By Tego Wolasa
I took my pen today to introduce the above terminology.
I coined the term Burjipreneurship from the terms Burji and Entrepreneurship.
Similarly, it is from the terms Burji and Entrepreneur that I coined the term Burjipreneur.
Entrepreneurship is the act of starting and running your own business or a tendency to be creative and wish to work for yourself in your ventures.
By extension, the term Entrepreneur is the person who undertakes the risk of starting a new business venture is called an entrepreneur.
The term Entrepreneur is from a 13th Century French word ‘Entreprendre’ meaning ‘to do something or undertake.
By the 16th century, the term Entrepreneur was used to refer to someone who undertakes a business venture.
An entrepreneur is an innovative person who maximizes profits by following new strategies or venturing into new products or services.
What Are The Qualities of a Burjipreneur
In addition to the usual qualities of an entrepreneur, a Burjipreneur runs his enterprise based on Burji values, ideals, and principles.
The Burji ideals and values, according to Mr Degu Kono, are Hard work and dedication. The second value is that they do not covet other people’s properties and rights. Lastly, they peacefully coexist with their neighbours.
Mr Degu Kono – The Three Values Of The Burji https://burjionline.com/2020/06/06/the-three-consistent-values-of-the-burji/
Based on the above principles, a Burjipreneur should pay his workers on time, keep his promises and diligently fulfil his obligations.
He should have fear of God in his dealings, respect for the rule of law, and adopt high moral standards.
He should be trustworthy, have concern for the welfare of the poor, care for the environment, and be knowledgeable.
A Burjipreneur should produce his goods and services ethically.
He should engage in clear, and non-deceptive marketing. A Burjipreneur should not exploit his buyers.
Finally, a Burjipreneur should hold politics in his hands and his hustle in his heart.
Why Burjipreneurship?
In 2019, I visited the Al-Subra hotel in Marsabit and met my old-time friend Ali George.
From the visit, I learnt that he has around 40 employees in total. Most working Burjis have only one househelp in their homes.
But Ali, a Burjipreneur, has empowered the community by employing over 40 people. In addition, he has lots of freedom.
The example of Ali has been in play among the Burji for over a century.
They have been known to be astute, successful and hardworking businesses.
However, most Burji families today are angling to have their children study in school to secure employment.
I do not want to dwell on comparing employment with Burjipreneurship.
However, I wish to outline the benefits of Burjipreneurship to the Burji families and nation.
Burjipreneurship makes the individuals and the society all-rounder.
It strengthens the community through benefits such as employment and charitable projects derived from the Burjipreneurs.
Burjipreneurship is a recipe for social change and frees individuals from the yolks of the rat race.
Burjipreneurships help distribute wealth within and without the community.
Examples of Burjipreneurs
I wish to mention just a few of them here. Seid Damtew of Africa Water in Ethiopia, Siko Gona of Gonas Best Limited in Kenya, Bonaya Gabre of Neema abattoir in Kenya, and Kose Mane of Aidex Petro in Burji Soyama, Asafa Wako of Wako’s resort in Moyale Kenya.
We also have social entrepreneurs such as The Burji Anti-covid 19 team and Buruuj Training Institute. www.bti.ac.ke
We shall mention more in our upcomings eries of articles on Burjipreneurship and Burjipreneurs.
We encourage young Burjipreneurs to reach us and shout out about their hustles.
In Conclusion
Do not just be a mere businessman, be an entrepreneur.
Do not be a mere Entrepreneur, be a Burjipreneur.
Most important, do not be any Burjipreneur but be the one who cares for the society and environment.
In conclusion, you don’t have to be a Burji to be a Burjipreneur.
You simply need to uphold the above-mentioned values and ideals.
Next time kindly don’t forget to tag the young entrepreneurs also most of whom have combined education to use it in entrepreneurship
Thanks for your comment. We have an upcoming series of articles targeting Young Burjipreneurs. We want them to reach us and shout out about their hustle. Be the first!