Kenya, Africa On the road with Q-Point: Nairobi edition

𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆

The week kicked off with a progress meeting for our innovation project under the Netherlands Enterprise Agency’s (RVO) SBIR programme. We shared the progress made so far and discussed the next steps in developing our mobile water filtration unit. It was the perfect moment to hear some feedback from outside the project team again and take this forward.

𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆

Time for a conference! I attended the AccelerateHER Trade Summit 2.0, organised as part of CBI’s Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) programme in Kenya. One takeaway that particularly stood out was: ‘Markets reward preparedness, not just participation.’ A valuable reminder that being proactive can make all the difference.

𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆

A classic work-from-home day, balancing online meetings with a long to-do list. My main focus was drafting a proposal in response to a Terms of Reference opportunity we had identified. Always enjoyable to brainstorm different approaches and turn ideas into a concrete proposal!

𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆

While putting the finishing touches to the proposal, there was also time for a familiar tradition: catching up with the Netherlands Business Hub over coffee and cake. A great opportunity to reconnect, exchange ideas and enjoy some unexpected sunshine during Nairobi’s cooler season.

𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆

To round off the week, I attended an event on food systems organised by the Netherlands Food Partnership (NFP), followed by a networking reception – the perfect way to finish the working week.

Although there were no field visits or project trips this week, working from Nairobi remains a privilege. My favourite place to work from home? The balcony, overlooking the surprising amount of greenery the city has to offer.