1) The author details their journey being mentored by Laxminarayan Hariharan, who helped connect them to professional opportunities in procurement through a WhatsApp group. This included seminars, research presentations, and internship opportunities. 2) Through daily guidance and challenges from their mentor, the author's knowledge of supply chain management and networking skills grew significantly. Their mentor connected them to international conferences and job opportunities. 3) Over the past year, the mentorship has transformed the author's career prospects and approach to life. They are now focused on achieving international certification and inspiring others through mentorship.

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MY MENTORSHIP JOURNEY
Introduction
Africa is a continent with great opportunities though it’s comprised of opportunities for all.
Despite these, the procurement sector is not very established hence few professionals. It has no
highly functional, efficient and professionalized procurement systems for instance, inefficient
and less proficient procurement regulatory body because of understaffed and weak regulatory
framework. The governments are not supportive during implementation of the procurement laws
and institutionalizing supply chains, few and unqualified practitioners perform their functions in
the traditional manner.
My special thanks to one of the student colleague from Maseno University who realized the
fragmented and derailed supply chains and decided to form a whats-app group duped
"procurement specialists" that was aimed at uniting young and student professionals from
various institutions in Kenya. This is the group that I met this great MENTOR whom to me I
refer as "sir" Laxminarayan Hariharan from United Arab Emirates. This man is rich in
knowledge in supply chain management and general life skills above all I respect him for his
openness, patience and the heart to uplift those who deserve.
CAREER TRANSFORMATION
Since 28/12/2014 (during formation of the whatsapp group), several events, opportunities,
insights, inspirations have unfolded. Through the guidance of sir laxminarayan in the whatsapp
group, we managed to host a big procurement seminar in February 2015 at the University of
Nairobi where a few procurement practitioners in Kenya including CIPS representative in Kenya
Mr. Felix Muema, were invited to tackle and present to students on various topical issues in
procurement.
laxminarayan also challenged the student to make a small write up on "HOW I WILL
ENLIGHTEN MYSELF TOWARDS MY VISION FOR KENYA" and ten(10) winners with
good write ups were awarded ksh.1000 each I (Sitawa Micah) being among the winners. Since
then we have held various regional meetings that are aimed at equipping young professionals
with different skills through research and presentations. The meeting also enabled networking
between students and potential employers. This opened up avenues and linkages for internships
and employment opportunities. He has created insights, dedication and commitment in me
through his daily posts on CIPS Facebook, LinkedIn pages and on whats app group. I am
motivated and enlightened on supply chain issues that are crucial to my profession. He is a
committed mentor who loves seeing me grow together with others.
Other whatsapp groups have since been created that houses different regions in Kenya i.e.
coastal, western, Nairobi, Rift valley, Nyanza which have already held their first annual seminars
from their respective regions.
He has challenged us on various groups to identify topics, research on them and present on
various groups at a scheduled time on daily basis. The topics include trending financial news

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both in Kenya and internationally, energy and oil price changes and other economic news.
Interactive daily sessions on whats-app have been established where we ask questions on various
life issues and more so on supply chain practice which he answers professionally.
He has connected three Kenyans to scholarships and jobs through his networks.
PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Throughout the one year I have been so close to mentor laxminarayan, my approach and
perception towards my career and my life has positively been influenced.
My motivation has increased and learned that giving up in life is the most suicidal decision I can
ever make in life.
Daily morning inspirational messages always change my day’s attitude.
Through one of the regional meetings I attended, I got an internship which I had searched for
long without success which am still doing to date even after my graduation courtesy of my
mentor for his advice on importance of networking.
My knowledge in supply chain has increased and now I can proudly say that he has raised me to
a person of international caliber therefore testify that I can work anywhere in procurement field.
This is as a result of tackling topical issues in international procurement i.e. incoterms,
international documentations, international legal procedures, procurement problems
that international purchasers face and their solutions among many procurement issues.
Patience, determination and hard work are now part of me in situations where my trials in
anything deems not achievable.
To wrap it all, he has invited me to a CIPS conference in Dubai that is happening sometimes late
in April 2016. He promised to facilitate me both socially and financially to ensure that I get
exposure, networks and a different focus in life. He has promised to pay the conference fees, pay
for my one day tour in Dubai city, and another day of meeting with professionals.
I therefore say 'big up' to him for the kind heart with his encouraging statement "your success my
priority".
MY FUTURE FOCUS
I am optimistic that through his continuous mentor-ship, my profession will be nurtured more to
align it to the international standards where i can work in any country.
I also intent to register and undertake the globally accepted course (CIPS examination)by may
this year to achieve international career competitiveness.
My dream to be a renowned job creator also remains at top gear.

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Am inspired too to a level that am looking forward to inspire, motivate and educate other people.
Thank you,
Micah Collines Sitawa
(Procurement practitioner from Kenya)
Phone number: +254704178893
Email: micahcollines@gmail.com