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KEPSA is the private sector apex and umbrella body set up in 2003, to bring together business community in a single voice to engage and influence public policy for an enabling business environment. over 500,000 direct and indirect members..
KEPSA
7th Floor, South Tower, Two Rivers, Limuru Rd, Nairobi.
info@kepsa.or.ke
SHADOW A CEO MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
- 2025-05-02 04:22:39
Young entrepreneurs in Kenya, particularly young women, continue to face significant barriers in accessing leadership, mentorship, and business growth opportunities. These challenges—such as limited networks, lack of leadership exposure, and systemic exclusion—hinder their ability to scale and contribute to economic transformation. To address these gaps, KEPSA, under the Jiinue Growth Program, has launched the Shadow a CEO Program, a mentorship initiative aligned with the Young Women-Centric Development (YWCD) Approach. The program aims to dismantle structural barriers and empower youth with practical leadership experience, business insights, and strategic exposure.
The primary goals of the program are to:
- Provide young entrepreneurs with firsthand experience in business leadership.
- Connect participants with mentors who can offer guidance and industry insights.
- Equip mentees with practical skills in leadership, negotiation, and strategy.
- Enhance the career and business prospects of youth through exposure to investment opportunities and business growth strategies.
- Foster long-term relationships between emerging entrepreneurs and established business leaders.
The Shadow a CEO Program consists of three key phases:
a. Selection & Matching
- Identifying and recruiting youth entrepreneurs who would benefit from the program.
- Screening and matching participants with CEOs based on industry, business model, and career aspirations.
- Conducting an orientation for both mentees and CEOs to align on expectations and outcomes.
b. Shadowing Experience
- Participants will spend a week, or month shadowing a CEO in meetings, strategy sessions, and operational reviews.
- Opportunities for mentees to contribute ideas, observe leadership in action, and gain insights into industry best practices.
- CEOs provide guidance, mentorship, and constructive feedback throughout the experience.
c. Post-Shadowing Engagement
- Mentees will submit a reflection report summarizing key learnings and action plans.
- Continued mentorship through periodic check-ins, mentoring sessions, or networking events.
- Graduates of the program may become ambassadors to onboard future participants.
Expected Outcomes
- Increased confidence and business acumen among youth entrepreneurs.
- Stronger networks and long-term mentorship relationships.
- Practical exposure to high-level business strategy and decision-making.
- Enhanced visibility and credibility for youth-owned businesses.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, applicants must:
✔️ Be a youth entrepreneur between [age range 25-35] years old.
✔️ Have been in business for more than three (3) years.
✔️ Own a business with a minimum annual turnover of KES 3,500,000.
✔️ Have at least three (3) employees or more.
✔️ Be passionate about leadership, business growth, and mentorship.
✔️ Be available and committed to fully participate in the program.
Benefits for Stakeholders
For Participants:
- Gain direct mentorship from top CEOs and business leaders.
- Learn executive leadership skills and corporate decision-making.
- Access networking opportunities and business growth strategies.
- Get exposure to high-level business operations.
For CEOs & Companies:
- Opportunity to mentor the next generation of youth entrepreneurs.
- Fresh perspectives and innovative ideas from mentees.
- Strengthened commitment to gender and youth empowerment.