Students at Chuka University have received a major boost in entrepreneurship training through the LIAM Foundation Project, which held its second Young Entrepreneur Business Summit at the university’s main campus earlier this week. The initiative aims to equip young people with practical business skills and support them in turning their ideas into viable enterprises.
Speaking during the summit, LIAM Foundation founder Dr Fred Akama said the project works closely with universities to nurture creativity and entrepreneurial talent among students. He noted that many learners already run small businesses around university communities to sustain themselves, and the foundation seeks to strengthen these ventures by offering structured support.
“The LIAM Foundation aims to streamline and support students’ small businesses by giving them the tools they need to grow and succeed,” Dr Akama said. He added that the foundation is currently registering students who either operate existing businesses or have promising ideas that can be developed further.
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As part of the program, selected students will undergo a four‑month incubation period designed to accelerate the growth of their enterprises. At the end of the incubation, the top 10 participants will each receive KSh 100,000 to expand their businesses or bring their ideas to life.
Dr Akama also announced that the foundation plans to scale up its reach in 2026, with entrepreneurship forums scheduled in 20 universities across the country.
Chuka University lecturer Professor Andrew Muguna praised the initiative, saying it complements the university’s own entrepreneurship program, which already provides start‑up funds for student‑led businesses. He described the LIAM Foundation Project as a valuable addition that will strengthen the university’s position as a centre for innovation and enterprise development.
“This program has the potential to mentor students by equipping them with practical business skills that go beyond classroom theory,” Prof. Muguna said.
Young Entrepreneur Business Summit Global President Norris Mbotela highlighted the importance of such initiatives, noting that many graduates struggle to secure employment after completing their studies. He said the LIAM Foundation Project empowers students to become self‑reliant by encouraging them to create their own opportunities.
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“Projects like the LIAM Foundation enable students to become self‑employed, whether during their studies or after graduation,” Mbotela said.
Chuka University Vice President Ann Njeri also lauded the summit, calling it timely and impactful. She said the initiative offers practical solutions for young people who have strong ambitions but lack the resources to pursue them.
“I urge students in universities across the country to embrace the LIAM Foundation Project. This project has the potential to transform society through entrepreneurship,” Njeri said.
The partnership between Chuka University and the LIAM Foundation Project is being hailed as a model for how institutions can prepare students to become job creators rather than job seekers. Stakeholders say the collaboration will help foster innovation, resilience and self‑sufficiency among Kenya’s youth, aligning with national efforts to promote entrepreneurship as a pathway to economic growth.
By Jeff Mwangi
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