As part of their Studium Integrale, business administration students from Mainz University of Applied Sciences traveled to Kenya led by Prof. Dr. Claudia Hensel and Prof. Dr. Manfred Walser. The field trip offered the students a unique opportunity to experience the business and social environment of an African country first-hand and to gain valuable impressions of innovative social and economic approaches.
The wide-ranging program began with a series of lectures at Strathmore University in Nairobi, where the students were given an introduction to the challenges at the “Bottom of the Pyramid,” along with other topics. One particular highlight was a visit to Kibera, Africa’s largest slum, where the group learned more about microfarming as a sustainable source of income and social enterprises working with creative solutions. One of the key projects was the Soka Samaritan Initiative, which is committed to helping young mothers.
Over the course of the trip, the students deepened their knowledge of the challenges in Kenya’s water and fashion industries. They also visited a tea plantation, where they witnessed the entire process—from picking to processing and tasting. The trip then continued towards Naivasha with several exciting stops along the way. In the Rift Valley, the students visited the WASH company Sanivation, which produces fuel briquettes from lavatory waste and counteracts the spread of disease with an innovative lavatory system. The orphanage and the NGO Life Beads for Africa, which supports disadvantaged children, were also on the itinerary.
The week ended with a boat trip on picturesque Lake Naivasha, where the students experienced the impressive nature and wildlife of Kenya up close. Finally, the group also visited the Masai Mara and gained additional insights into the culture and way of life of the Maasai.
