Think entrepreneurship, think Edulink International College Nairobi

It’s been three years since Edulink International College Nairobi (EICN) was established, and already, the institution has gained much fame in the higher education sector.

The college’s popularity arises from two key realities: Progressive learning environment and instruction approach, and the authority to provide UK business degree courses right here in Kenya.

The latter is made possible by EICN’ partnership with the University of Northampton, UK, whose undergraduate degrees on offer at EICN include BA (Hons) Business Studies, BA (Hons) Business and Accounting, BA (Hons) Business and Entrepreneurship and BA (Hons) Business and Marketing Management. These business degree courses were introduced at the college in September 2016.

Mutuma Mwiraria, a budding entrepreneur, is already benefiting from the BA (Hons) Business and Entrepreneurship course he is doing at EICN. His company, Wireless Events, which he started in December 2015, is growing, and he believes that is owing to the lessons he is drawing from class and applying as he goes along.

“The course has given me new perspectives in running a business. Each day, I realise where I am going wrong and what to improve on. This has brought efficiencies in some of the processes,” Mutuma explains.

He says, for instance, that initially, he would execute all the functions of the business – financial, marketing and technical – by himself. After what he has learnt from class so far, he has gone ahead and broken down the business into different departments under the care of different people.

“This has brought success in the business. We have been able to get big and repeat clients,” says the 21 year-old with a smile.

With this, Mutuma is experiencing the value and potential benefit that lies in pursuing the BA (Hons) Business and Entrepreneurship at EICN.

The classes bring together business-minded people, providing a fertile ground to learn from the experiences of others, and to network. “We discuss business ideas that can work, and help to find solutions to the challenges that our businesses face. The learning is real and practical,” says Mutuma.

His decision to join EICN arose from a desire to acquire a UK business degree. When he got to learn that he could get one locally, and from one of the most respected universities in the UK – the University of Northampton – he did not hesitate to join EICN.

With this, Mutuma has been able to continue with his business while still in school, unlike if he were to travel in the UK for studies. Besides, the cost for doing the course here translates to huge savings compared to studying for the same in the UK. “I am getting a good deal,” he stresses.

“Studying for a UK business degree in Nairobi is even better,” he continues. “I am learning about business opportunities and markets in my country and how I can be part of the growth.”

He says that, indeed, the learning experience has been eye-opening. “Some of the lecturers are successful business people. They tailor the content with real life examples.”

The education at EICN recognises that there is more to business than just the qualifications. It thus builds the person beyond the school years. “My lecturer sees my potential beyond my grades. This makes the classroom a school of life as we go out and implement what we learn, then bring a report card before the class,” Mutuma says.

Such learning environment provides space for students to be accountable and make their own decisions. “The lecturers do not hesitate at providing guidance and they fully support students to start their own businesses, while studying,” Mutuma adds.

His excitement over the experience at EICN has seen him recommend the college to some of his friends. “Edulink is the perfect breeding ground for budding entrepreneurs. We network, and together build contacts and grow business. You get to reap more that you give,” he says.