Abstract

Learning Outcomes

This case study explores the challenges and opportunities of managing multiple social enterprises while ensuring long-term sustainability. It aims to help students understand the principles of sustainable leadership and governance in mission-driven organizations. Students will analyze the financial and operational performance of different social enterprises and evaluate strategies for scaling revenue-generating projects. They will also examine the role of resilience and adaptability in sustaining enterprises through crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the case highlights the importance of balancing social impact with financial sustainability in social entrepreneurship.

Case overview

The case highlights the successes and challenges the Missionary Benedictine Sisters (MBS) in Karen, Kenya have had in running their various social enterprises. It appears that the mainstream projects run by MBS have been performing well, including weathering the covid-19 pandemic successfully. For instance, the dispensary and the agri-farm came in handy during the pandemic and were able to generate sufficient revenue to sustain the congregation over the period. Whereas there are some projects that require some support, such as the dairy farm, they are still performing well. The main challenge for MBS is scaling the projects to ensure that they expand their revenue generating capacity and are able to reach out to more people. This is the main concern for the sisters at MBS.

The case aims to bring out sustainable leadership considerations when running multiple social enterprises. The sustainability aspect of the projects is brought out, with those projects experiencing some challenges highlighted.

Complexity academic level

The case is designed for a course in social entrepreneurship and may be taught to either an upper-level undergraduate and/or graduate audience. The teaching note has been thoughtfully designed to guide instructors through the available options in terms of learning objectives, discussion questions and suggested teaching activities. The case also may be integrated into sustainability courses in Executive/corporate leadership development programmes or social enterprise programmes.

Supplementary Materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Keywords

Sustainable leadership and governance, social entrepreneurship, enterprise performance and enterprise growth.

Citation

Ndunge, A., Njiraini, N., & Mathuva D. (2024). Missionary Benedictine Sisters - Karen: Leading multiple social entrepreneurship projects. Strathmore Africa Case Center. https://doi.org/10.70268/SACC-10-24-35

Publisher: Strathmore Africa Case Centre

Copyright © 2024, Strathmore Africa Case Centre

Category : Case

Author : Angela Ndunge,Nancy Njiraini,David Mathuva

Publisher : Strathmore University

Document ID : SACC-10-24-35