Question:
“Kenya has seen a rise in social entrepreneurs like Lorna Rutto
(EcoPost) and James Mwangi (Dalberg). Compare and contrast social
entrepreneurship with commercial entrepreneurship, using local examples.
Discuss which type is more sustainable in Kenya’s context and justify
your answer.”
Key Points for Answer:
- Definitions: Social vs. commercial
entrepreneurship.
- Examples: EcoPost (recycling) vs. Safaricom
(profit-driven).
- Sustainability Factors:
- Social impact vs. profit motives.
- Access to funding (grants vs. investors).
- Kenyan Context: High unemployment, environmental
issues → Social ventures may have longer-term impact.
Question:
“Your friend wants to start an agribusiness in Machakos County but has
no business plan. Draft a detailed executive summary
and marketing plan section for their business,
highlighting how it will address food security challenges in the region.
(Word limit: 500 words).”
Answer Guide:
- Executive Summary:
- Business name, mission (e.g., “Freshkate Farms: Sustainable Irrigation
Solutions”).
- Goals: Increase crop yields, reduce post-harvest losses.
- Marketing Plan:
- Target Market: Smallholder farmers, local
markets.
- Strategies:
- Mobile app for weather/price updates (leverage high phone
penetration).
- Partnerships with county government for training.
Case:
“Wanjiku runs a mitumba (second-hand clothes) business in Gikomba. She
now wants to expand to online sales but lacks tech skills. Her
competitors use Instagram and WhatsApp for orders.”
Tasks:
a) Analyze 3 challenges Wanjiku might face in
digitizing her business. (9 marks)
- Answer:
1. Limited digital literacy.
2. High data costs for online marketing.
3. Logistics (delivery, payments).
Question:
“Kenya’s Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF) has been criticized
for low uptake. Design a 10-point action plan to
motivate more young entrepreneurs to apply, addressing:
- Awareness
- Accessibility
- Post-funding support”
Sample Plan:
1. Awareness: Roadshows in universities + TikTok
campaigns.
2. Accessibility: Reduce paperwork; use USSD code
applications.
3. Support: Mandatory mentorship pairing with
successful fund beneficiaries.
Scenario:
“You are tasked with creating a business to reduce plastic waste in
Nairobi’s informal settlements. Your budget is Ksh 500,000.”
Deliverables:
a) Develop a business concept using the
“problem-solving” strategy. (10 marks)
- Example: “TakaSmart Recycling Hub” – pays residents
for plastic waste.
Question: Explain FIVE essential components of a business plan and their importance to a new entrepreneur. (10 marks)
Detailed Answer: 1. Executive Summary - Brief overview of the business (1 mark) - Importance: Helps investors quickly understand the business concept (1 mark)
Question: Outline the step-by-step process of registering a sole proprietorship business in Kenya. (10 marks)
Detailed Answer: 1. Conduct a business name search at eCitizen (1 mark) 2. Reserve the business name with Registrar of Businesses (1 mark) 3. Obtain a KRA PIN certificate (1 mark) 4. Register for VAT if applicable (1 mark) 5. Obtain necessary county government licenses (1 mark) 6. Register with NSSF and NHIF if hiring employees (1 mark) 7. Display business registration certificate at premises (1 mark) 8. Renew business license annually (1 mark) 9. Keep proper financial records (1 mark) 10. File annual tax returns (1 mark)
Question: Discuss FIVE personal characteristics of successful entrepreneurs and how each contributes to business success. (15 marks)
Detailed Answer: 1. Innovation (3 marks) - Ability to create new solutions to problems - Example: M-Pesa revolutionizing mobile banking
Question: Explain the concept of “ethical business practices” and give THREE examples of unethical behavior that entrepreneurs should avoid. (15 marks)
Detailed Answer: Definition: (5 marks) Ethical business practices refer to conducting business in a morally responsible way that considers: - Fair treatment of employees - Honest dealings with customers - Environmental responsibility - Compliance with laws and regulations
Unethical Practices to Avoid: (10 marks) 1. False Advertising (3 marks) - Misrepresenting product capabilities - Example: Claiming a product cures diseases without proof
Question: Describe the importance of financial records and explain THREE types of records a small business should maintain. (15 marks)
Detailed Answer: Importance: (6 marks) - Track business performance - Required for tax compliance - Helps in securing loans - Enables better decision making
Types of Records: (9 marks) 1. Sales Records - Daily transactions and invoices (3 marks) 2. Expense Records - Receipts for all business purchases (3 marks) 3. Payroll Records - Employee salaries and deductions (3 marks)
Question: Compare traditional and digital marketing methods, giving TWO advantages of each for small businesses in Kenya. (15 marks)
Detailed Answer: Traditional Marketing: (7 marks) 1. Advantage: Reaches local customers effectively (3 marks) - Example: Posters in community areas 2. Advantage: Doesn’t require technical skills (4 marks) - Example: Word-of-mouth referrals
Digital Marketing: (8 marks) 1. Advantage: Lower cost than traditional methods (4 marks) - Example: Social media ads 2. Advantage: Wider reach beyond local area (4 marks) - Example: Selling countrywide via Jumia
Case: “Mama Nia runs a small restaurant in Nakuru. Recently, her costs have increased while customers have decreased. She’s considering closing down.”
Tasks: a) Identify FOUR possible causes of Mama Nia’s business problems (8 marks)
Detailed Answer: 1. Rising food prices due to inflation (2 marks) 2. Increased competition from new restaurants (2 marks) 3. Poor customer service driving away clients (2 marks) 4. Lack of proper marketing to attract customers (2 marks)
Detailed Answer: 1. Cost Control (4 marks) - Negotiate with suppliers for better prices - Reduce food waste through better inventory management