Exposure to the internet has become more widespread in modern times and with the introduction of the laptop project in schools in Kenya, more and more children are learning how to navigate through cyberspace to access not only learning materials but also social media, games, music and videos. These sometimes come with a threat and one of the biggest concerns emerging is the online safety of underage children. For the last 8 years, Evelyn M. Kasina, an IT consultant has been working with parents to educate them on both the negatives and positive aspects of the internet. The 29-year old mother offers solutions that help them monitor what their children are doing and facilitates the mostly very painful and awkward conversation on matters to do with sex, drugs, pornography, gambling and radicalization.
According to Evelyn, children are becoming so hooked on gadgets, they don’t go out to play– they do video games instead and some of them have IS themes-guns and fighting, created by game franchises bought by IS. She mentions a few like War of Craft, Special Forces, Gift of IS and singles out Grand Theft Auto (GTA). GTA has certain levels where women and children are raped, men and whole communities from certain ethnic groups killed for a gamer to reach the next level. This is a way to de-sensitize children for easier radicalization. Some movies teach children how to hide and ingest drugs- a case in point being a 12 year old girl using tampons to take in drugs without the mother’s knowledge.
She continues to point out other dangers lurking, like cyber bullying, child sex predators and abductors who follow information posted on social media by children and sometimes parents to get photos and locations. Evelyn talks to MKAZI about her passion to protect and educate children and her journey to entrepreneurship.
Tell us about yourself
Firstly, I am a wife and mother of two – a son who is almost five and a two year old daughter. I am also a young aggressive, self-driven entrepreneur, an ICT Consultant and a Network Security Expert.” The geek Diva” if you will. I am excited about the dynamics technology is bringing forth in our day to day lives and I seek to secure and safeguard the internet and the content within to add value and productivity. I offer IT consultancy that enhances brand visibility with an edge while keeping abreast with modern trends and ensuring your valuable data is secure. I am the lead consultant at Eveminet Communication Solutions Limited where we are setting the standards in ICT solutions. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Kenya Methodist University.
Tell us about your journey in business. What inspired you to start?
The internet has huge possibilities as well as disadvantages, and I decided to be the solution to the problems. I sought to create awareness to the older generation as the youth were embracing it so fast causing a huge gap with parents not knowing how to protect their children. My other main reason was to create an environment where we are raising a responsible generation by securing the cyber space and enhancing productivity. I tell parents not to abdicate their duty to talk to their children, teach them values so that even when they are outside the home they know right from wrong and the consequences. If they don’t have that conversation with them, someone else on the internet will. On this front my son was a huge contributor. I started engaging with parents after he was born. I want my children to grow up in an environment that is safe.
What resources did you start with (people, money, premises, etc.) and how did you use them?
I started my business from a bedroom in my house and I did that for over a year. Fortunately having worked in government I had access to a loan from my SACCO shares. My seed capital was Ksh.500, 000. My husband was and still is a great source financially, emotionally and intellectually. On the onset I was the CEO, accountant, HR, cleaner- everything. Through networking I’ve been able to get other service providers to leverage on like an accountant, a lawyer, a human resources manager, on an exchange program (we offer services to each other instead of paying cash) which has taken a huge load off me. I use them to create cohesion and structured systems within my business.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
Networking – word of mouth referrals and social media. Being an ICT consultant I use different online platforms to spread the word. I also use main stream media interviews and community leaders like church leaders. Currently, I am doing a lot of church seminars to reach parents. I also want to engage internet service providers so that we offer security as part of the package, schools for an IT awareness day and other institutions that are custodians of children.
What have been your biggest challenges so far with running your business and how do you overcome them?
Wow! That’s a toughie! Business is not a bed of roses. Some of the challenges I have encountered are human resources. I dealt with that by allowing a professional firm to handle my recruitment and have an image consultant handle the orientation. Acquiring the ability to communicate effectively and efficiently on my expectations and vision was another challenge. This is to ensure I get the correct people with the right attitude in the company. I also prefer a more practical approach so I no longer rely on a CV alone – I give the interviewee a small project to gauge their productivity before engaging them. Another major issue I have faced is project contracts but I have a go-getter lawyer who has covered me on all matters legal.
Tell us about your team.
It’s vibrant, it’s young and full of energy. We are all working towards the same goal and mandate and we support each other and upscale each other’s strength. Being a team of young people, there is a lot of determination and willingness to grow. We take time to have a little fun and unwind. In future I’d like to have a training incubation hub where I get youth from campus, train and hire the best after they graduate.
What do you love most about running your own business?
Oh, when I see a client very happy and satisfied because of my input, and to see companies grow and embrace technology. I also feel fulfilled when the youth are not being exposed to unhealthy website content that goes against our values or causes them harm. That’s simply amazing. Getting big fat cheques and signing contracts is always the cherry on top. But ultimately seeing lives transformed and people embracing technology positively is truly great.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
I pray and allow myself to cry if I need to but I look at the experience as a learning curve. I don’t believe in sulking; if I failed I have an avenue to raise and do it again… in any case it’s my brand and I won’t let it collapse.
What’s the biggest lesson you have ever learned?
Trust takes time. It’s been beneficial to patiently build relationships like a farmer and not be a hunter. Also do things on value.
How has your life changed since you got into business?
I have a whole new outlook to life. I now choose whom to spend my time with and I have learnt to say NO. I have known the company to keep because it shapes my character. I also don’t have much of a social life. I make calculated risks and I am definitely more responsible and innovative. I now know it’s true that wisdom comes with age. I thank God for what he blesses me with.
If you could go back in time, what would you do differently?
Nothing.
Where do you see your business five years from now?
I would like to reach a stage where I am making decisions at the policy level. We need women to be more vocal on matters technology so that if a machine is being installed at a school it is mandatory to have security and everyone has to comply. In five years I see myself as a consultant on various boards creating and implementing ICT policy.
How do you keep a good work/life balance?
I have accepted that work isn’t everything and I make it a purpose to create family time and me time. I have ensured I have systems working for me. There is no perfect human so I don’t expect perfectionism. I work out or go for a walk and wake up early to catch up with any reading.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Work smart don’t tire yourself working hard. Women entrepreneurs shouldn’t complain that jobs and opportunities are not there: that’s not true. MAKE YOURSELF AVAILABLE. Purpose to seek and fish out the opportunities yourselves. Be confident and work on merit, the rules out here are somewhat different for women.
Generally believe in yourself before you try and convince others to believe in you. Have an open mind when being given feedback and be consistent. There is a notion that Kenyans are a copy and paste society; we all need to change that and strive to be original. Lastly, don’t give excuses, always make sure you deliver.
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