By MKT Reporter
Youthful entrepreneur and philanthropist Nick Mararo has sent a message of congratulations to the 2025 KCSE candidates who posted outstanding results, as well as KJSEA learners preparing to move into senior school, urging them to see education as a gateway to opportunity rather than a finish line.
In a statement issued after the release of the national results, Mararo singled out students from his home county of Nyeri and the wider Mount Kenya region, praising them for their determination and consistency in an education system that is undergoing rapid change. He said the region has continued to produce disciplined and competitive learners and encouraged all students across the country to remain focused, bold and open to new possibilities.
The Base Yetu Chief Executive Officer said Kenya must prioritize full transition to senior school while at the same time strengthening technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions.
He argued that in today’s economy, practical skills and adaptability often matter more than academic papers alone, especially in a world where Kenyan youth can compete for jobs far beyond the country’s borders.
Mararo called on both government and private sector players to invest heavily in modern training centers that equip young people with real-world, marketable skills.
He noted that industries such as construction, renewable energy, information technology, manufacturing and automotive engineering are struggling to find enough qualified workers, even as thousands of young people remain unemployed.
According to him, the solution lies in upgrading TVET colleges, aligning their curricula with international standards, and ensuring that students gain hands-on experience through structured attachments and partnerships with industry. “When training is practical and relevant, young people become job creators and global competitors,” he said.
Beyond advocacy, Mararo has been actively supporting youth through initiatives run under the Base Yetu brand.
These include enterprise incubation programs for young entrepreneurs, community sports projects aimed at talent development, and digital skills training that prepares youth for the online economy.
He also founded Lipalikes, a technology-driven platform designed to make payments easier and more flexible, especially for small businesses and young traders entering the market.
Mararo believes that blending entrepreneurship, technology and sports offers a powerful pathway for transforming young lives. He has often described the three as a “growth engine” capable of unlocking income, confidence and opportunity far faster than traditional approaches alone.
Widely regarded as one of the region’s rising business figures, Mararo has built his reputation around youth empowerment, innovation and grassroots engagement.
His philanthropic work has included sponsoring sports tournaments, supporting school programs and helping young startups access training and mentorship.
Looking ahead to the 2027 General Election, Mararo is preparing to contest the Nyeri senatorial seat.
He has been presenting himself as a new-generation leader focused on development, transparency and economic opportunity. Education, job creation and the modernization of county institutions form the backbone of his political message as he seeks to connect with young voters and working families.
By linking academic success with practical skills and entrepreneurship, Mararo says Kenya can turn its large youth population into its greatest economic strength rather than a growing challenge.
Suleiman Mbatiah 
James Wakahiu