Socially responsible initiatives help to strengthen stakeholder relations and also create new opportunities for businesses. Forward thinking and thriving enterprises in Kenya continue to leverage CSR activities to promote customer loyalty and create a more sustainable business.
- Socially responsible initiatives often entail making a deliberate effort to comprehend and maximize an organization’s societal impact
- Socially responsible initiatives help to strengthen stakeholder relations and also create new opportunities for businesses.
Top ten socially responsible businesses in Kenya
In this article, we will consider Kenyan businesses that stand out for their socially responsible efforts across communities and the country at large.
1. Bank of Africa Kenya
Bank of Africa Kenya continues to be at the forefront of addressing Epilepsy which is the fourth most frequent neurological condition in the country.
The Bank in collaboration with the National Epilepsy Committee Council (NECC) established the Angaza Kifafa Caravan. Essentially, the goal is to raise awareness about epilepsy and spread the message on how to manage the condition.
In five years, the caravan has reached over 5.5 million individuals in 16 countries. Also, the bank has teamed up with a study for EFAC and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy (LEWA) under the Education Pillar to provide four-year funding for students.
2. Standard Chartered Bank Kenya
Standard Chartered Bank Kenya implements four strategy pillars for its socially responsible initiative. One of the four pillars is sustainability.
By and large, SCB implements its sustainability plan through three primary focal areas: sustainable economic growth, corporate responsibility, and community investment.
The bank, in 2021, defined three positions that are incorporated into its strategy. The first is achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2050. This will involve lowering carbon emissions while at the same time not impeding development. Secondly, the bank aims to foster participation. The goal is to improve community life by releasing the full potential of women and micro, small, and medium-sized companies (MSMEs).
Lastly, SCB seeks to address globalization. The bank believes that when everyone is allowed to participate in the global economy, growth becomes more equitable and balanced.
3. KCAA
KCAA seeks to develop and implement environmental standards to minimize negative impacts. Hence, the business incorporates the internationally recognized three Rs: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.
KCAA also stands out for its various socially responsible initiatives. In response to the Lokichoggio Drought, the corporation distributed food items to Mogila and Nanam areas. Also, during the Aviation Convention in Kigali, Rwanda, bronze sponsorship was given to aviation stakeholders.
In addition, the corporation sponsors the Nairobi Golf Tournament in Karen to help needy children with congenital heart problems.
4. Kenol/ Kobil
Within its business province, Kenol has adopted a socially responsible plan to connect with its surrounding communities. The petroleum corporation, in 2004, was awarded the second largest taxpayer by the Kenya Revenue Authority.
In addition, the corporation is involved in several long-term corporate social responsibility projects in Kenya. One such is the long-term rehabilitation and capacity-building initiative for Mam Ngina Children’s Home. Also, the Kenol Scholarship Fund was established to help bright children from low-income households get a good education. Since then, the corporation has been offering job opportunities to bright graduates of its CSR programs.
Kenol’s employees are known for their participation in numerous community development programs in each of the countries where it operates.
5. The Kenya Pipeline Company
The Kenya Pipeline Company Foundation, through its Inuka Scholarship Program, has assisted over 470 underprivileged youngsters from Kenya’s 47 counties. Since 2016, the corporation has sponsored 94 students, one boy and one girl from each county.
Overall, the foundation has spent nearly Ksh.200 million to improve the learning infrastructure for thousands of students around the country, impacting over 12,000 people. This comprises the construction of approximately 38 structures across the country, including laboratories, classrooms, administration blocks, dormitories, and ablution blocks.
6. Comply Kenya
Comply has invested over Ksh.200 million to improving learning facilities for thousands of learners across the country. By and large, this has impacted nearly 12,000 individuals.
Also, the corporation has empowered small-scale farmers by involving them in the reforestation process. This allows Comply to negotiate a fair co-land usage agreement with local farmers to use the plantation for agricultural production, integrating the crop with the sapling.
7. Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company
Nairobi City Water, in, 2019 partnered with Bidco Africa Ltd and other stakeholders to stage a bamboo tree planting drive at Ruiru Dam. Over 10,000 tree seedlings were planted during the occasion.
Also, through its collaboration with Friends of Ruiru Dam (FORD), the company conducted a tree-planting activity at Ruiru Dam. All in all, 250 bamboo seedlings were planted.
8. Safaricom
With a customer base of up to 43 million, Safaricom has established itself as a technological behemoth. In addition to being a pioneer in profitability, Safaricom is a leader in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues.
To begin with, the corporation established Afya Moja, a medical records health mobility platform, in conjunction with Savannah Informatics and Intellisoft Consulting to assist patients in achieving a continuum of care. In 2022, the program impacted 223,934 lives.
Also, in terms of diversity, equity, and inclusion, Safaricom has trained over 100 of its employees in sign language to eliminate communication obstacles for deaf employees and customers. Over 400 line managers were deployed to lead diverse teams.
9. EABL
EABL is well-known for being one of Kenya’s and East Africa’s oldest businesses. The corporation works with approximately 60,000 farmers across its supply chain to provide them with agricultural knowledge and tools to support sustainable farming methods.
In addition, the company seeks to cut carbon emissions by 42,000 tonnes per year (approximately 95 percent). Hence, EABS biomass plants will be fueled by sustainable raw materials like coffee and rice husks, macadamia shells, and sugarcane bagasse. The goal is to replace heavy fuel oils used at its facilities.
10. APA
APA, since its establishment in 2015, has been a supporter of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) through the Apollo Foundation. The company also signed the Nairobi Declaration on Sustainable Insurance by the UN.
To establish a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable society, APA put sustainability at the center of risk management. This strategic approach is congruent with the ‘Triple Bottom Line,’ which is simply People, Planet, and Profit.
Likewise, the company has a robust learning and development program to promote life-long learning across staff members. This includes graduate programs and focused leadership training.
Conclusion
Socially responsible initiatives often entail making a deliberate effort to comprehend and maximize an organization’s societal impact. This also includes its impact on the economy, ecology, and culture. To sum up, corporate social responsibility is a positive force that impacts all parties.
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