KBC Channel 1

Tag: sustainability

  • Construction industry urged to adopt sustainability in projects 

    Construction industry urged to adopt sustainability in projects 

    Construction industry leaders are calling for stronger integration of technology, sustainability, and local capacity building to drive Kenya’s fast-growing construction sector.

    During the conclusion of the Big 5 Construct Kenya 2025 conversations were distinctly Kenyan and centred on how the industry can cut costs, improve project delivery, and unlock affordable housing.

    Speakers at the expo backed efficiency to define the next chapter of Kenya’s building boom.

    “We’re pleased to see Big 5 Construct Kenya open its doors to a vibrant mix of industry professionals,” said Josine Heijmans, Senior Vice President, dmg events.

    Adoption of smart solutions in built environment is further expected to accelerate sector economic contribution from the current 7pc.

    Digital tools, modular systems, and locally sourced materials dominated discussions.

    “The energy across the halls today reflects the optimism and growth potential within Kenya’s construction sector,” added Heijmans.

    According to Kenyan contractors, technology adoption can reduce waste and improve site productivity hence it must align with the realities of local supply chains and financing.

    As the exhibition wrapped up, exhibitors and visitors alike acknowledged the shift: Kenya’s construction industry is no longer chasing trends; it’s setting them.

    The next phase, many agreed, will depend on how well local players embrace digital practices and build partnerships that sustain growth beyond imported expertise.

    A panel on “Project delivery in sustainable and green construction”, moderated by Dr Jennifer Wambua, Vice President of Education and Professional Development, PMI Kenya Chapter, explored how sustainability targets can be integrated into construction delivery from the outset.

    Kennedy Otieno, Projects Lead, Mi Vida Homes and Wilma Odalo, EDGE Expert, Green Buildings Team, Kenya Green Building Society, discussed managing project budgets and timelines while achieving EDGE and LEED certification in East Africa.

    Howard Aidevo Consulting and Nicholas Mbai, Civil Engineering Consultant, PMI Kenya Chapter, highlighted lifecycle costing, the use of local materials and the value of aligning sustainability objectives with business priorities to delivery.

  • Tobacco farmers’ earnings top Ksh 1.1B according to BAT Kenya

    Tobacco farmers’ earnings top Ksh 1.1B according to BAT Kenya

    Tobacco farmers in Kenya earned a total of Ksh 1.12 billion from 4.7 million kilograms of green leaf sourced by BAT Kenya last year.

    The Combined Annual Sustainability Report 2024 by BAT Kenya shows that increased payments to contracted farmers was supported by improved yield as a result of sustainable practices the multinational deployed in the tobacco value chain during the period.

    “We are proactively taking a leading role in tackling some of the most salient sustainability issues globally and in our communities. We aim to do this by responsibly Building a Smokeless World, reducing our use of natural resources and delivering on our climate goals,” said Crispin Achola, BAT Kenya Managing Director and General Manager BAT East and Southern Africa.

    According to the report, BAT Kenya increased usage of hybrid tobacco seeds which were introduced in 2022, from 61pc of farmers in 2023 to 100pc in last year, a move which has seen improved yields compared to traditional tobacco seeds.

    Additionally, the firm says 90.2pc of contracted farmers implemented at least one best practice soil management method on their farms translating to 67.5pc of hectares of tobacco crop.

    BAT Kenya also reported that 98pc of its contracted farmers are now planting alternative crops is it promotes crop diversification.

    Last year, the firm says it issued 13.8 tons of certified maize seeds to farmers to plant during the rainy season and distributed over 11,650 avocado seedlings to farmers.

    “Further, in 2024 we progressed with a vegetable garden project for our farmers and distributed 21.5kgs of vegetable seeds, kale and black nightshade to 215 farmers and women in our women’s development programme. The project contributed to food security by providing vegetables to the participating homesteads,” says the report.

    The report further shows that the firm also cut emissions by 54pc against a target of 50pc and increased women representation in senior leadership teams to 69pc against 45pc target by end of this year.

    “We are pleased with the sustained progress made on our priorities, such as halving our scope 1 and 2 emissions ahead of target, enhancing sustainable agriculture practices and championing diversity, equity and inclusion across the organization,” added Achola.

    To further cut emissions, BAT Kenya says it invested Ksh 145 million in solar energy between 2021 and 2022, increasing its onsite generated electricity to 1,400-Kilowatt peak (KwP).

  • Tala joins UN-backed global sustainability initiative

    Tala joins UN-backed global sustainability initiative

    Global financial technology company, Tala, has become the latest firm to join the United Nations Global Compact which is the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative.

    The digital lender joins some 24,000 leading global firms, 300 of which are in Kenya that have aligned their business strategies and operations with the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact in the areas of human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption.

    “First, we are proud to be the first fintech in Kenya to join the UN Global Compact and we commit to continue to strive to democratize access to credit for the global majority , more so for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and women, thus building on financial inclusion efforts globally,” said Annstella Mumbi, Tala General Manager.

    Global Compact Kenya Executive Director Judy Njino commended Tala for joining the initiative and highlighted the various ways the firm and digital credit sector can contribute to the Sustainable Development Agenda (SDG) by deploying innovative use of technology and data to address systemic barriers to financial inclusion in Kenya and Africa.

    “Tala is uniquely positioned to set a benchmark in ethical and responsible business, and I challenge the company to strive to be a force for good by making a difference in the country,” added Njino.

    With only 17pc of the SDGs on track with the rest either stalling or regressing, by joining UN Global Compact, Tala targets to contribute to the acceleration of the goals by providing access to credit to the underserved, helping them manage financial risks, build assets, and escape poverty.