Young people hoping to start businesses have been urged to stop waiting for the “perfect time” and begin with what they have after a frank interview aired on Mwelekeo TV featuring businessman Patrick Karzola and host Lorna Kadide.
In the discussion, Patrick shared the wins, losses and lessons that shaped his journey from a University of Nairobi student to the director of a cleaning company.
He said one of the biggest myths in business is that people must first get huge capital before making a move.
Start somewhere
Patrick said he began in 2015 while still in campus after joining an investment group where members contributed Ksh500 every month. He later took a loan from the group, bought his first pool table and paid it back within a month.
“Capital is usually an excuse. Start with what you have and grow from there,” he said.
He explained entrepreneurship as seeing an opportunity, taking action and being ready for both profit and losses.
Patrick also spoke openly about failure, revealing that one of his car wash ventures lost Ksh400,000. Still, he said losses should not scare people because they often come with lessons that help improve the next move.
He noted that many people give up too fast after starting, yet some businesses can take time before bringing returns.
Growth takes people
The businessman also encouraged young people to work with others instead of trying to carry every burden alone.
He said raising Ksh1 million may look hard for one person, but becomes easier when several partners combine resources and ideas.
“Do not be selfish with ideas. Bring people on board and build together,” he said.
Patrick added that many clients come through referrals, making relationships and trust important in business growth.
He also shared one of his biggest regrets, saying he once closed a fish business to look for employment in a bank. With time, he realised the job environment did not allow him to fully explore his potential.
On marketing, he said business and technology now go hand in hand, with many customers preferring to discover services and place orders online through platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.
Beyond making money, Patrick said business can also change lives by creating jobs, helping families pay school fees and keeping young people busy and focused.
The interview is another example of how Mwelekeo TV continues to host practical conversations that speak directly to everyday Kenyans looking for real solutions.