20/08/2024
I PEN - The cake, A video I am ish ish to share - but it's attached.
My Entrepreneurship Journey meets a big corporate - SO I PEN.
We were 2 years into running the Digitally Fit Awards. Well at the start many called it a scam. We continued. Did not give up. Did you know the 1st edition was at Parkin by Radison, no delegate turned up. Only me and my colleague. That embarrassment and loss when no one attends your event in a big hotel? Wee. So the following day our staff were asking us how the event unfolded. We said fine, well attended. They asked where are the pictures? We ensured they dont ask more questions. Story for another day.
So we are planning the 4th edition. Our numbers are growing and we need a big Hotel. Movenpick was taken, we went to Ole Sereni and sampled their halls, they could not hold our numbers. Someone suggested we try Safari Park Hotel but coutioned us. It's always for Govenment. With my courage picked my phone and called.
A lady called Yvonne received the call. She was very welcoming, but was speaking very good English. You know these ladies who speak good English I always think they are rich kids. She asked me to go visit. Quickly I drove there. For those who know the car and the speed I always move at - the police that always call me a culprit whenever I am on the Nairobi - Nakuru highway. Story for another day.
On arrival, it was my 1st time at Safari Park. The compound, the swimming pool, the parking, the cars, big cars. Well with my always concuring attitude I said I will be counted we have to do it. The walk around Safari Park into their massive reception and the African beauty made me take pics and share back at the office. Well it was a little primitive but inside I knew this would be a personal score and my team would also.
So we ask and they tell us the hall holds 500+. Per person is KSh. 5,000 per plate, one of the cheapest of the menus. I went through the menu, so many foods listed, food names I had never heard before. Well I grew up in a place called Manywanda, Kawuondi, Uyoma but Rarieda, well the names are not helping either but here we are - I was then a true defination of a village boy till I joined Maranda then Moi University then this your Nairobi.
At least there was ugali though it had some names next to it that confused me more. I disclosed to Yvonne I will try deliver the numbers but Yvonne please hold my hand, walk with me. I could see from Yvonnes eyes she was doubting me. This small boy? How? So she quickly told me to make half deposit. A test to know if this was a seriuos customer or a joker. I made it the following day - and the cheque went through. I know she was like. For real?
Now the day for the event and wow. the 500+ hall is full. The then CS Trade Moses Kuria is the chief guest. DIGITALLY FIT AWARDs is rolling. That was a big statement. The Safari Park team were surprised at the numbers but on
I continue penning.......
The 6th Edition is here. Person of the Year Edition that gives us 3 winners to compete at the East Africa Edition happening this Dec 6th 2024. We book a smaller hall in the middle of the GenZ demos. Well I was part of the demos. I am actually on record as few Kenyan's who reached Parliament - nyamazia tafadhali, sikuingia ndani, sikukula mchele but teargass naye nilikunywa vizuri. Kuna kasoda pia they could get from some deport next to KICC but waligawa na ilisaidia in the middle. This is a story I will tell in future after I measure how things continue unlfolding.
Back to the Awards. We could select a speaker, the following day the GenZs would "anguka nayo" with the Speaker. At one time it was people in Government, CSs, MPs at another time they were raided. Two CSs and many MPs, Governors were winners and had paid and then 2 days to the event and they are all fired.
Back to Safari Park. We book a smaller hall, our numbers keep surging. They choose to give us the big hall. Their MD selflessly decides to be part of the team taking care of us. A total 350 CEOs attend and it's just over achieved. Here is the video https://youtu.be/vHhiYhXvuOI?si=CjoaREv1Nt8O64vq well DO NOT ask me about the secular music at the start - these GenZs at the office don't get my instructions to edit out what is not Christian music. I blame the Video Editor.
So the event ends and something happens after a few days. Safari Park Hotel Team pays a visit to Oracom Group head offices here at Westlands. We thought it's a normal visit. A BIG cake is delivered, branded with Oracom logo. See pictures https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1sj3aF9esUQQhtS1tphrDvQ4q6qghaPV2
I was just about to shed a tear, some ujaluo in me told me wewe, omera Ka ngumu. The surprise was real. "What do we deserve to be Awarded by a company you were warned serves Goverment only" I said silently. Well they came with many more goodies including a fully booked nyamchom dinner for Oracom top management. These lads who came and believed in my dream. Saw others get tired and leave but they have always believed - Running 14 companies in 1 is not simple. It was huge. To add to these more goodies again to the 2024 Business of the Year attendees and even more to other Oracom Team leads.
We had planned next months Digitally Fit Awards to take place at Movenpick and just like that we switched it to Safari Park nya maramoja as my late Dad Wuod Avinny Miendi would call it. Lesson leant. Just continue believing in your dream, corporate like numbers and can do anything to get the numbers.
So Safari Park here we come. 2024 Kenya Edition of DIGITALLY FIT AWARDS Business of the year happening on 27th September 2024. During this Award we have innovated Kenya's 1st ever Virtual Vfair & Expo - A 3D Virtual Reality technology and Expo that will put a mark on our drive to celebrate Brands creating an Impact online.
Alphonce Juma - 0712534091. CEO Oracom Group.
