The Kiri Group: A Social Enterprise Tackling Poverty in Kenya

Makena Wanjiru, chair of Kiri Mount Kenya Conservation Network and Resource Centre (Kiri), wondered whether turning Kiri’s loans business into a co-operative bank would be in the group’s best interest. The challenge was to convince the rest of the board members of the idea. The board of directors would meet on July 18, 2019. Wanjiru had to draft a report before then explaining how the idea was consistent with the group’s current strategy and would benefit Kiri for years to come. Wanjiru also needed to consider strategies to grow Kiri’s agribusiness beyond the Mount Kenya community.

This case is suitable at both undergraduate and graduate levels for use in core or elective courses on social enterprise, sustainable development, and sustainability. The case can be used to accompany or supplement discussions on environmental analysis and/or the overall strategy formulation process of social enterprises. It can also fit into discussions about growth strategies, strategic decision-making, and market entry strategies—all in the context of social enterprises. After working through the case and assignment questions students will be able to do the following: <ul><li> Discuss the challenges facing social enterprises in developing countries as they attempt to expand their market base. </li><li>Understand organizational and environmental analysis, strategy evaluation, and market entry strategies, all in the context of social enterprises in Africa.</li><li>Develop an understanding of social enterprises in developing countries, including their unique business models, strategic orientations, and decision-making process.</li></ul>

• Social enterprise
• Agribusiness
• Cooperative bank
• Saving and Credit cooperatives
• Kenya