Kizito Omollo (Youth Village Kenya Co-Founder) Interview
As part of our Young Minds Africa project , we interviewed an inspirational young mind from Kenya called Kizito Omollo about his YV Kenya platform, passion for youth development and some of the factors derailing youth development in Kenya and possible solutions. Enjoy!
Who is Kizito Omollo?
Kizito Omollo is a 27 years old Kenyan by birth.Born in Kisumu,Kenya.Co- Founder of Youth Village Kenya (www.youthvillage.co.ke) ; an online youth portal.My friends call me Kayz. I am passionate about social media for a change and youth development.I am also trying to be better to God,for myself,for my family and for my community and the planet I find myself on.
What inspired the Youth Village Kenya platform?
I do believe what we do flows from what we are.After completing my training and internship at Kenya Private Sector Alliance – Kenya Youth Empowerment Project ( Kepsa – Kyep),which offers training and internship opportunities for youths in Kenya to gain work experience.I opt to create an initiative focusing on youth education, employment,entrepreneurship, entertainment, technology, sports, agriculture and inspiring success stories to motivate and add value to the youth.
Why youth?
Youth form a huge percentage of Kenya’s population.The youth demography is the fastest in adopting new trends, new technology, network and behaviors.
What do you think are some of the challenges faced by Kenya youth at the moment?
a). Youth unemployment
b). Access to financial resources
c). Crime,drug and substance abuse
d). Lack of employable skills with requisite knowledge for job market.
What do you aim to achieve with the Youth Village Kenya platform?
It is literally true that you can succeed best and quickest by helping others to succeed. Through Youth Village Kenya we hope to share more opportunities for the youths to unleash all their given talents ,abilities, dreams and aspirations through links to jobs, learnership, internship, bursaries and international scholarships.
What were some of the difficulties you faced as a start up?
a). Building a team : one has to be passionate about youth activism and development.
b). Resources : a computer and access to internet are the basics to enable the initiative to run smoothly.
Who do you look up to for inspiration?
Simple things inspire me. My mother inspired and taught me the virtue of patience,it sure pays! Other people who inspire me are Bruce Dube ( my good friend and partner at Youth Village Kenya) ,Steve Jobs, Lupita Nyong’o and Heshan De Silva.
As an internet entrepreneur , what do you feel needs to be done or implemented in Kenya to create a more enabling environment for entrepreneurs?
I appreciate the Government of Kenya for provision of funds through Youth enterprise fund ; Uwezo fund, Agri- Vijana loan, 30% access to government procurement opportunities ( AGPO) for youth but I urge the government to enable the youth access the funds hussle free i.e youth friendly requirements.
Startup companies have difficulties to access funds for running their business.Alot has to be done in funding of Information Communication Technology ( ICT ) business in Kenya.A dedicated fund is the best solution,hence creation of more jobs.
What are your views on collaboration?
Collaboration plays an important role to work towards a shared goal by cordinating the right strategies and pooling resources,in return improves the quality and quantity of work.
Where do you see Youth Village Kenya in the next 5 years?
5 years from now is a long term plan,Youth Village Kenya will be able to mobilise,organise and empower young people with practical skills to create an impact in their communities.
What do you do for fun?
I listen to music,visit a tourism attraction site or a wild life reserve.I also love to hang out with beautiful and crazy people 🙂
What do you look for in a life partner?
Wow! Someone who encourages you to grow,who will say,” Sweetheart, I see GREATNESS in you.I’m willing to take you there”. When you find the one you truely love,you don’t need rehearsal to keep loving the person, the creativity to love flows naturally out of you.
Favourite place to hang out in Kisumu?
a). Dunga Hill Camp – DHC
b). Barcadia Lounge Kisumu – for party people c). Lwangni beach – for a tasty fresh tilapia fish from Lake Victoria.
What music do you listen to?
I listen to alot of alternative genre of music,from rhumba,soul,rock,hiphop,regga,locals,bongo flava,zilizopendwa and much more.There is alot of great music out there now but I choose specific songs I listen to from the styles.
What advice would you like to give to young people who would like to pursue entrepreneurship?
You don’t have to be like Bill Gates,Lupita Nyong’o, David Rudisha or any other successful humans.Just be your unique self.God created every man for a unique purpose.Find and live in yours.
How can people reach you?
Facebook : kayz omolo
Twitter : @kayzomollo
Instagram : kayzomolo
Email : [email protected], [email protected]
For Youth Village Kenya
Facebook : Youth Village Kenya
Twitter : @YouthVillageKE
Instagram : YouthVillageKE
Youtube : YouthVillageKE
Email : [email protected]
