Why It’s So Hard for Youth with No Connections to Start a Business in Kenya

Hey, MESH fam, let’s be real for a second—starting a business in Kenya ni stress kibao. 😩 If you’re a young hustler and have zero connections, it feels like every move you make is like trying to push a matatu uphill. So, why is it that wasee hawana connections have such a hard time breaking into the biz world? Here’s what’s really going on, and why it’s not just about hard work but also about who you know and what you can access. • Capital Crunch—Pesa ni Shida

Money talks, and let’s be honest, getting capital in Kenya is no joke, especially for youth. 💸 If you’re not plugged into the right networks, raising cash is like trying to find water in a desert. Most financial institutions have crazy high requirements—collateral, guarantors, the works. So, unless you have wealthy parents or an influential uncle, the chances of securing a bank loan or even a micro-loan are kidogo sana. Cheki, labda una-consider the Youth Enterprise Development Fund? It’s there, but not as accessible as you’d think. In 2023, only 20% of Kenyan youth said they had access to startup capital(World Economic Forum)(IVolunteer International). Plus, let’s talk about the hustle of finding venture capital or angel investors. 🧐 These networks are tight-knit, and unless you’re already part of that circle or have a good connection (msee wako), you're mostly on your own.

• Gatekeeping by Old School Mindsets

Another issue ni maboyz club mentality. 🚪 Older business moguls dominate industries, and, let’s just say they’re not exactly waiting with open arms to bring young hustlers on board. Breaking into established markets like real estate, retail, or even tech requires more than just skills—you need someone on the inside to vouch for you. So, mbogi iko-stuck trying to get mtu ata-listen to their pitch, but without proper connections, it's like screaming in a crowded room—everyone’s talking but no one’s listening to you. 🗣️

• Education System Fails to Deliver Practical Skills

Kenya’s education system is another big barrier. 🎓 For decades, the focus has been on book smarts instead of practical, entrepreneurial skills. Ati you get a degree, secure a job, and that’s life. But the job market ni tight, and unemployment is climbing. The problem? Schools aren’t teaching youth how to navigate real-world challenges like managing finances, scaling a business, or finding investors. Instead, you leave Uni or college with a certificate, but when it comes to business? Dude, you’re on your own. 😬

• Corruption and Bureaucracy—Kazi ngumu

Don’t even get started on the red tape. 🛑 You want to register a business? Good luck with that. Kenya ranked 56th in ease of doing business globally in 2020, but the ground truth is different for the youth(IVolunteer International). The process is long, confusing, and riddled with “fees” (read: bribes). Without connections to cut through the red tape, young people can spend months—sometimes years—trying to get their startups off the ground. And in that time? Competition wipes you out before you even start. 😕 • You know what’s wild? Kenya’s youth unemployment rate is one of the highest in Africa. But let me drop some knowledge on you: sisi ni some of the most innovative and business-minded folks in the world! 💪🏽 I mean, if we can keep hustling despite zero support from the government and the crazy corruption, it really says a lot about our hustle and resilience, doesn’t it? Manze, tunajua ku-create opportunities from thin air! Government initiatives like the Kazi Mtaani and Ajira Digital programs have attempted to address some of these issues, but their reach is limited, and the impact isn’t as transformative as it could be.

• Tech & Internet—Silver Lining or Another Barrier?

Now, tech is where you’d expect us to thrive, right? With platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and e-commerce popping off, you’d think everyone is cashing in. 💻 But here’s the bitter truth—if you don’t have a decent internet connection or a good smartphone, it’s not that easy. Even though Kenya’s internet penetration stands at 54%, that still leaves a huge chunk of the population locked out of digital opportunities(World Economic Forum). Yes, some young people are making a killing from side hustles like YouTube, vlogging, and dropshipping, but without a solid digital presence and marketing strategy (which costs money), scaling remains challenge kubwa. 📱

• Lack of Mentorship & Guidance

Mentorship is another key aspect most young hustlers lack. 🧑‍🏫 Starting a business huku ni hard, and it’s even harder when hauna someone showing you the ropes. Most of the successful entrepreneurs you see today had a mentor or some form of guidance. But if you’re a young person from a low-income background, accessing these mentorship opportunities feels like scaling Mt. Kenya. No one’s talking to you about tax codes, growth strategies, or market analysis, so you end up learning by trial and error. By the time you figure things out, it’s too late. ⏳ Many government and NGO programs are trying to fill the gap, but most of them have an application process that requires—surprise—connections! 🙄

• Entrepreneurial Spirit Ain’t Enough

Yes, Kenyans are resilient and resourceful (Umecheki people selling mitumba at Gikomba or doing deliveries on a boda boda?), but the entrepreneurial spirit isn’t always enough. 🔥 The ecosystem doesn’t always support young talent. Young entrepreneurs don’t just need capital; they need an entire support system—mentors, affordable loans, business training, and yes, even psychological support for when things get tough…and they certainly will get tough. Kwa mtaa, everyone’s got ideas, but without the right environment to nurture those ideas, most dreams suffer an agonizing death before they even get to the hustle stage. 😤

The Bottom Line

Starting a business in Kenya without connections is ni struggle mob. 🤯 The barriers—from lack of capital to bureaucratic red tape and an education system that doesn’t prioritize entrepreneurship—are immense. But it’s not impossible. Programs like Ajira Digital and NGOs offering business incubators are a step in the right direction, but there’s still a long way to go. 🚀 If you’re a young entrepreneur, the game is rigged, but if you play your cards right—innovate, tap into digital spaces, and find your hustler’s tribe—you might just beat the system. And for those who can’t? Well, we need more reforms that make the business world accessible to all, not just those with the right mtu wako. 💪 Una feel hii? Then share with your circle and let’s keep the convo going! The future of Kenyan youth is all about changing the narrative. 🌍