“Douglas is a humble and ambitious young guy who comes from a humble background and is determined to achieve his goals. My driving values are trustworthiness, responsibility, reliability and integrity. I have experienced challenges in life including staying out of school for financial reasons but that never killed my dreams. After pushing harder, I was able to complete high school, university and now in my graduate school. I’m ambitious because I believe I can achieve my dream; If not 100%, 70% achievement is a pass for me. I value education especially that I don’t have any unique talent to brag about so I will do anything to acquire a PhD, in International Trade for that matter. This will also back my passion for international business as well as add credit to my chances of being part of the re-known consultants with international organizations such as World Trade Organization and World Bank. This is part of my dream. Other than that, I also have a great passion for youth development and community service.”
You were born in Homa Bay in Nyanza, how you would describe your childhood.
I was born in Homa Bay in Nyanza region, sent to primary school in Othaya in Central Kenya and high school in Nairobi, the capital city. I don’t come from a rich family as people always think, but am determined to change this fact. In fact, my life is a mixture of rural and urban. This has given me a clear perspective of life and I appreciate interacting with street children, slum youth as well as sons and daughters of Members of Parliament, Ambassadors among others. Have you ever lived in a slum? Quite interesting life but that’s for another day. I will definitely wish that my wife and children enjoy a high-end lifestyle……if you know what I mean.
You are an international business consultant what does your job entail?
A young one for that matter….hahahaha! I facilitate international business negotiations and partnerships, provide professional representation for corporate, advise on Asian and East African business culture and customs that usually pose challenges in international business. I help in identifying new opportunities and through my website, I provide a platform for entrepreneurs to promote their products as well as avail the investment opportunities to potential investors. Also important to mention is the team am working with, a team that help in facilitating foreign language translation. In the near future, I hope to facilitate global tours for businessmen who are benchmarking World’s leading companies in South Korea, such as Samsung. If you analyze the current trend in international trade, you will have noted a paradigm shift from West to East in regards to Africa’s international business engagements. East Asia has a growing interest to do business with Africa and the demand is economically magnificent. For example, China, South Korea and Japan are expanding their markets visibility in Africa and it is important to know how to work with them considering the language and cultural differences.
You currently are studying Korean Language and MBA (International Business) in South Korea. What are some of the things you feel Kenya could emulate from the Korean education system?
Korea has only one language which is used from birth to….death. Kenya alone has over 30 languages (laughing). Korean schools have very good and modern facilities that pertain to the faculty in question. Small lecturer-student ratio enables excellent delivery of lectures and better academic supervision. The lecturers-students relationship is something rather casual, at least in my department. This enables a better understanding between students and lecturers. So students will open up and feel free to discuss ranging issues they feel are pediment in their academic life. It is common to drink with the supervisors….. Use of social media is very welcomed in S. Korea. Our lecturers sometimes pass assignment questions via facebook or Kakao Talk (Commonly used in Asia, it is an app for chatting and calling for free). We discuss and have meetings through this Kakao Talk even on weekends.
What do you think are some of the factors derailing development in Africa?
That’s a good question. Africa is by far the most naturally endowed continent in the World. It is the World’s richest continent in term of natural resources. Imagine, it has approximately of 50% of World’s gold, 90% of cobalt, 40% of World’s potential hydroelectric power, 65% of the manganese, it possesses most of World’s diamond and chromium, just to mention a few. Yet it is sad that Africa is laid back in economic development and a home of World’s most improvised people.
Africa is not cursed. In my opinion, the main problem derailing development in Africa is poor governance. We say so much yet deliver so little; we are still fighting amongst ourselves, still corrupt among other form of indecent governance. We have allowed politics to divide us rather than concentrate in economic activities that can uplift our economy. Our policies have allowed dumping and import of fakes or low quality products into our markets hence killing our domestic industries. The net results are unemployment, unfair competition for our domestic products, and in the long run we still cannot afford to change our negative Balance Of Payment (BOP) position. (This is where a country imports more than she exports, which is very bad for any economy).
I also feel that we lose a lot when we are not keen on international trading with other international partners such that we allow them to take more from us. This is debatable depending with your country. Proper international trade is vital for any economy. Look at Dubai for instance…..
You are very passionate about education, how can Africa use education to capitalize on its demographic dividend?
Let me start by quoting Nelson Mandela. He said, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the World”. A well educated person has the power that cannot diminish with age, geographical location, or any other factor. Africa needs engineers, researchers, innovators, medical doctors, pilots, etc. As opposed to talents, technical sector of the economy purely depends on educated people, and that is why education must be stressed. Not just education but quality education that is accessible and affordable.
You were selected 2012 Global Korean Government Scholarship Graduate Scholar, 2008 United States International University Bachelor’s Scholarship , Honoured by British Council as among top 60 Global Change makers of 2012 , National Level Judge for ‘Presidential Green Awards’ an initiative of National Environmental Trust Fund, 2012 and more. What do you attribute your success to?
Before I answer your question, I must say that it is a great honour for the United States International University, British Council and Korean Government for trusting and believe in me. I sincerely thank them for the opportunity. First and foremost, I attribute my success to God. Secondly, is humility, hardworking, passion and zeal to make a difference in my life, that of my family and people around me. I ensure I use my leadership qualities and energy for my community while still young as well as preparing for the bigger and more challenging tasks ahead. You never know….hahaha!
You have travelled alot outside Kenya, what would you say is your most memorable experience?
I haven’t travelled much yet (Smile)…….hopefully I will travel more. Of all the destinations, South Korea is my most memorable. You know why? It was the longest of all my flights (12 hours 40 minutes direct flight) and also because S. Korea is the only country where for the first time, I could not communicate at all during my first few days. Imagine I don’t know Korean and Koreans don’t know English. I knew only one Korean word, ‘Anyong haseyo?’ which simply means ‘How are you?’ So I go to a restaurant and everything is written in Korean. The foods are totally different and cultures are wide apart. I remember buying soda for dinner simply because I didn’t know what to eat. I missed home on my first week in South Korea but now am fine and kicking. I appreciate the differences and learning something new. I now know why life expectancy in Korea is about 80 years, why they respect and keep time, and why they are one of the best to do business with. It is obvious that the World’s leading electronic giant is Korea’s Samsung. There are many things people don’t know about South Korea. In fact, this is the best place to have landed at for business studies and ‘beyond’.
You’ve been involved in leadership from a young age, what would you say are the core principals of a good leader?
Understanding your role as a leader to meet the needs of the people you are leading and ability to work in tandem with your people. This enhances team spirit and ownership of the project at hand. Mine has also worked for me because of humility and creating trust amongst the people I work with.
If you were president of Kenya for a day which three things you would change? And why?
A President for a day? Wow…..a day may not make any significant difference but assuming it would, I would ensure both internal and external security for Kenya as a sovereign state. This would represent the true face of Kenya as oasis for settlement, destination for trade, investments and tourism. Secondly is good governance. I will ensure proper use of public resources for the benefits of the community not individuals. This would include intense fight against corruption and equal distribution of resources. As I said earlier, Africa is poorly developed because of mismanagement of resources. Not until we sincerely and rightfully utilize our resources, we will be forced to forget about development. The last is youth development. With about 70% of Kenya’s population being the youth, I will strengthen and ensure we have functional social and economic institutions that provide education, nurture talents, sports, and entrepreneurship as well as mitigate social challenges facing the youth such as drug and substance abuse, sexual reproductive health, among others. With this sorted out, Kenya as a whole will start to realize social development where everyone is empowered to live a better lifestyle. We’ll have a bargaining power in international negotiation platforms and eventually stop begging for donations, but rather 50-50 partnerships.
Who are your top 3 role models in Africa?
Former Secretary General to the United Nations, Hon. Koffi Annan; Former President of South Africa, Hon. Nelson Mandela and the immediate former Prime Minister of Kenya, Hon. Raila Odinga.
What is your favourite pastime?
After a considerably hard labour, I will listen to Music and find somewhere to swimming and relax
What music do you listen to?
I mostly listen to gospel hip-hop and classic music. I also like my traditional Luo songs.
Which book are you currently reading at the moment?
A book? Wow….since I came to Korea, I have been concentrating of studying and practising Korean language and business operations in Korea. I’m soon buying Napoleon Hill’s ‘Think and Grow Rich’ which was recommended by my mentor, Madi Sharma of European Economic and Social Committee, Belgium. You know her right?
How can young people connect with you?
Skype: Douglas.Owino
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.douglas-owino.com
