Start Up Africa CEO Mr. Erastus Mong’are has urged Governors and County governments to set up pitch competitions, where the youth will be allowed to present their business ideas and look for funding and angel investors. He said this during a pitch competition held in Tinderet, Nandi County, where two lucky winners were awarded. He lauded Nandi Governor Stephen Sang for being the first County leader in the country to embrace the idea of hosting a pitch competition and urged other Counties to follow suit.
The two winners, simply known as Kevin and Keter, were adjudged to have pitched the best start-up presentation, in the competition organized by Start Up Africa organization, which is definitely set to boost talent and recognition of business ideas in Nandi County and other regions.
Speaking after the conclusion of the competition, Start Up Africa CEO Mong’are said the organization which deals with youth entrepreneurship, nurturing business ideas and implementing them and seeking funding, has held pitch competitions all over the world to ignite business creativity and help young people use their ideas to change their lives and the community as a whole.
The two winners presented their business idea, revolving around the idea of farm produce storage, within two minutes of the stipulated three minutes for presentation. They were awarded a total of Kshs 135,000, plus a trip to the United States of America.
Fredrick Cheruiyot, who presented his business idea involving organic fertilizers came second and was awarded a total of Kshs. 75,000 while Bernard Ruto emerged third and was awarded Kshs. 40,000.
Monga’re said that the competition is the first to be conducted in Nandi County and business ideas presented mainly revolved around agriculture, innovation and other sectors.
Nandi Sports and Youth Affairs CEC Elly Kurgat said the programme fits the Governor’s manifesto and will offer lots of experience to the youths. Start Up Africa organization has always been committed to inspiring tomorrow’s business leaders in Africa to achieve their dreams and make an impact in their communities.