By Vincent Juma

On April 4, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program hosted an entrepreneurial guest lecture titled Avoiding Survival-Driven Entrepreneurship. The session, attended by 69 Mastercard Foundation Scholars was facilitated by Mr. Martin Chomba, a USIU-Africa alumnus and a seasoned professional in Kenya’s petroleum sector. Drawing from his personal and professional experiences, Mr. Chomba offered candid insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie along the entrepreneurial path, emphasizing the need for long-term vision, intentionality, and value-driven leadership.

Martin was joined by a distinguished panel of industry professionals including Mr. Kennedy Wariua, and Mr. Presley Chomba, as well as representatives from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Together, they facilitated a lively discussion around entrepreneurship, equipping the Mastercard Foundation Scholars with the tools to pursue meaningful and sustainable entrepreneurial ventures.

Throughout the session, several core messages were emphasized. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars were encouraged to align their entrepreneurial efforts with their personal passions and community needs, rather than being solely motivated by financial gain. “Money runs away from desperate people. Let passion be your motivation, money will follow,” Mr. Chomba remarked, underscoring the principle that businesses grounded in purpose tend to attract both resilience and profitability.

The panel also addressed the importance of long-term strategic thinking, warning against the risks of short-sighted or reactive business models. Participants were advised to begin their entrepreneurial journeys early, but to do so with structure, planning, and a clear understanding of the regulatory landscape. In particular, the awareness of licensing, taxation, and legal compliance was highlighted as a critical component of business sustainability.

Equally important was the guidance on collaboration and mentorship. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars were urged to be intentional in choosing co-founders and mentors whose values and strengths align with their own, and who can support their growth with integrity and shared vision.

The speakers further emphasized the need to build systems, not just hustles, highlighting that sustainable enterprises rely on consistency, discipline, and time management. Business, they reiterated, is not for the faint-hearted, and failure should be viewed not as defeat but as an opportunity for learning and growth.

Beyond the insights shared, the forum served as a springboard for continued dialogue and networking. Many Mastercard Foundation Scholars expressed a renewed sense of commitment to entrepreneurship, with plans to apply the lessons learned to develop ventures that are both impactful and enduring.