My Story: Meet Innocent Paluget, former street boy now running a successful study abroad agency!

In summary;

• Innocent is 32 years old
• Comes from Cheranga'ny in Trans Nzoia County
• Once became a street boy in Eldoret and Nairobi
•  Tried his hands in various businesses
• Moved abroad to work
• Came back and founded a study abroad agency

Story by: John Kipchirchir

Life, they say has its bits of ups and downs. This is an analogy that can be well described by Mr. Innocent Kipkemboi Paluget, CEO and founder of Oneteam Career Coaches a study abroad agency with branches in Eldoret and Kericho. He has seen it all, been there and done that! 

Earlier this week, this writer had the opportunity to sit down with the CEO and compiled the following report.

Innocent Kipkemboi Paluget (Photo Courtesy)

Who is Paluget?

I am Innocent Kipkemboi Paluget, founder Oneteam Career Coaches, an agency that focuses on students who wish to further their studies abroad. I come from Trans Nzoia County, Cheranga'ny from a village known as Kipkeikei. 

Tell us, how was it growing up in Cheranga'ny, your academic journey?

I was raised by a single mom. we came from a humble family. My mom (may she rest in peace) was a primary school teacher and due to her being transferred from time to time, we were changing schools. Personally, I schooled in seven primary schools before finally sitting my KCPE at my local school, Kipkeikei Primary. Later, I joined Kipkeikei Secondary school, a day school for my high school education.

For my post secondary education, I joined a college in Eldoret where I did a KNEC diploma in business management before pursuing a diploma course in mass media and communication at St. Paul's University. I did my Bachelor's in the same institution and pursued the same course.

I saw somewhere that you made an attempt in the music career. How did that go?

I saw dust! When I lost my mother, things got tough for us. at some point, I ended up in the streets of Eldoret and Nairobi. This is a very long story and brings up some bad memories for me. It is when I was down that I realized that I had to hustle hard. For seven good years, I tried my hand in music. That is one hectic field with a lot of gatekeepers. I respect musicians because I know what it takes before one get's recognized in that field. By the way, I have tried my hands in several other businesses too. I tried my hand in music production, I founded Zion Media Empire (ZME) it flopped, a shop, a play station center, a barber shop. All these businesses failed. I did not let these failures define who I am.

What did you do next?

After unsuccessfully trying my hand in all these businesses, I opted to try something new. I travelled abroad to the UK. While there, I did various jobs, travelled to many countries around Europe and it is when I realized that there are very many opportunities out there. That is how Oneteam Career coaches idea was born. I realized that it was easier for our people to conquer new territories through pursuit of knowledge and work abroad. Living outside there broadened my scope on how to do things differently.

Oneteam Career Coaches links its clientele to schools around the world. Apart from that, we also train our students in foreign languages such as German, Arabic, French, offer IELTS and offer care giving courses. 

You were flirting with the idea of Majuu Sacco, would you care to elaborate on that?

Majuu Sacco came about on the realization that majority of parents sending their kids abroad had to part away with their property to finance the journey. You know moving abroad can sometimes be an expensive venture. some governments are asking for bank statements of up to Ksh. 6 million to issue student visas. This Sacco, would operate like other saccos in the country and would be regulated by the relevant state agencies, however, the main focus would be to give an opportunity to those seeking to travel abroad for further studies to save, get loans and the Sacco to stand in, in terms of provision of solid statements to those seeking to travel abroad. It would also provide a safe basis for those abroad who want to save their money back home. At the moment, the Sacco is still under the registration process, we are hopeful that soon things would get running.

What is your vision?

I have a vision of educating and empowering our people. When I started this company, I never knew how big it would grow. Each time we attend a farewell party for a student we are sending abroad, I always get emotional by seeing how hopeful and happy parents are. This gives me true satisfaction. My aim is to change the society in my own small way. In conformity to the 48 Laws of power, Law number 4 states that we should always state or say less than is necessary, I wish to state that my vision is to see the company grow beyond our borders. 

What would you advise fellow youth trying to venture into business?

Business is not about money, it is about the desire to build a brand that outlives you. Start small with what you have, fail! Learn, unlearn and repeat the process until that day when you succeed. Never forget that as an entrepreneur, you are on your own and it is upon you to find your own niche, counting on others is a recipe for constant disappointments. 

Parting shot

I wish all of you God's blessings. I am a believer and I put God first in every decision or every step I take. In the book of Habakkuk 2:3 it says; for a vision awaits an appointed time. Do not fear to start as the book of Isaiah 60:22 states that, one shall become a thousand, and small one a strong nation. I the Lord will hasten it in time!

One team Career Coaches is located in Eldoret Safina Plaza, 1st floor room F2 (0725403096) and AGC Bethany Centre Kericho opposite family Bank (0728545835)