The Africa Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Operations for Resource Management and Food Supply (SCO) at the University of Nairobi, in collaboration with LEARN Logistics by Kühne Foundation, hosted a Guest Lecture on “Constitution, Social Market Economy & Challenges in Difficult Geopolitical Times.” The lecture was held on 17th February 2026 at 2:00 PM at the 8.4.4 Building, Department of Agricultural Economics, Upper Kabete Campus.
The session was delivered by Prof. Dr. Gerd Schwandner, a medical doctor by training and an experienced political leader and governance practitioner. Prof. Schwandner previously served as Mayor of Oldenburg (2006–2014), completed two terms as a State Legislator in Baden-Württemberg, and held the position of Deputy Minister in the State Government of Bremen. Drawing on his practical leadership experience within Germany’s constitutional and federal system, he provided a comparative analysis of governance structures in Germany and Kenya, with particular emphasis on institutional stability, constitutional safeguards, and policy continuity as drivers of long-term development.
The lecture examined the principles underpinning the social market economy, highlighting its role in balancing market efficiency with social protection mechanisms. It further situated these principles within contemporary geopolitical realities, including shifting global power dynamics and assessed their implications for economic resilience and policy design.
Students engaged critically with the comparative perspectives presented, reflecting on structural determinants of development, institutional quality, and the political economy dimensions that influence national development trajectories. The session strengthened analytical understanding of how constitutional frameworks, governance systems, and economic models interact to shape development outcomes.
UoN Business School lecture 2017 February 2026 final version Kopie
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