Open Doors and Offer Mentorship to Fresh Graduates, SMEs Urged

Speaking during the first Business Clinic by Optiven Group at Barlays Plaza 15th floor, Mr. George Wachiuri on Friday evening urged other business owners to give opportunities for learning and mentorship for fresh graduates.

The businessman who has investments in real estate, construction and hospitality noted that most SMEs are reluctant in offering internship opportunities for fresh graduates while at the same time ask for experience before hiring them. Mr. Wachiuri, advised that if the over 800,000+ annual graduates from local universities are offered opportunities to turn their learned skills into practical experience, they’d steer small businesses into giants.

The Optiven Group Founder & Chief Executive also urged the government to assist in formalising the 5.3M informal businesses into formal business as well as give them tax exemptions for at least 5 years as they build their brands. “By exempting these business from the tax burden, these businesses will use their revenues to create more employment for our youth thereby solving the problem of unemployment,” Mr. Wachiuri observed. “Every year, about 400,000 businesses die due mainly due to poor management skills, lack of operational resources/capital as well as taxation.” He added.

Mr. Wachiuri reported that his organisation is leading by example and through their graduate trainee program, 50 graduates get trained each year. This is in line with the company’s mission to provide 30,000 direct jobs by the year 2030.