Family Business Executive Programme Orientation

Last week, Strathmore University Business School (SBS) welcomed over 20 family business owners as the 12th cohort of the Family Business Executive Programme kicked off. The orientation session set the stage for a transformative journey focused on sustainable growth, collaboration, and long-term impact.

Raymond Mutura, the Programme’s Academic Director, opened with a powerful reminder of family enterprises’ unique role in Africa’s development. “Only we understand Africa’s challenges,” he noted, “so we must build businesses that stand independently—because our solutions lie within us.” He urged participants to reflect deeply on governance, succession planning, and purpose, framing the family as the foundation of society and a driver of economic progress.

Unlike traditional businesses, family firms often balance profitability with what scholars call social-emotional wealth—values like legacy, unity, and stability across generations. This dual focus makes them resilient but also introduces complexities the programme is designed to address.

Drawing on SBS’s research networks and practical expertise, the curriculum prepares participants for today’s volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environment. A key component is personalized mentorship, where experienced coaches guide families in applying classroom insights to real-world challenges, from tax strategy to conflict resolution. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all answers, the programme fosters self-discovery, helping participants uncover their “a-ha” moments to align business and family goals.

As Cohort 12 begins this journey, SBS reaffirms its mission: to equip family businesses with the knowledge, networks, and tools to thrive for generations. The Programme’s blend of global best practices, local case studies, and interactive learning—through peer exchanges, workshops, and coaching—ensures participants leave with actionable strategies tailored to their unique legacies and ambitions.

Learn more about the Family Business Executive Programme here

Article by Miriam Wafula