The KCB Foundation, the philanthropic arm of KCB Bank, has emerged as a key player in addressing socio-economic challenges across East Africa through innovative and sustainable initiatives. Under the leadership of Director Mendi Njonjo, the foundation focuses on youth skills development, enterprise support, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy, with an emphasis on environmental and gender inclusivity.
Empowering Youth and Women Through Education and Livelihoods
The foundation runs impactful programs like the KCB Scholarship Programme, which has supported over 5,000 bright but disadvantaged students through high school and tertiary education. This year alone, 1,250 students, including 50 student-athletes, benefited from this initiative. Notably, 10 students gained admission to prestigious Ivy League universities in the United States. The program also prioritizes inclusivity by supporting students with disabilities, survivors of early marriage, and FGM.
Another flagship initiative is the 2jiajiri Programme, designed to boost employment and entrepreneurship through workforce development and MSME support. A significant component of this program is women’s economic empowerment, benefiting over 700,000 women entrepreneurs, including small-scale traders like Mama Mbogas. Through partnerships such as the Young Africa Works Programme, over 70% of the supported youth MSMEs are run by young women.
Driving Sustainable Agriculture and Agribusiness
Agriculture, with its vast potential for job creation, is a cornerstone of the foundation’s strategy. The Mifugo Ni Mali Programme focuses on livestock farming, including beef and dairy production, while also supporting value chains like honey and aquaculture. By strengthening farmer-producer organizations and governance, the foundation enables rural communities to achieve economic sustainability.
Technology plays a pivotal role in these efforts. For example, the foundation’s livestock identification and tracking system, developed in collaboration with the Kenyan government, promises to revolutionize livestock management and traceability, enhancing productivity and market access.
Commitment to Environmental Sustainability
As part of its sustainability agenda, the KCB Foundation ensures its initiatives minimize carbon footprints. It actively supports Kenya’s 15 billion tree-planting initiative, contributing to afforestation through its Linda Meeting Initiative, which emphasizes not just planting but nurturing trees. This commitment is bolstered by a budget of KSh 60 million, with every branch tasked to plant 1,500 trees annually.
In addressing deforestation, the foundation promotes renewable energy adoption in schools by providing LPG gas as an alternative to biomass fuels. Moreover, its focus on e-mobility includes an e-boda boda initiative, training riders on first aid, road safety, and the operation of electric bikes while providing the necessary infrastructure.
Circular Economy and Climate Action
The foundation integrates environmental safeguards into its projects, ensuring they promote renewable energy and a circular economy. By adhering to rigorous environmental standards and striving for positive ecological impact, KCB Foundation exemplifies a climate-forward approach.
A Sustainable Future
The foundation aligns its efforts with 14 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and tracks progress through its annually audited ESG report, reflecting its commitment to transparency and accountability. By involving communities in the design, implementation, and evaluation of its programs, the KCB Foundation ensures long-term sustainability and community buy-in.
Under Njonjo’s stewardship, the KCB Foundation continues to set benchmarks in corporate social responsibility, combining financial inclusivity, environmental stewardship, and social equity to create lasting impacts across East Africa.
