Module 1 : Understanding cultural differences

1. Intercultural awareness, the key to success in international business

• Taking stock of one's own cultural baggage
• The basics of effective intercultural management
• Identifying and going beyond cultural stereotypes

2. Key aspects of Kenyan culture

• An East African nation in the very heart of the Rift Valley 
• The impact of colonization
• A patchwork quilt of tribes and ethnic groups spanning eight provinces
• An agricultural and service-based economy
• The failed dream of long-term political stability
  

3. The impact of values and behaviour patterns on professional dealings and relationships

• Family life as a social bedrock
• A predominantly patriarchal society.
• Christianity, Islam and animism: religious fervour as part of daily life
• An adaptable view of time.  The notion of time being subject to the requirements of personal life
• A respect for age and authority

4. The Kenyan corporate world

• A pyramidal company structure
• The differences between the private and public sectors
• The advantages and privileges of decision-makers
• Personal commitment and “fear of the boss”
• The role played by the political parties

Module 2 : Succeeding in work with the Kenyans

1. Effective communication with the Kenyans

•  A reduced personal space
• Greetings and etiquette
• Networking and mediators
• Kenyan English and the advantages of learning Swahili

2. Adapting your working methods

• Building trust and confidence: Prudence, humility and neutrality
• The key qualities of a good manager: experience, qualifications and charisma
• Supervising decisions and dealing with the time required to have them implemented
• The importance of socializing outside work
• Pitfalls to be avoided

3. Successful meetings and negotiations with the Kenyans

• Meeting the key players to improve responsiveness
• Giving relationships that personal touch to get things moving more quickly
• Patience and persistence
• Written contracts, their interpretation and implications
• Organizing the post-negotiation phase

4. Final handy tips

• Caution, patience and humility
• Protocol and etiquette
• Social standards, gifts, business cards, dress code
• Sensitive subjects: politics, history, religion
• Humour: a double-edged sword