Karibu Kenya – Global Market Research in Action: ITC Interns Travel to Kenya

University of Missouri Trulaske College of Business International Trade Center Student Interns traveled to Nairobi, Kenya to wrap up their Fall 2024 global market research consulting project with Heron Group (Chicago, IL) and Kentegra Biotechnology (U.S. and Kenya). This was an amazing opportunity elevating the students’ experience-centered learning by further developing cross cultural competencies while visiting Kenya.

Students presented their Final Project Presentation to company representatives from Kentegra Biotechnology. Kentegra works hand-in-hand with more than 35,000 Kenyan farmers to produce premium grade Pale Refined Extract (PRE) for home and garden, agriculture and pharmaceuticals.

ITC Interns shared findings from their customized global market research highlighting the company’s six potential markets of interest providing analysis on the business environment, industry insights and market contacts and sale leads. James Bianco, Kevin Fan, Catherine Hinkebein and Alexandra Tucker did a fantastic job, and represented the ITC and Trulaske College of Business wonderfully. 

The group toured Kentegra’s facilities and had the opportunity to speak with some of their contract farmers. Everyone in the group were moved by Madam Lydia’s journey and impressed by her dedication to her family and community.

Students visited the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi receiving a market briefing from economic, trade and education staff members. They were honored to meet with U.S. Ambassador Meg Whitman before her departure later that week. The group stopped by Strathmore University Business School  to learn more about their education institution and strategy pillars. While in Nairobi, the group was able to visit with MU alumni members (Kate Bohnert, Cathy Watson and Derek Kessen) who shared their stories and experiences working in Kenya and the greater Africa region.  

ITC Interns also participated in an Entrepreneurship Breakfast Forum hosted by Heron Group & Sinapis. Sinapis equips local entrepreneurs in emerging markets to build profitable Kingdom businesses that create jobs, grow the economy, and alleviate poverty. Heron is an investment management company that invests in high potential businesses to stabilize and grow overlooked communities. 
 

Local investors like Christian Business Angels, KPMG Private Enterprise, Kua Ventures and Nabo Capital  alongside entrepreneurs such as Bingwa, Twiva and home 254 Apparel shared their experiences and insights on entrepreneurship and innovation in Kenya. 

The group also visited with Gearbox to learn more about their initiative to improve the ecosystem for hardware entrepreneurship by providing flexible work space, shared prototyping facilities, training, fabrication and design and mentorship. ITC Interns also had the opportunity to visit with Enzi E-Mobility, motor vehicle manufacturer building a network of battery swap stations and solar charging stations for the Kenyan taxi and delivery market. 

Kenya’s business and cultural landscape is rich and diverse, shaped by its unique blend of traditional values and modern influences. Kenya's business environment requires a blend of patience, respect for cultural differences and the ability to build personal relationships. Embracing these cultural nuances can lead to more effective and meaningful business interactions. The student’s cultural immersion in Kenya was a transformative experience enriching their personal, academic and professional development journeys.