Dr Prahalad’s philosophy provides a powerful approach to focussing on and uplifting the bottom of the pyramid (BOP). The BOP represents the 4 billion people worldwide in the “5th Tier” of the economic pyramid whose annual purchasing power parity is less than Kshs 120,000 (US$1500) or a mere 50% of the target of vision 2030. Dr Prahalad’s message is pertinent and timely for; the Government of Kenya (as policy makers), organisations that focus on social investment and development agencies such as NGO’s and finally, entrepreneurs.
Dr Prahalad answers our questions on the challenge for many Governments, Entrepreneurs, NGO’s and development organisations; on how to create something that is sustainable within the communities they serve.
He proposes that “creating win-win engagements with the BOP is possible. The opportunities at the BOP can be unlocked if large and small firms, governments, civil society organisations, development agencies and the BOP work together on a shared agenda.”
In Kenya close to 50% of the population lives below the poverty line and by Dr Prahalad’s terms, even those who are earning the current “minimum wage” can be classified as part of the BOP! The income gap between the rich and the poor continues to manifest itself in Kenya through; anarchy, vigilante gangs, insecurity, social decay, political chaos and environmental degradation, to highlight just a few areas of concern.