Robisearch Limited CEO Robert Manyala Highlights Importance of Benchmarking and Networking

Story by Monyonge O’kebati

Robert Manyala, Chief Executive Officer of Robisearch Limited, has called on Kenyan entrepreneurs to embrace benchmarking and networking to drive innovation, improve business productivity and create employment opportunities.
Manyala said businesses could gain valuable insights by learning from successful enterprises locally and internationally, noting that exposure to new technologies and business practices helps entrepreneurs identify solutions to challenges affecting their operations.
He cited Robisearch Limited’s benchmarking visits to Israel, Egypt, China, South Africa and India as important learning experiences that have influenced the company’s approach to technology and business development.

Speaking about the importance of international exposure, Manyala said entrepreneurs could broaden their thinking by observing how other countries use technology to improve efficiency and develop innovative solutions.
“Your mind gets activated and opened when you see what other people are doing,” he said, encouraging business owners to seek opportunities to learn from others rather than operate in isolation.
Manyala highlighted India as one of the countries from which Kenyan businesses could draw lessons in technology development, innovation and infrastructure. He said the company’s recent benchmarking visit to the country, facilitated through the KCB Leadership Club, provided an opportunity to explore ideas that could be adapted to the Kenyan market.
He noted that benchmarking does not necessarily require travelling abroad, adding that entrepreneurs can learn from local industries, competitors and businesses that have developed effective ways of addressing similar challenges.
The Robisearch Limited CEO also emphasised the importance of networking through professional associations, chambers of commerce and business groups, saying such platforms enable entrepreneurs to exchange knowledge, build partnerships and discover new opportunities.
According to Manyala, stronger business networks can help small and medium-sized enterprises access information, improve their operations and develop solutions that respond to changing market needs.
He further called for the establishment of affordable innovation centres where young people, university graduates and entrepreneurs can access resources and training to develop practical technological solutions.
Manyala observed that Kenya had made considerable progress in digital technology adoption but needed to translate that progress into increased productivity, local manufacturing and sustainable employment opportunities.
He said Robisearch Limited was applying lessons from its benchmarking experiences to develop and deploy technology solutions, including enterprise resource planning systems, point-of-sale platforms, digital marketing services and visitor management systems.
Manyala urged Kenyan entrepreneurs to make continuous learning, benchmarking and networking integral to their business strategies, saying exposure to new ideas and collaboration could help local enterprises remain competitive in an increasingly technology-driven economy.