The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) has been recognized for its excellence in financial reporting at the 23rd Annual Financial Reporting (FiRe) Awards held in Nairobi. The board emerged as the top winner in the State Corporations and Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs) category, reinforcing its commitment to transparency and accountability in governance.
The FiRe Awards, established in 2002, celebrate exemplary financial disclosure practices in both the public and private sectors in Kenya. The awards, organized by key financial sector players, promote adherence to International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and encourage best practices in financial governance. This year’s theme, “Championing Effective Sustainability Reporting through Technology and Innovation to Enhance Transparency,” underscored the growing importance of integrating sustainability into corporate strategies.
KTB CEO June Chepkemei lauded the recognition, highlighting the board’s unwavering dedication to upholding high governance standards. “We are honored to be recognized for excellence in financial reporting, which reflects our commitment to high governance standards. As a state corporation entrusted with promoting Kenya as a leading tourism destination globally, adopting best practices in transparency and accountability is paramount,” she stated.
Chepkemei emphasized that the award serves as validation of KTB’s focus on integrity, openness, and adherence to financial regulations. She further noted that sustainability reporting is becoming a critical business requirement, aligning with KTB’s corporate strategy. “Reporting on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics is no longer optional but a business imperative. At KTB, we have embedded sustainability into our corporate strategy because, as a tourism promotion agency, our mission is intertwined with conservation and community empowerment.”
The CEO also pointed to the transformative role of technology in ensuring more consistent and real-time sustainability reporting. “New technologies will be a game changer in enabling more consistent, reliable, and real-time sustainability reporting. We are excited to be pioneers in this journey,” she added.
The FiRe Awards evaluation criteria focus on compliance with reporting frameworks, governance disclosures, integration of sustainability information, and overall quality. KTB’s recognition in this prestigious competition not only affirms its leadership in financial governance but also strengthens stakeholder confidence and strategic partnerships.
As KTB continues to position Kenya as a top global tourism destination, its commitment to transparency and sustainable practices will remain central to its operations. This award serves as a milestone in its journey toward greater accountability and operational excellence.
