After Hopelessly Tarmacking Without Landing A Job; He Now Makes 5 Million Turnover Every Year

Compiled By Lilian Wamaitha

With the rising rates of unemployment many youths are looking for alternative ways to make ends meet. One such young man is David Kyalo, the now Managing Director of Afriqque Ventures. His woes began after his graduation.

Like so many youths, he took to the offices knocking after one door to the other and sending in applications every now and then. No job came and his desperation grew.

However, after months of fruitless job search, he decided to follow a path that many people are not willing to trend. Together with his high school buddy they came together and decided to form a company.

Their dream was to start an IT firm but as it turned out, they neither had the capital nor the resources to start such a business. After combining all their savings, they could only come up with Sh1,500, – not enough to start an IT venture as it was.

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Change of tactic

Most people would have given up and continued looking for a job hoping that when they land a job they would be able to save up enough to start a company. For David and his friend, that was not the case.

If they were to raise enough money to start an IT firm, they had to change their tactics and that meant venturing into something else.

They would go to town and seek for orders to print business cards and logos. Using the little money they had, they ventured fully into that business saving up as much as they could. Within time, the business grew and they started dealing with events.

As the event business grew and the demand increased, they ventured into PR and marketing and that is how Afriqque Ventures was born.

The business attracts clients from all over Kenya today. With the help of his friend and partner, they have since successfully planned and hosted several events seeing the company turnover grow to Ksh5 million a year.

Running The Business

According to Kyalo, the firm charges between Ksh1 million to 10 million for concerts and Ksh700,000 to 10 million for corporate vents depending in what he client wants.

The young entrepreneur who has literally come from nothing to something now employs over 50 staff and he plans on growing his team within the next few years. He is also looking to expand into other countries as well.

Overcoming the challenges

For Kyalo, the main challenge he faces is the lack of capital to expand. He wishes to expand to at least 45 countries in Africa but money is the challenge.

Clients refusing to pay is also another hurdle as well as competition from other companies but Kyalo says they have been able to overcome this by providing unique services that are guaranteed to keep them coming back.

“Success has no manual but whichever way you go there are things that are fundamental, patience, resilience and staying on top of your game.” says the young entrepreneur.

Kyalo was honored in the list of Business Daily Top 40 Under 40 in 2016, which is a category that celebrates talented individuals making an impact in the society.

Kyalo’s story is that of courage, resilience and determination to succeed. He is a living example that success comes in many ways. You don’t have to be employed to make it in life. If you have the determination, you could start a venture like him. Opportunities are always there for those willing to embrace them.

What’s you take on this story? How far are you willing to go to make it in life? Share your comments below.

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For queries and comments, email, lilian@www.careerpointkenya.co.ke