The MSK Mentorship Program was established to address employees’ complaints about ‘half-baked’, irresponsible and unprofessional graduates coming to the workforce as a result of the increasing number of university intakes.

The decision to offer mentorship as a solution to this was informed by studies that showed that mentoring increases grade promotion, decreases unexcused absences, tardiness, and irresponsible behavior in school (Rhodes, Grossman, and Resch, 2000; Thompson and Kelly-Vance, 2001) as students involved in such programs get focused and motivated toward achieving learning goals (Gandara, Larsen, Mehan, and Rumberger 1998). Researchers are also convinced that students in mentorship programs also develop persistence in dealing with school life (Crisp and Cruz 2009; Terenzini, Psacarella, and Blimling 1996), which prepares them to be successful in professional careers (Schlosser, Knox, Moskovitz, and Hill 2003)

The Marketing Society of Kenya, through the Students National Council (SNC), partnered with Postbank Kenya and Coca-Cola SABCO to hold the 2017 edition on the 10^th day of October at Riara University with Keynote Speaker Yvonne Oerlemans (Founder, Dutch Touch) headlining a guest list comprising Prof. Robert Gateru (VC, Riara University), Deborah Beaton (MD, Kama Kazi), Mark Kaigwa (CEO, Nendo Marketing); and SNC Patrons Pheodor Mundia (E.A Home Care Products Marketing Manager, Unilever) as well Muthoni Muchai (Director, Tilvera Consultancy Ltd).

Schools in attendance were Kenyatta University, United States International University – Africa, Daystar University, Strathmore University, Catholic University of East Africa, Machakos University, Multimedia University, Pan African Christian University, Africa Nazarene University, University of Nairobi and the International School of Advertising.