BAT Kenya has made significant strides in its commitment to gender inclusivity and environmental sustainability, surpassing several key targets outlined in its 2023 Sustainability Report. The company’s recent achievements highlight its dedication to fostering a diverse workforce and addressing climate change while maintaining a focus on socio-economic development within its supply chain.
One of the most notable accomplishments reported by BAT Kenya is its progress in gender inclusivity. The company has exceeded its target for female representation in senior leadership roles, reaching 47 percent compared to the 45 percent goal set for 2025. This achievement reflects BAT Kenya’s ongoing efforts to enhance gender balance at the top levels of its organization. Additionally, women across various job grades have seen increases in their base salaries, further underscoring the company’s commitment to gender equity and fair compensation.
BAT Kenya’s sustainability efforts extend beyond gender inclusivity to encompass robust environmental management strategies. In 2023, the company reported a 54 percent reduction in its scope 1 and 2 emissions, a milestone achieved seven years ahead of its 2030 target to cut these emissions by 50 percent from a 2020 baseline. This significant reduction is attributed to BAT Kenya’s accelerated decarbonization strategy, which includes a substantial investment of Sh145 million in solar energy projects between 2021 and 2022. As a result, the company has increased its onsite generated electricity to 1,400-KwP, showcasing its commitment to renewable energy sources.
Water conservation has also been a focal point of BAT Kenya’s sustainability initiatives. The company achieved a 62.5 percent reduction in water withdrawn, surpassing its 35 percent reduction target set for 2025 (relative to a 2017 baseline). This accomplishment highlights BAT Kenya’s proactive approach to managing its water usage and mitigating the environmental impacts associated with its operations.
In addition to its environmental and gender inclusivity goals, BAT Kenya is dedicated to enhancing the livelihoods of its contracted tobacco farmers through various initiatives. The company has introduced a Sh10 million Rural Women Development Programme (RuwDep), designed to empower over 1,600 women farmers within its tobacco supply chain. The program, which builds on a successful pilot in 2022, also supports the spouses of contracted male farmers, aiming to improve their economic conditions and provide valuable resources for agricultural development.
The company has also increased the use of hybrid tobacco seeds, which offer higher drought resistance and facilitate improved yields. This move not only supports the income levels of its contracted farmers but also contributes to food security by promoting the cultivation of alternative subsistence crops.
Crispin Achola, BAT Kenya’s Managing Director, emphasized the importance of transparency and stakeholder engagement in the company’s sustainability journey. “We remain focused on the transformation of our business, underpinned by our purpose to create A Better Tomorrow by Building a Smokeless World,” Achola stated. He expressed pride in the company’s achievements in diversity, inclusion, socio-economic development, and climate change, highlighting their commitment to creating shared value for all stakeholders.
Looking ahead, BAT Kenya plans to continue accelerating its sustainability performance, working collaboratively with stakeholders to drive further progress. The company’s recent successes serve as a testament to its dedication to building a more inclusive and environmentally responsible business while making a positive impact on the communities it serves.
In summary, BAT Kenya’s accomplishments in gender inclusivity and environmental sustainability underscore its commitment to creating a more equitable and sustainable future. By surpassing key targets and implementing innovative solutions, the company is setting a benchmark for corporate responsibility and demonstrating that substantial progress is possible in both social and environmental arenas.
