BAT Kenya, a leading tobacco company, has released its highly anticipated 2022 sustainability report, outlining the firm's unwavering dedication to mitigating the health effects of its operations.
The report also showcases the company's significant progress in the realms of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance, encompassing environmental management, climate action, diversity and inclusion, human rights, and corporate governance.
Crispin Achola, Managing Director of BAT Kenya, highlighted the company's strategic commitment to sustainability.
"At BAT Kenya, we are accelerating the transformation of our business, with sustainability embedded in our strategy. Our sustainability agenda is backed by clear and measurable targets upon which we have made sustained progress," Achola stated.
Achola emphasized a pivotal milestone for BAT Kenya - the introduction of BAT's tobacco-free oral nicotine pouches.
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He stated unequivocally that "the only way to avoid the risks related to smoking is to not start smoking or to quit."
BAT encourages smokers to switch to scientifically validated reduced-risk alternatives.
Achola stressed the necessity of establishing a regulatory and fiscal framework that recognizes the potential of these products and supports smokers in making the switch, with the ultimate goal of reducing the projected health burden associated with smoking-related diseases.
He underscored the crucial role of all stakeholders, including the media, government, and the industry, in achieving this goal.
While harm reduction remains the central focus, BAT Kenya is also accelerating its performance in ESG priorities.
Achola mentioned, "We are driving excellence in environmental management, delivering a positive social impact, and ensuring robust corporate governance."
The company has invested in renewable energy and engaged in afforestation initiatives with contracted farmers and local communities while contributing to the government's Greening Kenya initiative.
Rita Kavashe, Board Chairperson of BAT Kenya, celebrated the company's long-standing commitment to sustainability, saying, "Sustainability has long been part of BAT Kenya's business, and I am proud of our progress."
She highlighted several milestones, including a 33 per cent reduction in scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions compared to the 2020 baseline.
The company also invested approximately Sh145 million in solar energy and distributed 15 tons of certified maize seeds to contracted farmers to promote crop diversification and food security.
Additionally, BAT Kenya achieved a remarkable 44 per cent representation of women within the organization and a 100 per cent attestation to the BAT Group Standards of Business Conduct by its employees.
Kavashe acknowledged that while there are areas in need of further focus, the team's achievements have been commendable. She expressed confidence in BAT Kenya's continued transformation and its ability to create shared multistakeholder value as they work together to build "A Better TomorrowTM."
BAT Kenya's 2022 sustainability report underlines the company's dedication to harm reduction and comprehensive ESG performance, reaffirming its commitment to responsible business practices and a sustainable future for Kenya and its people.
