BAT Kenya has committed to continue with efforts to reduce the health impact of its business, as part of its sustainability agenda.
This, as the firm puts out its 2022 sustainability report, which highlights the company’s continued commitment.
The company also reports performance in its ESG pillars, including environmental management and climate action, diversity and inclusion, human rights and corporate governance.
“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," BAT Kenya managing director, Crispin Achola, said.
A key milestone for BAT Kenya is attaining a multicategory product portfolio through the launch of BAT’s tobacco-free oral nicotine pouches, he added.
"BAT is clear that the only way to avoid the risks related to smoking, is to not start smoking or to quit. We encourage those who would otherwise continue to smoke, to switch to scientifically substantiated, reduced-risk alternatives," Achola said.
He said the best way to address the harm related with cigarettes, is to provide a regulatory and fiscal environment that recognises the potential of these new products and enables smokers to switch.
By doing so, the MD said Kenya can reduce the projected health burden associated with smoking-related diseases.
The participation of all stakeholders, including the media, government and industry is key in delivering this, he noted.
“While harm reduction is our key focus, we are accelerating performance in our ESG priorities: driving excellence in environmental management, delivering a positive social impact and ensuring robust corporate governance," Achola said.
As part of this, the company has invested in renewable energy, as well as driving afforestation activities with contracted farmers and local communities, and contribution to the government’s greening Kenya initiative.
BAT Kenya board chairperson, Rita Kavashe said sustainability has long been part of BAT Kenya’s business.
"From taking initial steps to reduce the health impact of our business, reducing our carbon footprint, and global recognition for water stewardship; to our encouraging performance on diversity and inclusion, sustainable agriculture and farmer livelihoods as well as human rights, our commitment to build a sustainable business remains unwavering," she said.
Other milestones achieved as of the end of 2022 include the reduction of scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 33 per cent (against a 2020 baseline), investment of about Sh 145 million in solar energy, and issuing 15 tonnes of certified maize seeds to contracted farmers to drive crop diversification and food security.
The company has also increased the representation of women in the organisation from 44 per ent to 100 per cent, attestation to the BAT Group Standards of Business Conduct.
“While, as part of continuous improvement, there are areas that need more focus than others, I am proud of what the team has achieved. As we work with our stakeholders to build a better tomorrow, I am confident that BAT Kenya will continue to transform at pace and create shared multistakeholder value,” said Kavashe.
