Seasons Come And Go, But My Uswahili + Cleanliness Are Here To Stay. Amani Katana

They say that New Year’s Day is every man’s birthday, and we hope you had a great one. This beautiful new year we continue to show fearless talent from across Africa. Today we get the honor of meeting with Amani Katana from Mombasa, Kenya.

Tell us a little bit about your background in a snapshot- education, career history and successes.

I was born and bred in Mombasa, Kenya. I was curious and a very stubborn boy. You know how they say boys will always boys? Well, I think my curiosity and naughtiness was at an extreme but I digress. Story for another day.

After completing my studies in High school, I began an internship at the Kenya Ports Authority as a casual worker and upgraded to a clerk for three years. I was among the people at the bottom of the pay chain but I had a huge vision.

I ensured I saved almost all of my wages which enabled me to enrol for computer packages and a business management course. I was later promoted to a supervisor position and later as the PS to the Manager Director. I later enrolled to study a course in shipping at the Institute Chartered Ship Brokers on part time basis.

After five years in the corporate world, I resigned to follow my dream as an entrepreneur. I ventured in to different businesses from organizing variety shows for schools to founding Naija marine services in 2013, an organization that offered tally services, marine surveyors and inspection of damaged goods.

I was not satisfied. I knew there was something I needed to do for my community. There’s always a void when you work for your own benefit as opposed to that of others.

I love volunteering. One of the many places I did this was with the Youth Empowerment Program Initiative that offers leadership and entrepreneurship skills. We reached out to over 900 youth who learned to start and manage their businesses.

Do you know how many unemployed youth we have in Kenya? It is heart breaking that so many youth including graduates have no jobs. This was a need I identified when I was having my internal audits and search for purpose.

I shockingly began noticing how my community was having challenges in disposing garbage. This was how Garb tech was incorporated in 2015. It is a social enterprise that offers garbage collection services, waste management and recycling of waste materials.

In the last two years, we have recycled plastic bottles and other waste materials in to flower pots, vertical wall gardens and storage facilities. We have made our communities and the neighboring ones clean while at the same time creating employment for tens of youth.

We have a unique brand that continues to grow. It is easy to spot us in Mombasa because of our jovial trained employees who rock their cute uniforms.

I sleep well at night knowing my teams have improved their living standards, developed in their leadership skills, have access to mentorship and continue being equipped to become entrepreneurs.

In 2016, we received a massive recognition by being selected among 1,000 businesses in the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship program out 45,000 applications.

Getting on board in the overly competitive YALI E.A Regional Centre was a huge milestone. My fellow cohort mates voted for me as the most likely to sell a company to google due to my entrepreneurial skills in the fun certificate section. I was also one of the winners of the USADF prize competition under YALI.

My organization got selected in the competitive African Entrepreneurship award and made it to the first and second rounds. We received the award as top 50th entrepreneur with the most significant and sustainable impact to create jobs and improve lives in Africa.

The award journey continues this year as we battle with 25 others to go to Morocco to pitch and get more funding. I am more than optimistic.

I have mentored youth in business through We Create Kenya, YALI E.A Regional center and other organizations.

It has not been an easy road though. Anyone who runs a business can attest to the fact that it is not for the faint-hearted. We have faced capital inadequacies, difficulties in penetration of the market among others. We keep moving no matter what. We came up with smart, actionable strategies to break past mental barriers and stay productive.

Your advice for young African leaders out there?

Determination and patience is key in everything you do. You must understand that great things take time to come in to fruition. This is especially a challenge with us, the microwave generation where we want things instantly.

Learn to be patient. Learn to work hard and put in some street smart. We must always avoid short cuts. Always seize opportunities. Dress up for anything and you will most definitely get it. There are many opportunities around you, you just need to grab and jump on them. The best progress and recognition comes when you are making things better for others.

Your life in the next 10 years

My vision is to become a model entrepreneur. To help over 10,000 youth who want to venture in to business. I intend to pursue this through an entrepreneurship college in Mombasa and later scale to other parts of Kenya.

Garb tech will also expand to at least three African countries. Our current support and funding from various sources is a confirmation of possible scaling.

Favorite food and fun activities?

I am a husband and father to two boys aged five and three (Yahya and Luqman). Seeing that I will hit third floor this year, spending time with them is key. I enjoy cooking for my family. My favorite meal to make is wali na samaki. I love traveling and reading.

We wish you the very best Amani. Keep soaring!