Safaricom will tomorrow kick off a series of countrywide youth empowerment and mentorship summits for its youth platform, BLAZE. The summits give the youth aged 26 years and below access to a selection of mentors who have succeeded in unconventional fields with the aim of empowering them with the knowledge and understanding of what it takes to succeed in those professions.
The first summit will be at the Eldoret Sports Club and is expected to attract up to three thousand youth from the region. It will involve mentorship sessions and plenary discussions led by mentors who include, Eric Muthomi – Stawi Foods CEO, Karis Mutweri – comedian, Patricia Kihoro – actress & radio personality, Agnes Kiunga – dancer, Baraza Mwabe – social enterprise, Silva Tonui – co-founder FAFA & entrepreneur, Consenslus Kipruto – professional athlete, Ahmed Abdi – CEO Amana Insurance Brokers (started out as a matatu tout), Trevor Kimenye – ONGEA CEO, Mike Muthiga – CEO Fatboy Animations, Anyiko Awoko – media personality, Wangeci Waweru – Rapper, Kevin Provoke – music producer and Kaka Sungura – rapper & entrepreneur.
Sylvia Mulinge, Director of Consumer Business – Safaricom, had this to say about the summits, The BLAZE summits present an opportunity for the youth to listen to and interact with individuals who they have said they look up to for different reasons, most notably their success in what is unconsidered unconventional fields, and at a young age.”
“We understand that the youth have passions and aspirations that they would like to turn into real careers, and these summits will give them a chance to listen and learn from other young Kenyans who have overcome all sorts of obstacles to succeed. Through B.Y.O.B. they will learn how to create and take advantage of business and employment opportunities, plan their finances and manage the resources they have at their disposal,” she added.
Here is the schedule for the BYOB summits.
BYOB Summit 1 – Eldoret – Fri. 17th June – Eldoret Sports Club
BYOB Summit 2 – Kisumu – Fri. 24th June – Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Grounds
BYOB Summit 3 – Nakuru – Fri. 8th July – Nakuru Athletics Club
BYOB Summit 4 – Meru – Fri.15th July – Kinoru Stadium
BYOB Summit 5 – Mombasa – Fri. 29th July – Shanzu Teachers’ College
BYOB Summit 6 – Nairobi – Fri.12th August – KICC