Nairobi, June 1 -- I learnt a valuable lesson by observing business owners at a popular market in Karen. I noticed that each contributed a small amount of money at the end of each day for water supply and general cleaning. The market was very clean as a result.

A few years later when the market was burnt down, I found out that the hair salon owners collaborated and contributed to get a bigger space in a nearby commercial building.

I was very impressed and wanted to learn more from them. I was curious to learn how competitors serving the same clientele were able to collaborate and operate separate businesses on the same premises.

I asked more about their structure and here is what I learnt. The expenses like rent and cleaning were share...