Strathmore University Business School Hosts Inaugural Regional Social Entrepreneurship Research Symposium

On October 31st, Strathmore University Business School hosted its first-ever Regional Social Entrepreneurship Research Symposium, an event designed to advance knowledge and innovation in the social enterprise sector. Organized by the Sisters Blended Value Project (SBVP), the symposium brought together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, civil society members, and private sector players, creating a vital platform for exploring sustainable social entrepreneurship.

Organized by the Sisters Blended Value Project (SBVP), the symposium aimed to foster collaboration among interdisciplinary researchers, practitioners, policymakers, civil society, and private sector players, offering a vital platform for sharing ideas and strategies in sustainable social entrepreneurship.

Led by the SBVP Principal Investigator Angela Ndunge, Co-PI Nancy Njiraini and Research Coordinator Dr. David Mathuva, the symposium underscored the Business School’s commitment to developing sustainable, community-focused social enterprises. The theme, “Transforming Social Ministry into Sustainable Social Enterprises,” highlighted how social ministries can evolve into impactful, self-sustaining enterprises that meet community needs.

The symposium featured two powerful keynote addresses; Josephine Kangogo, Chairperson of the Association of Sisters of Kenya (AOSK) and The Centre for Research in Religious Life and Apostolate (CERRA-AFRICA), opened with a session titled “Transforming Social Ministries to Sustainable Social Enterprises.” Her insights illustrated how social ministries can achieve lasting impact through sustainable practices while addressing pressing community issues.

Professor Seun Kolade of Sheffield Business School, UK, then took the guests through a session on “The Role of Spiritual Capital in the Transformation of Social Enterprises.” Prof. Kolade examined how spiritual values can both empower and challenge social enterprises, sparking thoughtful discussions on how spirituality and business practices intersect to foster resilient social ventures.

An engaging panel discussion added further depth to the symposium, featuring experts such as Dr. Dele Osunmakinde, Dr. Sally Kah, Kenneth Ndua, Juliana Ndunge, Maurice Abiero, Betty Ngala, and Celestine Nasiali. Panelists discussed the “triple bottom line” of social entrepreneurship—People, Planet, and Profit. Dr. Dele Osunmakinde emphasized that sustainable social enterprises should prioritize thriving communities, adopt eco-friendly practices, and ensure financial viability.

Throughout the symposium, participants also delved into impactful research findings, such as “The Effects of Training and Development on the Sustainability of Social Enterprises” and “Spiritual and Religious Capital in Catholic Sister-Run Social Enterprises.” These studies offered insights into how training, human development, and spiritual capital can significantly enhance the resilience and sustainability of social enterprises.

Strathmore Business School’s Regional Social Entrepreneurship Research Symposium exemplifies the school’s dedication to driving change and advancing impactful solutions within the East African social entrepreneurship ecosystem. As Sr. Dr. Josephine Kangogo eloquently stated, “When the mind and heart resonate and courageously pursue their inspiration, humanity is filled with incredible possibilities.”

This inaugural event sets the stage for ongoing collaboration and innovation, furthering SBS’s mission to cultivate sustainable and socially impactful enterprises.

Learn more about the Sisters Blended Value Project (SBVP) here

Article by Juliet Hinga