Benni and I
Both bridging Kenya and South Africa, in sport and business, and the challenges and positives are very similar.
This past week, my Events team and I travelled to Nairobi to put on the best In-House Legal Event of the Year (the guests words…not mine!).
The Kenyan National Football Team were staying in the hotel we were putting the event on, before they head off to the AFCON.
In the reception we bumped into African Soccer Legend, South African Sporting Hero, Benni McCarthy, the former Champions League Winner, all-time top scorer for the South African national team, former Manchester United coach, now Kenyan National Team Coach and all round super, genuine, nice guy.
He took up the offer of coming to our event in the evening and stayed for many hours, chatting to the guests.
What struck me on the evening, when chatting to the lawyers (and to Benni), was that many of the challenges we face in business, and in life, in South Africa are shared but our colleagues and friends in Kenya.
Here’s my personal top 9 Business and Social Similarities Between Kenya and South Africa—both positive and negative:
1. Significant Government Corruption
Both countries struggle with widespread corruption at multiple levels of government. Bribery, nepotism, and improper contract awards are common, undermining public trust and deterring foreign investment.
2. Entrepreneurial Middle Class
Kenya and South Africa both have growing, dynamic entrepreneurial middle classes that drive innovation and economic growth, despite systemic challenges.
3. Gateways for Multinational Business
Both are considered strategic entry points for multinational companies expanding into Africa due to their relatively advanced infrastructure and financial sectors.
4. Trade Barriers and Market Access Issues
Each country imposes significant trade barriers and non-tariff measures that complicate bilateral trade and limit market access, especially for agricultural products.
5. Political Influence on Business
Political connections often play a decisive role in business success, with government tenders and contracts frequently awarded to well-connected individuals or companies.
6. Civil Society Engagement
Majorities in both countries believe that ordinary citizens can influence government, and there is a strong tradition of activism and public protest, especially around issues of corruption and governance.
7. Urbanisation and Social Mobility
Rapid urbanisation is ongoing, with both countries experiencing significant migration to cities, fuelling both opportunity and social challenges such as unemployment and informal settlements.
8. Legal and Constitutional Emphasis on Rights
Both constitutions emphasise rights, though Kenya focuses more on individual rights while South Africa prioritises social and economic rights. This shapes legal culture and social expectations.
9. Vulnerability to Crime and Violence
Both societies face high rates of crime, including organised crime and human trafficking, which are exacerbated by economic inequality and weak law enforcement.
These similarities highlight the complex, intertwined challenges and opportunities facing Kenya and South Africa as leading economies and societies in Africa.
Kenyan Legal Market Challenges:
I had so many wonderful questions and queries from the lawyers in attendance.
But one thing came shining through above all else
Pay.
Every single lawyer, and I mean…every single one, that spoke to me, suggested that their employers undervalued them, underpaid them yet piled on more and more responsibility.
This is something I will addressing in future articles and videos, because I have a lot to say on this and have many tips that lawyers can use to improve this.
But I think there will be many South African lawyers that feel the same way.
On a personal level, I want to say thank you to our Kenyan hosts, and to the legend that is Benni McCarthy, I wish him all the best for him and the Kenyan National Team.
Some of Benni’s other accolades:
UEFA Champions League Winner: 2003-04 with Porto.
Portuguese League Champion: 2003-04 with Porto.
Portuguese Cup Winner: 2003-04 with Porto.
Eredivisie (Dutch League) Champion: With Ajax Amsterdam.
KNVB Cup (Dutch Cup) Winner: With Ajax Amsterdam.
African Cup of Nations Runner-up: 1998 with South Africa.
Afro-Asian Cup of Nations Winner: 1997.
Reunification Cup Winner: 2002.
South Africa's all-time leading scorer.
African Cup of Nations Golden Boot: 1998.
South African Player of the Year:
Top scorer in the Portuguese League: 2003-04 with Porto.
MTN 8 Winner: With Orlando Pirates.
Telkom Knockout Winner: With Orlando Pirates.
Contact me on rob@thegrmgroup.com