The Role of Research in the Sisters Blended Value Project: A Conversation with Dr. David Mathuva

In recent years, Catholic Sisters across Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, and Tanzania have embarked on a transformative journey. Guided by the Sisters Blended Value Project (SBVP), these sisters are moving beyond traditional roles in ministry, stepping into the realm of social entrepreneurship to create sustainable change in their communities. But behind the scenes of the SBVP, research is a quiet yet powerful force driving its success. At the heart of this effort is Dr. David Mathuva, the SBVP’s Research Coordinator.

In a recent interview, Dr. Mathuva offered a glimpse into the crucial work that the research team is undertaking under his guidance. He described how research provides Sisters with insights, strategies, and frameworks to turn their ministries into self-sustaining social enterprises. This effort, he explained, doesn’t only enhance the sisters’ ability to serve their communities, but it also challenges conventional views of what Sisters can achieve as entrepreneurs.

Transforming Ministries through Research

For many, the idea of Catholic Sisters managing profitable businesses may seem unexpected, perhaps even improbable. Traditionally, their roles have been centered on ministry, education, and healthcare—endeavors often funded by donations and grants. However, a baseline survey conducted by the SBVP and funded by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation in early 2021 revealed several critical challenges that Sisters face in maintaining these ministries. These include dwindling donor funds, gaps in leadership skills, and limited organizational sustainability measures.

According to Dr. Mathuva, research plays a critical role in providing much-needed insights on factors that could contribute to successful transformation. By studying what works—and what doesn’t—in the realm of social enterprises, the team has generated a body of knowledge that guides the sisters on a path to sustainable, impactful ministry.

Beyond the Economics: Linking Faith and Social Enterprise

One of the most intriguing aspects of Dr. Mathuva’s work is exploring how faith intersects with social entrepreneurship. Many people view business purely through an economic lens, but for the sisters, these ventures are grounded in spirituality. Dr. Mathuva notes that while the goal is to create financially sustainable enterprises, these initiatives are also deeply rooted in compassion, service, and community values.

“We’ve learned that it’s not just about the economic side,” he said. “The social and spiritual dimensions make these enterprises unique.” By understanding how these elements interact, the research team is uncovering ways for the sisters to leverage their faith as a strength in the business world. This perspective not only sets them apart from traditional enterprises focused on profit maximization, but it also adds credibility to their work, fostering trust within their communities.

The insights gleaned from the research are directly benefiting Sisters across the region. In one instance, a group of Sisters developed an effective fundraising strategy for a large-scale hostel project valued at approximately  100 million Kenyan Shillings (approximately 110,000 USD). The research team guided specific fundraising strategies, empowering the sisters to approach potential donors with a clear, data-driven plan. Projects like this reveal the tangible impact of the SBVP’s research pillar on real-world initiatives.

Building a Knowledge Legacy: Research Outputs and Publications

Dr. Mathuva and his team have been prolific in their work, producing 43 research outputs in the past three years. These include research papers, case studies, white papers, and technical articles, all of which contribute to a growing knowledge base on sustainable social entrepreneurship within faith-based organizations.

 Among these outputs, 17 case studies stand out as a significant achievement. Published through the Strathmore Africa Case Center, these studies are freely accessible and provide detailed insights into sister-led enterprises. Topics range from agriculture and healthcare to innovative initiatives like organic farming and dragon fruit cultivation. One particularly compelling case involves a sister-led hospital transitioning from a Level 4 to a Level 5 facility, a move that reflects the scaling potential of these projects.

Dr. Mathuva emphasized that these case studies will outlive the SBVP, serving as educational resources for future generations. They document the sisters’ experiences and capture the challenges that they have faced and the creative solutions they have implemented to overcome them. For the sisters, these studies serve as a blueprint for success, offering valuable lessons on everything from financial planning to community engagement.

The team has also compiled these case studies into a comprehensive book—a case collection that showcases the diversity of the Sisters’ ventures. Dr. Mathuva described this collection as one of the most exciting aspects of the project, as it provides a lasting testament to what the Sisters have achieved through the SBVP.

Expanding Capacity and Creating Community

Capacity building is another critical component of the SBVP’s research pillar. Dr. Mathuva believes that the knowledge generated from their research should not remain confined to academic papers and case studies. Instead, it should be shared with as many people as possible, particularly those involved in faith-based social enterprises. To this end, the SBVP has integrated training programs that equip Sisters with the skills to apply research insights in their contexts.

To this extent, Dr. Mathuva highlighted the role of the Strathmore Africa Case Center (SACC) as a knowledge-sharing platform. Anyone can access the case studies through this center, complete with teaching notes that offer further insights into the sisters’ strategies. These resources benefit not only the sisters but also educators, students, and social entrepreneurs across the region who are interested in learning from these unique case studies.

The Road Ahead

As the SBVP continues to evolve, Dr. Mathuva is optimistic about the future. He envisions a time when the sisters’ enterprises will thrive independently, no longer reliant on grants but fully sustainable through sound business practices. The research team’s goal is to ensure that the sisters are equipped for today’s challenges and those they may face long after the SBVP has ended.

Reflecting on his experience, Dr. Mathuva expressed a deep sense of fulfillment. For him, the SBVP is more than just a project; it’s a journey that has brought together faith, compassion, and strategy to create lasting change. “This project has opened our minds,” he said. “For us as researchers, it’s been inspiring to see that you can bring religiosity into running successful social enterprises, and for the sisters, it’s a way to show the world they are capable of much more than people think.”

In the end, the Sisters Blended Value Project is not only transforming the lives of Catholic sisters, it’s redefining what it means to serve, lead, and innovate in the name of faith. Through research, capacity building, and a commitment to sustainability, the SBVP is lighting the path for a new generation of sister-led enterprises, empowering women of faith to build a brighter, more compassionate world.