Global Compact Network Kenya

07/07/2025

UN Global Compact Network Kenya has recognized Britam and Demic Tours Africa as the most engaged companies in its network for the year during its 11th Annual General Meeting.

Britam was awarded the Most Engaged Large Company, while Demic Tours Africa was named Most Engaged SME.

The companies were recognized for their outstanding commitment to the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact, active contribution to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, and meaningful engagement in cascading sustainability learning and practice across all levels of their business.

04/07/2025

UN Global Compact Network Kenya ushered in a new era of leadership at its 11th Annual General Meeting (AGM) with new appointments to its Board.

Mr. Abdi Mohamed, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Absa Bank Kenya PLC, was appointed as the new Chair of the Board, taking over from Mr. Martin Ochien’g, Group Managing Director and CEO of Sasini PLC, after six years of exemplary service to the Board.

Mr. Mohamed brings with him a wealth of experience in inclusive finance and a strong track record in promoting sustainability within the banking sector.

Joining him in steering the strategic direction of the Network is Ms. Jane Karuku, Group Managing Director and CEO of East African Breweries Limited, who was named Vice Chair, succeeding Mr. Kariuki Ngari, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Kenya & Africa.

The AGM which brought together business leaders, sustainability champions, and key stakeholders also marked the retirement of Carole Kariuki, CEO of Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), from the Board.

Ms. Kariuki has been lauded for her instrumental role in advancing partnerships that entrench ethical business and sustainability within Kenya’s private sector.

As part of its ongoing commitment to diverse leadership and sector-wide engagement, the AGM elected three new Board members:

Mr. Tom Gitogo, Group MD and CEO, Britam Holdings PLC
Dr. Toseef Din, CEO, MP Shah Hospital
Ms. Mary-Ann Musangi, MD, Haco Industries

In addition, Ms. Sheila Masinde, Executive Director, Transparency International- Kenya, and Mr. Jonathan Van Zeller, Director, Alamaya Group, were re-elected for a three-year term.

Outgoing Chair Mr. Martin Ochien’g expressed his gratitude for the support he received during his tenure and extended his best wishes to the Directors.

He also urged UN Global Compact participants to raise their ambition and accelerate action by moving forward faster, emphasizing that achieving the SDGs by 2030 will require bolder decisions, integrated strategies, and principled leadership.

25/06/2025

Global Compact Network Kenya had the honour of joining Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) for the premiere of their Green Energy Infomercial, marking the commercial launch of their ambitious 10-Year Green Energy Vision.

The Green Energy Park — a trailblazing Special Economic Zone and Kenya’s first-ever park fully powered by renewable geothermal energy will be located in located in Olkaria, Naivasha.

It is set to revolutionize sustainable industrialization in Africa by promoting innovation, green jobs, and climate-smart development, in alignment with the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact, where KenGen is an active participant.

Ms. Judy Njino, Executive Director of Global Compact Network Kenya, commended KenGen for its active participation in advancing sustainability and responsible business practices.

A big congratulations to the KenGen team, led by Chairman Hon. Alfred Agoi and Managing Director Eng. Peter Njenga, for their visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to powering Kenya’s clean energy future

24/06/2025

Today, Kenya Airways, a participant with the United Nations Global Compact, launched its first-ever stand-alone, externally assured Sustainability Report, a key milestone in its journey toward a more sustainable and inclusive future.

Kenya Airways Group MD & CEO Allan Kilavuka noted that sustainability is more than just a strategy—it is embedded in the airline’s vision and serves as the cornerstone of its operations.

Key Highlights from the Report

*First Stand-alone Sustainability Report: Marks a major milestone in advancing Sustainability, transparency and accountability in Kenya’s aviation sector.

* Workforce Diversity: Women now represent 44% of the workforce, reflecting a strong push for gender diversity and inclusion.

* Environmental Action: Eliminated single-use plastics, adopted Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), achieved a 15% reduction in waste and powered 12% of its ground equipment with renewable energy.

* Local Economic Impact: 35% of procurement was sourced from Kenyan suppliers, supporting local businesses and inclusive growth.

* Strong Governance: Achieved 100% board training and ethics compliance, with social investments and inclusive hiring practices reinforcing responsible business conduct.

To read the full report, click here- https://tinyurl.com/mvpftfak

24/06/2025

Britam, a participant of the United Nations Global Compact, has launched its 2nd sustainability report as it marked 60 years of impact in the country.

Britam’s Group MD and CEO, Mr. Tom Gitogo, noted that as a business built on trust, the focus is not only on short-term returns but also on long-term value creation for society

Key highlights from the Sustainability Report:

⏹️ Inclusive Procurement & ESG aligned business practices: Britam spent KSh2.4 billion on local and minority-owned suppliers, with 21% of prequalified suppliers from minority groups, including 10 PWD-led businesses.

⏹️ Environmental Impact: Avoided 77.82 tonnes of carbon emissions through solar installation saving Ksh 2.17 million in energy cost.

⏹️ Supplier Incentives: Offered 50% discounts on prequalification fees for women and youth-owned businesses and full exemptions for PWD-owned businesses.

⏹️ Climate Action Commitment: Pledged to plant 60 million trees across Africa by 2030.

⏹️ Social Inclusion: Expanded microinsurance to cover 4 million+ people primarily informal sector workers, women and youth.

⏹️ Governance and Ethics: Achieved 45% female board representation across Britam’s subsidiaries, with 4 out of 12 Britam subsidiaries boards chaired by women. Finally, 90% of staff received anti-corruption training.

Read the full report here➡️ https://tinyurl.com/2ztn95j4

18/06/2025

Global Compact Network Kenya will host the Kenya Ocean Centre, which will serve as a national platform to address challenges related to safety, equity, and sustainability in the country’s ocean industries.

This is part of a groundbreaking global initiative launched by the United Nations Global Compact in partnership with Lloyd’s Register Foundation

It aims to strengthen safety, resilience, and inclusion across Kenya’s blue economy.

16/06/2025

As part of our efforts to foster collective action, peer learning, and provide practical solutions for advancing responsible business conduct and corporate sustainability in Kenya, we brought together representatives from government, the private sector, UN bodies, civil society, and academia for the official launch of the Social Sustainability Working Group (SSWG).

The launch marked a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to embed human rights, fair labour practices, gender equality and ethical supply chains at the core of business operations.

This working group will also serve as a national platform to support businesses in aligning with the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact and in contributing meaningfully to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Stephen Kimenye, Program Manager at Global Compact Network Kenya, speaking on behalf of the organization noted that the Social Sustainability Working Group represents our collective commitment to ethical, inclusive, and resilient business practices that place people at the centre of sustainable development.

During the launch, discussions underscored that while Kenya’s economy continues to grow, persistent challenges — such as wage disparities, informal employment, and inequality — demand urgent and coordinated action.

12/06/2025

In the face of rising societal expectations, evolving regulatory demands, and intensifying global risks, Kenya’s insurance sector must embed sustainability at the core of its operations.

This was the resounding message from today’s Insurance Sector Dialogue on Responsible Business and Sustainability, convened by the Global Compact Network Kenya.

While the sector has made commendable progress, speakers emphasized that much more needs to be done. A clear call to action emerged that the insurance industry must prioritize long-term, sustainable business models and leverage platforms like the UN Global Compact to access essential tools, resources, and networks that can fast-track responsible business practices.

The forum brought together industry leaders from the insurance sector to explore how the sector can better align with sustainability goals for impact.

Speaking on behalf of Insurance Regulatory Authority CEO Mr. Godfrey Kiptum, Anne Chelagat, Director Market Conduct, emphasized the need for regulatory frameworks to evolve in step with the sector’s sustainability ambitions.

She highlighted the importance of developing innovative insurance instruments that support green growth and climate resilience.

Martin Ochieng, Group MD and CEO of Sasini and Chair of the Global Compact Network Kenya Board, underlined the insurance industry’s unique potential to drive collective action sustainability efforts. He urged insurers to integrate ESG considerations into underwriting and investment strategies while promoting knowledge-sharing around emerging risks such as climate-related shocks and governance failures.

The Executive Director of Global Compact Network Kenya, Judy Njino, reminded participants that with just six years remaining to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the insurance industry has an immense opportunity to catalyze systemic change.

She encouraged companies to leverage platforms like the UN Global Compact to accelerate their sustainability journeys and lead by example across their value chains.

Key takeaways
Sustainability must be core to Insurance operations: The industry must move beyond traditional practices and embrace sustainable business models.

Capacity gaps and short-term focus remain key barriers: While progress is evident, challenges such as lack of internal capacity, limited leadership commitment, and short-term profit pressures continue to slow momentum

Partnership is critical: Advancing sustainability requires strong partnerships between insurers, government, private sector, and civil society to co-create insurance instruments and scalable solutions.

10/06/2025

This Thursday, Global Compact Network Kenya will host a high-level Breakfast Dialogue under the theme: "Insuring a Sustainable Future: A Sector Dialogue on Responsible Business and Sustainability."

This exclusive forum will bring together CEOs and senior executives to explore the evolving role of the insurance sector in driving responsible business and sustainable development, as well as discuss how insurance companies can leverage sustainability initiatives such as the United Nations Global Compact.

A panel of industry leaders — comprising of Njeri Jomo, Chief Executive Officer and Principal Officer at Jubilee Health Insurance (Jubilee Insurance Company of Kenya), Zillah Malia, Senior Manager of Climate Finance at FSD Africa, and AAR Insurance Chief Executive Officer Justine Kosgei — will engage in a discussion aimed at:

⏹️ Showcasing Practical ESG Leadership from within the Insurance Sector

⏹️ Encouraging Knowledge Sharing through Peer Exchange

⏹️ Reinforcing the Business Case for Collective Action on Sustainability

06/06/2025

As regulatory expectations intensify and supply chain scrutiny increases, Kenya’s agricultural sector, particularly the horticulture industry is proactively adopting responsible and inclusive business practices.

In this context, the Global Compact Network Kenya convened a Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence (HREDD) Peer Learning Forum as part of its ongoing Social Sustainability Impact Programme (SSIP).

The forum brought together companies previously engaged in capacity-building initiatives focused on the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and Kenya’s National Action Plan (NAP).

This follow-up session provided a critical platform to track progress, share insights, and advance the integration of HREDD across corporate value chains. A central theme of the forum was the growing importance of aligning environmental responsibility with social equity.

“Sustainability is no longer a peripheral issue—it is central to business competitiveness,” said Stephen Kimenye, Programme Manager at Global Compact Network Kenya, who delivered the opening remarks on behalf of the Executive Director. “Businesses must not only say they respect human rights, they must know and show that they do—through clear systems, assessments, and accountability.”

Enock Momanyi, Sustainability Project Manager at Danish Industry East Africa, reinforced this message through the lens of a Just Transition. He noted that as the world moves toward a low-carbon economy, it is essential to ensure no worker or community is left behind. “A Just Transition entails sustainable change that is fair, inclusive, and economically empowering,” he said.

Oscar Obonyo, Environment and Sustainability Manager at HACO Industries, shared insights into HACO’s “Chasing Zero Initiative,” which aims to achieve zero waste, zero harm, and net-zero emissions.

As regulatory expectations grow and supply chain scrutiny intensifies, forums like these play a vital role in strengthening private sector capacity. The message was clear, HREDD is not just a compliance tool, it’s a strategic advantage.

05/06/2025

We’re launching the OCEAN CENTRES at the UN Ocean Conference!

On June 10, during a high-level side event at the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, we will officially launch the Ocean Centres: a global initiative putting safety at the heart of sustainability in emerging economies located in the Global South.

Developed by the United Nations Global Compact and Lloyd's Register Foundation, this first-of-its-kind network will operate in Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and the Philippines — hosted and coordinated by the respective UN Global Compact Country Network in each region.

The are a locally led, community-driven, and inclusive multi-stakeholder platforms that tackle national safety and sustainability challenges across diverse ocean industries. Our main Action Areas are:

✅ Shipping & Ports
✅ Fishing & Aquaculture
✅ Offshore Renewables
✅ Finance & Investment

Join us in Room 5 (Blue Zone), June 10 at 15:45, for the side event “UNITED BY OCEAN CENTRES – Global and Local Ocean Collaboration in Practice”. Country Leads, government officials, and global experts will explore how local solutions are shaping global impact.

Event Programme: https://bit.ly/oceancentres

Website: https: www.oceancentres.com/

05/06/2025

We are delighted to announce that the Code of Ethics for Businesses in Kenya has been recognized in the Collective Action Inspirational Newcomer Category Award at the International Collective Action Awards 2025, presented by the Basel Institute on Governance in Switzerland.

The Code of Ethics for Business in Kenya emerged top against other high-calibre finalists, including Madagascar’s Anticorruption Business Club (ABC) and the Collective Action Initiative on Integrity and Anti-Corruption in the Private Sector in Mexico.

This prestigious recognition celebrates outstanding achievements in advancing ethical business conduct and combating corruption through collective action.

The Code of Ethics of Ethics for Business in Kenya is a joint initiative of Global Compact Network Kenya, the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, and the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA)

Anchored in the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact, the Code of Ethics for Business in Kenya unites the Kenyan private sector in the fight against corruption. With over 800 companies endorsing the Code, it has become a cornerstone in promoting integrity and raising the bar for responsible business conduct across the country.

Global Compact Network Kenya Executive Director Judy Njino noted that this global recognition affirms the bold steps Kenya’s private sector is taking to embed integrity at the heart of business.

She added that The Code of Ethics for Businesses in Kenya stands as a beacon of collective action in the fight against corruption and a model of responsible business.

Read more about the award HERE-https://tinyurl.com/546eueuu