This archive report was first published on 3 August 2020.
On August 3, 2020, a plea was made to Kenyan entrepreneurs to document their experiences through writing their stories. This call was made by an entrepreneur who teaches entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of having systematic and reliable records of local entrepreneurs to use as case studies.
Teaching and learning entrepreneurship can be a dull and abstract experience for students when they are not exposed to relatable stories of successful local entrepreneurs. By sharing their experiences, especially during the startup and early growth phases, local entrepreneurs can greatly support local business schools.
Documenting their experiences while they are still vivid is one of the best ways to pass on actionable knowledge to the next generation. This can be done by taking notes as they go about their daily routines.
While their stories may not be as celebrated as those of international entrepreneurs like Bezos, Ambanis, Dangotes, and Jack Ma, they are still valuable and relevant to local students and startups. These first-hand testimonies will help our youth learn from the entrepreneurs themselves and not from distorted rumors and half-truths.
Furthermore, telling one's story, especially through a book, is good business. It gives the author visibility, credibility in their industry, and useful feedback.
To make their record more youth-friendly and affordable, entrepreneurs could use modern technologies like podcasts and e-books instead of hardcover publications.
A truthful account of their lifelong methods, successes, and failures is the best gift responsible entrepreneurs can leave behind for others to apply and improve on. This will enrich our entrepreneurship study and practice ecosystem, making Kenyan entrepreneurs of tomorrow better than those of today and yesterday.
