Aly Khan Satchu, CEO, Rich Management

The climax of the Investment Week organized by Students Finance Association (SFA) and Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) and ran from 20th to 23rd February 2008 was the young investors conference held on Saturday 23rd February. The conference began with Aly Khan Satchu – CEO, Rich Management discussing the importance of investing in one's youth and the significant impact this will have in the long run.

The Inter-varsity Stock Market Competition, an initiative of Smart Youth Investments Ltd was among the day's highlights.  The competition will involve all universities countrywide. It is an exact simulation of the daily trading at the Nairobi Stock Exchange.  There are 500,000 virtual shillings available for trading to each team of four students from every university.

The competition will begin on 1st May 2008 and will run until 31st October 2008.  Catherine Gitonga, the firm's Director urged students to embrace the opportunity to empower themselves with investment skills.  For more details, visit www.younginvestors.co.ke

Mr David Owino, Investment Manager of Centum Investment Company, formerly known as ICDC-I gave an enlightening and interactive presentation on 'How to Make a Stock Pick'. He emphasized  the importance of buying a business rather than just a stock when investing in the stock exchange.  Quoting Warren Buffet, he said long-term value of stockholding is determined by economic progress of the specific business rather than stock market fluctuations that are often influenced by speculation.

Other industry participants who graced the event were Odhiambo Ocholla – Manager, Investment Banking and Fund Management, Suntra Investment Bank; and Anne Muchiri – Director, Drummond Investment Bank.

Students in Free Enterprise Club (SIFE) also invited one of its project teams – Youth Environmental Alliance, to the investment week exhibition.  Youth Environmental Alliance a community based organization that makes and sells environmental-friendly products located in Makadara.  It is registered with the One Stop Youth Centre. One of their most innovative inventions is the option light – an energy saving lamp that uses cooking oil to light.