Safaricom has bagged the maiden Environment Sustainability Awards by Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) for its climate action initiatives.

Safaricom was feted for applying climate change interventions innovatively in its business plans and investing in digital and green solutions that boost the planet, people and profits.

Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa lauded the organisers for recognizing the efforts adopted by the Kenyan telecommunications company towards environmental sustainability.

“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 Ndegwa.

He added, “This ensures that as a company we are producing and consuming responsibly. We also work with a wide array of partners on various environmental stewardship initiatives.”

Safaricom has signed a pact with the Kenya Forest Services (KFS) to plant five million trees by 2025 in an effort that is expected to create 2,000 direct jobs and 5,000 indirect jobs.

The telco’s other climate action efforts included its recycling of 913 tonnes of e-waste and the recycling of 88.1 per cent of its solid waste during the 2022-2023 financial year.

Soipan Tuya, Stephen Jackson and Karen Basiye. PHOTO/SAFARICOM

Safaricom says it has taken steps to reduce carbon emissions by adopting solar energy in 1,400 of its network sites in its bid to become a net-zero emitting organisation by 2050.

Its Sustainable Energy Programme (Biogas Project) that has installed 57 biogas units for farmers in Eburu community conservation in Naivasha and Nyandarua was also recognised.

Also acknowledged by UNEP and KEPSA was Safaricom’s dam rehabilitation and solarization at Nyalani in Kinango Sub-County, Kwale County.

Safaricom beat 69 other firms to get the top award with the KEPSA roundtable uniting corporate CEOs and business leaders to discuss significances ahead of the Africa Climate Summit and to recognise business climate action champions.