SAFARICOM CLINCHES THE INAUGURAL ENVIRONMENT SUSTAINABILITY AWARD

Safaricom has been awarded for its climate action initiatives in the inaugural Environment Sustainability Awards by Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Program (ENEP).  The telco was recognised for its innovative approaches in integrating and implementing climate change interventions in its business strategies, as well as its investments in digital and green solutions that contribute positively to the planet, people and profits.  “We are grateful that our efforts towards environmental sustainability are being recognised. Environmental consideration is critical to the success of our business and as such, we have a robust strategy that is responsive to green growth and climate change interventions,” said Peter Ndegwa, Chief Executive Officer, Safaricom.  “  This ensures that as a company,  we are producing and consuming responsibly and we  also work with a wide array of partners on various environmental stewardship initiatives,” he added.

Safaricom signed a deal with the Kenya Forest Services to plant five million trees by 2025 in a move that will create 2,000 and 5,000 jobs directly and indirectly respectively. Other climate action initiatives included the recycling of 913 tonnes of e-waste as well as the successful recycling of 88.1% of the company’s solid waste in the  2022 financial year. The telco also reduced carbon dioxide emissions by solarizing up to 1,400 of its network sites as it focuses on   becoming   a net-zero emitting organisation by 2050.

The telco’s sustainable energy programme (biogas project) was also recognized. It  has so far seen  fifty seven  biogas units installed by farmers in the Eburu community conservation. This initiative has reached farmers in Naivasha and Nyandarua. Additionally, dam rehabilitation and solarization in Nyalani, Kinango Sub County in Kwale County was also recognized. The telco was awarded at a KEPSA roundtable, edging out sixty nine   other companies. The event brought together chief executive officers from various corporates   as well  as  business leaders to share priorities on the upcoming Africa Climate Summit and recognise business climate action champions.