Kenya Climate Innovative Centre (KCIC), an initiative of World Bank’s InfoDev is set to unveil the findings of the first sustainability survey in Kenya. The release of the findings will coincide with the launch of the KCIC Sustainability Initiative targeting corporates, academia and the public service. According to the KCIC CEO Mr. Edward Mungai, this Initiative is in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “This is a bid to support Kenya’s roadmap to the sustainable development goals, improve the pace of commercialization and scale-up of climate change-related enterprises, and thereby contribute to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the country.” he adds.
A survey on the state of sustainability was carried out in the last quarter of 2016 on of corporates with the aim of establishing the incidence of economically, socially and environmentally sustainable practices by companies, institutions and organizations in Kenya. The findings will be launched at an awards gala dinner to be held on 14th April 2016. Although a few top corporates have embraced sustainable development, it is evident that the country has an uphill task of sensitizing the public and private sector to the positive benefits of adapting sustainable practices in a conscientious and practical manner. KCIC is currently pursuing companies to partner with by taking sponsorship packages of either Ksh 5m, Ksh 3m, Ksh 1m and Ksh 500,000. Further details are available via the link https://kenyacic.org/content/corporate-sustainability “Progress on this subject can only succeed if those who have embraced sustainability keep pushing for the agenda to advance. Otherwise, no one can win alone. It is time for companies to get serious about sustainability and they must start by including the topic as a priority in their Board agendas.” adds Edward.
Top line findings of the survey highlight that only 45% of Kenyans know about the SDGs. This being the first study of its kind in the region, it will act as a springboard for future studies and will help to track progress on how companies are embracing sustainable practices, besides profit. Ruth Ndegwa, KCIC Corporate Affairs Director adds that in the long term, the findings and data collected will help demonstrate to companies the gains or the positive return on investment in sustainability in areas such as profitability, brand reputation, consumer and investor engagement.
