley Genga about his passion.

What do you do for a living?

I am the managing director at Slujan Events Ltd.

What does your job as the managing director entail?

I am involved in the day-to-day running of the company. I am involved in formulating, implementing and developing the events portfolio of the company.  At Slujan Events, we deliver end-to-end event management, conferences, accommodation, venue, sourcing, incentive trips, team building, exhibitions, and corporate hospitality building, exhibitions and conference production solutions for an ever demanding and increasingly impressive client base. Our area of interest, however, is the hospitality industry.

What is the vision for the company?

Even as we provide a variety of services related to events, our plan is to grow the exhibitions industry in East Africa to international standards and introduce professionalism to the industry.

When you say you plan to grow the exhibition industry, what do you mean?

We want to create a niche in the exhibition industry. The idea is to be able to hold events where we invite suppliers in the hospitality industry from all over the world to exhibit their products for local stakeholders. So basically, our type of business involves selling virtual space to our clients and not a visible and tangible product. We are currently planning for a Kenya hospitality trade Fair that will take place on July 25 to July 27. We have invited hotel suppliers from Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East to come and exhibit their products for the local hospitality industry. In line with the trade fair, we will also hold a trade fair conference at Kenyatta International Conference Centre on the June 26, where we have invited stakeholders from all over East Africa to discuss issues concerning the hospitality industry.

 What is your work history?

I was an event co-ordinator and financial accountant at Homes Kenya Limited from 2008 to 2012 before I linked up with like-minded friends to start Slujan Limited. We began Slujan back in 2011 while I was still in employment, but last, I felt it was time to leave and put all my efforts into the company.

What do you love about what you do?

I love it when I satisfy the needs of clients.

 

Tell us a little about you background?  

I grew up in Kisumu and I am the third born in a family of four. I have two elder sisters and one younger brother.

 

What was your childhood dream?

My dream was to be a journalist but somewhere along the way, I discovered that I loved business.

 

What did you study in campus or college?

I studied Finance, Bachelor of Commerce option in Kenyatta University and graduated in 2007. I was originally called to study Education, but I knew that business was what I wanted to pursue and went for it.

How have your studies helped in you in your day-to-day job?

What I studied in campus has proved very handy in my job. The financial and project management skills that I acquired while on campus, have helped a lot, especially in putting together viable projects/events for the company.

Any advice for young guys who want to do what you are doing?

My simple advice to them is to first find a talent or career that they are passionate about, and the rest will fall into place.

What do you do for fun?

My work is so demanding and time consuming that I often get so busy and even forget about fun. Whenever I have free time on my hands, however, I watch movies and read.

Give us a day into your life?

A typical day for me begins at 4.30am when I wake up. I prepare for work and make it to work by 6am. I read the newspapers online as well as e-mails, and then read my Bible before the other team members arrive from aroundhalf past seven in the morining. Most of my day is usually filled with meetings with clients. I then settle down back in the office at around 6pm when I review the day and respond to any matters arising. I get home at around 8pm in the evening.

Any closing words

When starting a new venture, do not be discouraged by the lack of funds, rather be encouraged by the content of the idea.