George Njenga, Dr Wahome Gakuru and Professor Michael Porter.

Professor Porter is considered the world's leading authority on competitive strategy and the competitiveness and economic development of nations, states and regions. Among those who attended the session were top executives in the corporate circles and the public sector, entrepreneurs, and Strathmore Business School MBA and Executive Program students among others.

Professor Porters talk entitled "Global Competitiveness: Implications for Kenya", which was moderated by strategy consultant and SBS Advisory Board Member Sunny Bindra, focused on two areas. First it looked at how companies can tap the advantages that exist within the nation to excel in international competition. Secondly it provided a framework that the government policy can use to enhance the national competitive advantage.

Using Kenya's Cut Flower industry as an example, Professor Porter explained how businesses can play a key role in improving the country's competitiveness. He singled out the Italian example and noted that, "You can become very poor making shoes, or you can become very rich making shoes." He used this example to illustrate that how the country does things is more important than what the country does, and that the most important element is productivity.

Professor Porter was at SBS as part of a day long program that started with a luncheon with senior level government officials including his host Hon. Amos Kimunya and other members of NESC. He gave an abbreviated version of his lecture and fielded questions from the participants. He applauded Kenya's 2030 vision and noted that "The vision 2030 is a step in the right direction but Kenya still has a long way to go".

He concluded the day's programme with a dinner with some CEOs of Kenya's top companies together with the class representatives of the MBA programme.

SBS is one of two African Business Schools through which Professor Porter's course on the Microeconomics of Competitiveness (MOC) is being offered. The course is currently incorporated into the MBA curriculum and is anticipated to be available as part of the SBS Executive Programme offerings.

Upon his arrival at the University, Professor Porter was received by SU Vice Chancellor, Professor John Odhiambo and the Deputy Vice Chancellors Dr Joseph Sevilla and Dr Florence Oloo. Professor Porter was accompanied at the various day's events by the SBS Director Mr George Njenga and the Kenya Vision 2030 Director, Dr Wahome Gakuru. After the lecture at SU he held an interview session with the media as all the guests were treated to a cocktail reception at SU's graduation square to facilitate networking and discussions.

Professor Porter is keen to continue collaborating with Strathmore Business School in offering the Microeconomics of Competitiveness course for executives and in developing the Advanced Healthcare Management Programme

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