IWD 2024: Investing in HER power for a sustainable future

On this International Women’s Day, as we celebrate the achievements of women worldwide, it is imperative to highlight the theme, “Invest in Women”. There is a Kiswahili saying that goes, “Mpiganaji kama simba, mwanamke ni nguvu isiyo na kifani” (like a lioness in battle, a

F1’s shift to sustainable fuels and its implications on the future 

Formula One (F1), the pinnacle of motorsport, has long been synonymous with innovation. Throughout its illustrious 70-plus-year history, F1 has consistently pioneered technological advancements that not only enhance the sport but also make significant contributions to broader communities. From Project Pitlane, an initiative launched during

ESG Integration: A game-changer in investment strategies for resilient, sustainable returns

In recent years, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations have emerged as critical factors reshaping the investment landscape. Investors are increasingly recognising that sustainable business practices, ethical conduct, and responsible governance are not only beneficial for society and the environment but also essential for long-term

Updated WHO guidance for controlling vector-borne diseases through indoor residual spraying.

An estimated 80% of the world’s population is at risk of one or more vector-borne diseases. Mosquitoes, flies, bugs, and other vectors transmit viruses, parasites and bacteria that infect millions of people globally. They cause deadly and debilitating diseases such as malaria, dengue, Chikungunya, yellow

Corporations in Kenya join govt in the ambitious plan to plant 15 billion trees.

Responding to the urgent global call for environmental protection and sustainability, Kenya has made a bold move to plant an unprecedented 15 billion trees. Aimed at mitigating climate change, increasing biodiversity and enhancing environmental resilience, this ambitious effort reaffirms the nation’s commitment to environmental stewardship

Empowering women in STEM is a crucial step towards achieving SDGs by 2030

As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in achieving sustainable development cannot be overstated. However, a critical hurdle persists – the underrepresentation of women in STEM fields. Understanding and addressing this gender gap is

Transformative impact of aligning businesses with the SDGs.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a global initiative agreed upon by 193 countries in one of the most united diplomatic motions. These goals outline the challenges faced by societies around the world. The SDGs encompass a wide spectrum of issues, from poverty eradication and

COP28 should prioritise harnessing AI and agricultural technology for sustainable farming

Around one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions result from food production, distribution and consumption — meaning that any attempt to meet the terms set out in the Paris Agreement has to address this vital part of our global ecosystem to have a chance of success. Reducing greenhouse

Climate change and health: Health needs to be front and centre of national plans to fight climate change

Ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP-28), WHO has published its “2023 review of health in nationally determined contributions and long-term strategies” highlighting the actions needed to ensure that people’s health is fully prioritised and integrated into national plans to fight climate change. Climate

Empowering sustainability: How employee engagement drives collective responsibility towards a greener future

In today’s corporate landscape, the pursuit of sustainability goes beyond regulatory compliance; it’s a collective responsibility that involves every member of an organisation. Employee engagement in sustainability initiatives is not just a feel-good measure but a strategic imperative that fosters a culture of responsibility and

Vellum Green: Kenya’s ‘Green Army’ initiative to advance tree planting and ecosystem restoration

  To address environmental challenges and advance sustainable forestry practices, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry has launched an ambitious endeavour called the ‘Green Army’ initiative. This initiative aims to recruit 4,000 unskilled individuals as tree nursery attendants, kickstarting a national tree-growing and

Farmers relief: Government considering Macadamia nut addition as one of the edible oils producing crops under the National Edible Oil Crops Project

  The government is considering adding Macadamia as one of the key edible oils producing crops to boost local consumption and economic value to farmers, the State Department for Crop Production Principal Secretary Phillip Harsama has said.   The addition of Macadamia as an edible

Mindful consumption: Embracing ethical consumerism to strengthen sustainability in Kenya

Ethical consumerism, a growing global movement, represents a deliberate effort by individuals to make purchasing decisions that prioritise social, environmental, and ethical concerns. It involves supporting products and services that align with personal values, such as fair trade, environmental sustainability, and respect for human rights.

Expert agriculture talk: Africa needs a dual public-private strategy to address food security

Dr Agnes Kalibata, the President of AGRA, speaks on how the Ukraine conflict has been a big wake-up call for many African governments, the huge importance of investing in soils, and her frustration at the slow pace of climate mitigation.   As an agricultural scientist,

Empowering locals with ownership stake: New path for multinational tea companies as JFK offers 15% shares in estates

The tea industry in Kenya has long been dominated by big multinational corporations, and among them, James Finlay Kenya Ltd (JFK) stands out as a prominent player. However, recent times have brought a wave of challenges that have forced JFK to reevaluate its approach. These

Vellum Green: Cultivating a Sustainable Future: Combating Climate Change through Innovative Farming Practices

Introduction As the world grapples with the urgent challenges posed by climate change, the need for sustainable solutions has never been more critical. Agriculture, a sector deeply interwoven with our daily lives, plays a pivotal role in both contributing to and mitigating climate change. The

Creating a Sustainable Future: The Vital Role of Agriculture in Building a Greener World

According to the World Bank, to attain global development goals, it is essential to have nourishing, sustainable, and comprehensive food systems. Agriculture development is an influential means to eradicate poverty, enhance collective well-being and cater to a growing population. Growing the agricultural sector is very

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: An Overview of Carbon Trading in Kenya

Carbon trading, or emissions trading, is a market-based mechanism to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is a tool governments and businesses use to limit their carbon footprint, which is the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. Carbon trading works

Use of multiple bank accounts declines to 48pc

The number of Kenyans using multiple accounts fell further to 48.2 percent last year, down from 62 percent in 2021 as customers cut back on the costs associated with more banking relationships. A Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) customer satisfaction survey found that 48.2 percent of

1 in 6 people globally affected by infertility: WHO

Large numbers of people are affected by infertility in their lifetime, according to a new report published Tuesday by WHO. Around 17.5% of the adult population – roughly 1 in 6 worldwide – experience infertility, showing the urgent need to increase access to affordable, high-quality

Greening Africa’s judiciary: Promoting climate justice and gender equality

Climate change is one of the greatest threats facing Africa today, with far-reaching impacts on human livelihoods, food security, health, and the environment. According to the United Nations, Africa is one of the region’s most vulnerable to climate change, with the potential to affect up

Quadripartite call to action for One Health for a safer world

Recent international health emergencies such as Covid-19 pandemic, mpox, Ebola outbreaks, and continued threats of other zoonotic diseases, food safety, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) challenges, as well as ecosystem degradation and climate change clearly demonstrate the need for resilient health systems and accelerated global action. One

Sustainability reporting is a better option for businesses instead of greenwashing

Greenwashing is a term used to describe a company’s practice of making misleading or false claims about the environmental benefits of its products, services, or operations. Greenwashing is often used to give a company a “green” image, and it is often used to deflect criticism

What happened in the Counties this week?

Makueni County The Governor of Makueni appointed several people to County Secretary and County Chief Officers of the Makueni County, Emali–Sultan Hamud Municipality Board, Makueni County Budget and Economic Forum. Kakamega County Governor Fernanda Barasa made appointments to the Board of Directors of Kakamega County

SRC raises President Ruto’s CASs pay to Sh780,000 in new review

Kenya SRC raises President Ruto’s CASs pay to Sh780,000 in new review The new chief administrative secretaries (CASs) will be earning more than principal secretaries after the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) raised their monthly pay to Sh780,000, putting them in the league of Kenya’s

Second high-level interregional meeting on the health of refugees and migrants

Amid the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes in the Syrian Arab Republic and Türkiye over a month ago, as well as the ongoing war in Ukraine now past its one-year mark, three WHO regional offices this week brought together governments, civil society and health partners

Our shared responsibility can help the world accelerate toward sustainable water use

Water is a shared resource, with diverse actors and multiple stakeholders involved in its ownership, use and management. As such, the responsibility to take care of water resources and ensure sustainable water use is also shared and requires that all involved parties be committed to

Energy ministry signs new deal for supply of petroleum products to ease pressure on the shilling

In a bid to ease pressure on the shilling currently depreciating in value against the dollar, the government has adopted a government-to-government deal on oil importation. In a statement, Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum Davis Chirchir said the government went into an agreement with

Taxpayers’ burden of keeping Kenya Kwanza CASs in office

Kenya Taxpayers’ burden of keeping Kenya Kwanza CASs in office Kenyan taxpayers will spend more than half a billion shillings annually on salaries and benefits for the 50 Chief Administrative Secretaries (CAS) whose names were forwarded to Parliament for approval on Thursday, putting more strain

Statement on the update of WHO’s working definitions and tracking system for SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and variants of interest

WHO has updated its tracking system and working definitions for variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, to better correspond to the current global variant landscape, to independently evaluate Omicron sublineages in circulation, and classify new variants more clearly when required. SARS-CoV-2 continues to

Fighting destruction of the environment through peacemaking efforts and environmental management

Peace and environmental management are linked in many ways. In the modern world, environmental degradation has become an increasingly important issue for peace and security. As the global climate changes, natural resources become scarcer, and competition increases, conflicts can arise particularly between states or other

Importation of cheap food by state firm is not without ripple effects

The  Kenyan government announced that it will import large quantities of rice, cooking oil, sugar, wheat and beans duty-free through the Kenya National Trade Corporation (KNTC) as part of efforts to tame the rising cost of essential commodities in Kenya. The KNTC is a State

Raila declares official start of countrywide mass action

Kenya Raila declares official start of countrywide mass action Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition leader Raila Odinga on Thursday declared the official start of countrywide mass action after the lapse of an ultimatum issued to the Kenya Kwanza government. Azimio has also launched the

Impact of climate change on health in Kenya and possible way out

Climate change is the significant variation of average weather conditions becoming, for example, warmer, wetter, or drier over several decades or longer. Impacts related to climate change are becoming more evident across regions and in many sectors important to society such as human health, agriculture

Chasing Zero: Achieving net-zero by 2050 calls for great sacrifices by all stakeholders

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) issued a call to action, stating that global CO2 emissions must reach net-zero by approximately 2050 in order to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and prevent the most severe consequences of climate change. Achieving this

Time is ripe period poverty and period shame in Kenya

Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba unorthodox bid to raise awareness on the scourge of period shame and period poverty was the talk of the country on Valentine’s Day 2023. Orwoba caused a stir as she attended parliamentary proceedings in a white ‘blood-stained’ suit. The Senator drew

Draft Green Fiscal Incentives Policy Framework: What it means for the business ecosystem in Kenya

As sustainability becomes increasingly popular among business stakeholders (such as investors), countries are realizing that the sustainability position of their constituent companies has a direct effect on their socio-economic status. It is in their interest to provide policies and programmes that encourage the adoption of

24th February 2023 Trade and Financial Services Round Up

Kenya  KRA chief Githii Mburu quits, board names Rispah Simiyu in acting role The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Commissioner-General, Githii Mburu, has resigned after a three-year and seven month stint at the seat on the 30th floor of Nairobi’s Times Tower. Recently appointed KRA board

WHO issues temporary recommendations in relation to the multi-country outbreak of mpox

These proposed Temporary Recommendations continue to support the goal of the Strategic Preparedness, Readiness and Response Plan for Monkeypox 2022–2023 with the aim of stopping the ongoing mpox outbreak and its objectives to interrupt human-to-human transmission, protect the vulnerable, and minimize zoonotic transmission of the

Advancing sustainability: Innovations across the board to safeguard the environment

Sustainability is important because it is essential for our planet’s health and the health of all its inhabitants. It is a concept that includes preserving natural resources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting biodiversity, and ensuring a healthy environment for future generations. Sustainability has become an

17th February 2023 Trade and Financial Services Round Up

Kenya Nairobi plans new zoning policy as exclusivity wanes Nairobi is considering a new zoning policy, which will reclassify some estates as residential or mixed-use neighbourhoods at a time some suburbs are coming under pressure from a previous reclassification that has hurt their exclusivity. Speaking

WHO calls for stern measures against exploitative advertisements by the formula milk industry.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has decried the surge in exploitative marketing tactics used by the formula milk industry and called for a clamp down on the industry.  In a statement on 6th February 2023, WHO faulted the vast economic and political power of the

UNEP fostering environmental sustainability in East Africa through multilateral agreements

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is tasked with promoting environmental sustainability all over the world. As the first environmental agency in the United Nations system, it was founded in 1972. The UNEP aims to promote environmental sustainability by offering direction, assistance, and resources to

Sustainable gains made through the Renewable Energy Policy in Kenya

In recent years, Kenya has made significant strides in advancing the renewable energy sector and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. With a growing population and expanding economy, Kenya’s energy demand is increasing, making it imperative to find new, sustainable sources of energy. To address this

10th February 2023 Trade and Financial Services Round Up

Kenya KRA set to tax hedging profits under new rules Kenyans engaging in transactions with foreigners to cushion them from volatility in financial markets will now be required to account for any profit realised by non-resident parties and remit tax on the same to the

Estimating pandemic product needs and allocation levels

Supported by the PIP Framework Partnership Contribution, in 2022, WHO initiated a project to estimate medical countermeasures (MCMs) needed during a future influenza pandemic. Effective planning for the deployment of pandemic influenza response products including vaccines, antivirals and diagnostics is critical to ensuring the timely

Health care in Kenya requires bold steps to address the issues and restore public confidence

The health system in Kenya has for the longest time been of great concern to many. A section of Kenyans have complained about poor services in hospitals where some have lost their loved ones due to alleged negligence by caregivers. Some cases have been taken

Starlink prepares ground to enter Kenyan market

SpaceX is aggressively growing Starlink internet satellite coverage throughout the globe. It provides a worldwide broadband network leveraging a low-earth orbit constellation to give high-speed broadband internet with the ability to enter remote and geographically isolated zones where internet access is difficult to achieve.  It

National Treasury Draft Green Fiscal Incentives Policy Framework

The National Treasury recently published the Draft Green Fiscal Incentives Policy Framework “the Framework” to steer Kenya’s economy onto a desired low-carbon climate-resilient green development which is critical in achieving a green economy. The Framework sets out actions and economic mechanisms to be undertaken by

BE AHEAD OF THE CURVE BY ADOPTING SUSTAINABILITY

Increasingly, governments around the world are introducing policies to curb further climate change. Kenya has not been an exception with various proposals being made in Parliament in the past few months. For example, Kenya’s Finance Act Number 22 of 2022 (Finance Act) introduced a tax

Misuse and abuse of controlled substance: Measures for a drug-free future

A controlled substance is generally a drug or chemical whose manufacture, possession, or use is regulated by a government, such as illicitly used drugs or prescription medications that are designated by law.  They are tightly controlled by the government because they may be abused or

Entrenching sustainability in Kenya’s fashion industry: Brands that have taken a leap

Sustainable fashion is a movement and process of fostering change in fashion products and the fashion system towards greater ecological integrity and social justice. Sustainable fashion entails more than addressing fashion textiles or products. It comprises addressing the whole system of fashion. Sustainable fashion is

How well do development partners work together and follow country priorities to achieve the health SDGs?

Views from national governments and relevant authorities 52 national governments and relevant authorities provided their views on how well multilateral agencies and other development partners align to their national priorities and plans and collaborate with each other to increase efficiencies and avoid duplications when providing

Fresh move to compel landlords to install solar water heating systems

If new regulations aimed at encouraging the adoption of renewable energies are approved, owners of all new and existing buildings risk spending six months in jail or paying a fine of Sh20,000 if they fail to incorporate designs for installation of solar water heaters.  

Taming global warming: Light at the end of the tunnel as Ozone layer recovery on track

A recent report by the UN concluded that the Ozone layer is on track to recovery. This is a plausible milestone that has been made possible by all the sustainability enthusiasts who have been tirelessly spreading the gospel on climate change and the need for

Urgent action needed as acute malnutrition threatens the lives of millions of vulnerable children

12 January 2023/ News release United Nations agencies are calling for urgent action to protect the most vulnerable children in the 15 countries hardest hit by an unprecedented food and nutrition crisis. Conflict, climate shocks, the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, and rising costs of living

ESG reporting: New Year likely to see more companies disclose their Environmental, Social and Governance impacts

The year 2023 has started well for us with a great deal of interest in our recently published Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report. The growing interest by various players, many looking forward to learn from us, is a welcome development as ESG disclosure regulations

Accelerated action needed to ensure safe drinking-water, sanitation and hygiene for all

14 December 2022 / News release Urgent action is needed globally and locally to achieve safe and sustainably managed water, sanitation and hygiene for all in order to prevent devastating impacts on the health of millions of people. Findings from WHO and UN-Water’s Global Analysis

Tips on how to celebrate this festive season sustainably

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year that brings family and friends together to celebrate. Yet, with all the gifts, decorations and feasting, it can also be an expensive and wasteful holiday. Fortunately, there are many ways to celebrate the holiday season more sustainably. 

Tips for mainstreaming sustainability among employees

To enjoy success, every organisation must ensure that its employees understand, own, and support its sustainability agenda. Companies must, therefore, engage their employees and carry them along the journey as ambassadors and champions of the sustainability agenda. As Doug Conant – former President and CEO

CREATING AN INCLUSIVE COMPANY OR BUSINESS

This Saturday, 3rd December 2022, we’ll be celebrating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities – a day observed to increase awareness, understanding, and acceptance of people with disability. The day also provides the avenue to evaluate our progress in terms of empowering PWDs and

Health must take centre stage in the COP27 climate change negotiations

On the eve of the pivotal climate talks at COP27, WHO issued a grim reminder that the climate crisis continues to make people sick and jeopardize lives, and that health must be at the core of these critical negotiations. WHO believes the conference must end

Collective action across board is key to adapting and mitigating climate change effects

It’s that time of year when world leaders congregate for the Conference of the Parties, this year held  in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. This is the 27th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 27) since inception. Faced with an intensifying energy crisis, record greenhouse

Beyond donations during drought: Let’s adopt a climate action plan

The ASAL region of Kenya continues to suffer from a severe drought (2020 – 2022) that has been termed as the most severe and longest in forty years. Its widespread impacts on livelihoods are grinding harsh as over 4.35 million Kenyans across 23 counties are

Seizing the moment: Agribusiness holds the key to economic transformation

By Chris Flowers Agriculture does indeed hold the key to economic transformation for Kenya and the East African region. The challenge, however, lies in practising agriculture sustainably in a manner that unlocks its true value from food production to agro-processing.   Ahead of the 27th United

Include Persons with Disabilities in the workforce to build diverse talent and drive business growth

The inclusion and diversity agenda is key in today’s evolving world. Running sustainable operations now calls for businesses to create shared value and promote social justice amongst their communities. The reality, however, is that Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) have historically missed out on opportunities to

How sustainability can contribute to peace and security in the country

Several parts of Kenya have been suffering from recurrent bouts of insecurity and conflict between neighbouring communities and peoples. For example, Northern Kenya has a long history of conflict and marginalisation with communities fighting over the few existing natural resources such as grazing fields. The

Youth and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

The youth are the future but their issues tend to be given a backseat. To bring them to the forefront, young people’s global priorities were outlined in the 2030 Agenda by the UN. Governments must address national objectives by assuming ownership of the Agenda and

Renewable energy at the top of Kenya’s new government agenda

During the inauguration of Kenya’s 5th president on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, in his speech, the incoming president said there was a great need for adaptation and mitigation measures to be put in place. This is because climate change is here, and its effects have

Sustainability is the heart of Enterprise Risk Management 

Environmental and societal risks have overtaken economic and geopolitical risks in terms of both likelihood and impact. Board members and the C-suite today need to have a clear and informed view of risks affecting the business environment. The business world is fraught with risks that

Ways to weave gender mainstreaming in your climate action policies and programmes and the reasons

Does climate change affect everyone equally? Most definitely, no. The severity of the effects of climate change depend on factors such as geographical location, gender, social class, governance styles, disabilities, etc. Think about it for a minute, flooding as a result of climate change would

The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Contribution to Sustainable Development

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s (UNFCCC) Paris Agreement was approved in December 2015 and went into effect in November 2016. This agreement is the result of discussions that were started in 2011 at the 17th Conference of Parties in Durban with the

Towards net-zero: The shift to electric mobility in Kenya is gaining momentum

The announcement by Kenya Power to start building charging ports for electric vehicles has renewed the conversation on e-mobility in Kenya. Beginning next month, Kenya Power is set to commence the construction of electric charging systems for homes, businesses, and the public across the country.

Understanding the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by United Nations (UN) members in 2015 are essential in ensuring we meet the needs of the current generation without compromising the needs of future generations. These global goals provide a pathway for an inclusive environment that ensures

E-waste and the hazardous impact on its trail

E-waste, also known as digital waste, refers to electronic products that are unwanted, not working, and nearing or at the end of their ‘useful life’. Computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, copiers, and fax machines are everyday electronic products. The ongoing challenge of how best to dispose

Kenya needs a green taxonomy to enhance environmental sustainability

A green taxonomy is an official classification or catalogue that defines a minimum set of assets, projects and sectors that are eligible to be defined as “green” or environmentally friendly. Green taxonomy supports emerging national policy and voluntary private sector initiatives by augmenting sustainable finance

Towards sustainable waste management: Kenyans to pay fines or spend time in jail for failing to sort domestic waste

In June 2021, MPs debated on a Bill on Sustainable Waste Management which intended to see Kenyans risk paying a Sh20,000 fine or face a minimum of six months in jail if they failed to properly separate their garbage before disposing of it. The Parliament

A step-by-step guide to preparing an ESG report

Reporting on the environment, society, and corporate governance are disclosed through ESG reporting. Its goal, like that of other disclosures, is to increase investor transparency, shed light on a company’s ESG initiatives, and encourage other organizations to follow suit. Reporting is also a powerful tool

Sustainability: Tips for living a more sustainable life

What is sustainable living? Sustainable living means understanding how our lifestyle choices impact the world around us and finding ways for everyone to live better and lighter. It is often called “earth harmony living” or “net zero living.” Applying a ‘people lens’ to sustainability is

Managing waste sustainably in Kenya: An overview of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations

No year has proven to be a momentous year for environmental management and conservation in Kenya than 2022. On June 16, 2022, the Senate passed the Sustainable Waste Management Bill, 2021, giving rise to a new order for efficient waste management, and propelling Kenya a

Key principles towards achieving sustainable development

Development that meets current demands without jeopardising the ability of subsequent generations, ensuring the harmony between economic progress and care for the health of society and the environment, is known as Sustainable Development. Principles of Sustainable Development: Principle of holistic approach – Implies an integrated

Avocado and Sustainability: We produce our fruit better than many other global market players

By Chris Flowers  The avocado fruit has, over the last decade and more, swept the world’s imagination and attention to iconic superfood levels. Like never before, the world has embraced avocado consumption, significantly increasing new plantings. However, environmental challenges lie as some of these new

Achieving the Green Transition in the energy sector

On 5th June 2022, individuals, communities, civil societies, businesses and governments worldwide came together to mark World Environment Day under the theme #OnlyOneEarth. Stockholm held official celebrations where the host country Sweden announced a ban on issuing new licenses to extract coal, oil, and natural

Equipping SMEs for sustainable economic growth

Small, Medium-Sized Enterprises have been playing a vital role in the economy for decades. They account for most businesses worldwide and are essential contributors to job creation and global economic development. They represent about 90 per cent of businesses and more than 50 per cent

The role of business in establishing a new social contract for economic prosperity

The time is now for the private sector to support economic prosperity and social mobility through a new social contract. An overhaul of the social contract will address 21st century realities and needs. A new social contract can deliver long-term value that enables economic security

Redefining manufacturing for a sustainable economy

Manufacturing is a critical sector in Kenya’s economic development in its contribution to both the national output and exports, as well as job creation.  Over the past decades, the sector has contributed heavily to diversifying Kenya’s economy. However, the pandemic in 2020 had a significant

The clock is ticking for corporations to integrate ESG systems into their frameworks

On November, 29, 2021, the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) launched its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Disclosures Guidance Manual. These guidelines require that companies listed on the NSE report publicly on their ESG performance at least annually. Why is this important? Well, under the Code

Agroecology is the magical bullet to Food Insecurity and Sustainable Farming in Kenya

Agroecology is the application of ecological principles to agricultural systems. Studies reveal that agroecology offers solutions to the ongoing farming and food security challenges in Kenya such as drought, hunger, poverty, and inequality. Agroecology supports small scale farmers in diversity and ensures long-term balance between

Climate Justice: Impact on key groups and what businesses can do to alleviate climate crisis

What is climate justice? “Climate justice” is a term that acknowledges climate change can have differing social, economic, public health, and other adverse impacts on underprivileged populations. This concept has emerged from the idea that historical responsibility for climate change lies with wealthy and powerful

Pillars of Focus to Entrench Sustainable Living

Pillars of Focus to Entrench Sustainable Living Sustainability is the ability to continue a defined behaviour indefinitely in order to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. According to the International Union for Conservation

Entrenching Occupational Health and Safety to Achieve Sustainability

At their most basic level, sustainability and safety are really about the same thing: conserving resources. In fact, they are intertwined with safety being an enabler towards building a sustainable business. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) policies are necessary for the achievement of several Sustainable

Reasons why Environmental, Social, and Governance is gaining traction among businesses

The United Nations 2030 global goals call for a decade of action which requires businesses to be agile and ensure that they look beyond profits to ensure a better future that leaves no one behind while contributing to climate action.  To achieve this, a lot

The journey towards curbing single use plastics in Kenya

Plastic pollution is one of the most severe threats to the integrity of our planet’s health. Single-use plastics are polluting most ecosystems from rainforests to the world’s deepest ocean trench. Bangladesh became the first country to ban plastic bags in 2002; then, Morocco followed the

Tapping into new practices and technologies to enhance sustainable agriculture for food security

Agriculture is critical to the African economy, accounting for 23% of GDP and 49% of direct employment. This means that the continent’s output must thrive and meet the demands of its growing population. However, agriculture is also a major part of the climate problem. It currently generates 19–29% of

Let us redefine the future of our planet by investing in environmental sustainability

By Eric Kiniti Water is a precious shared resource that is constantly under increasing pressure around the globe.  East Africa’s freshwater resources are among the lowest in the world. The United Nations World Water Development report 2018, shows that the freshwater resources have decreased by

Global Plastic treaty: World leaders agree terms at Nairobi Meeting

World Leaders met in Nairobi this week to deliberate on the key terms and agreement of the Global Plastic treaty that would seek to accelerate action against plastic waste management. The treaty which was supported by Ellen MacArthur foundation and Wild Wide Fund seeks to

UNGC launch of Africa strategy on corporate sustainability expected to scale responsible business practices

The UNGC, which is a non-binding United Nations pact, encourages businesses and firms worldwide to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies, and to report on their implementation. Under the Global Compact, companies are brought together with UN agencies, labour groups and civil society. UNGC being

GFANZ: Change Climate Finance to Fund Climate Action

The Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ) has its sights set on becoming the biggest financial catalyst for climate ambition and action. The Alliance has only three financial institutions from Africa, a continent that has 7 of the 10 emerging markets in the world.

Kenyan Parliament is mulling over proposed law changes seeking to reduce protection of forests

The Kenyan Parliament is currently reviewing an amendment proposal to the Forest Conservation and Management Act which gives the Kenya Forestry Services (KFS)  authority over boundaries and excisions in state forests. The Forest Conservation and Management Amendment Bill 2021 seeks to repeal Section 34 of

Business case for a UN treaty on plastic pollution

For the first time in history, more than 70 leading corporations and financial institutions have called for a legally binding UN treaty on plastic pollution. The aim of this move is to have a robust policy on plastic pollution and reduction in virgin plastic production