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Kinoti’s powers capitulated after the ratification of the new rules on criminal cases

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BY:Julius Gacheru.

Inspector General Police Service Hillary Mutyambai, Director of Public Prosecution Noordin Hajji, Chief Justice David Maraga, Interior CS Fred Matiangi during the launch digitalisation of the ODPP ,yesterday. Photo-Courtesy

DCI boss underpowered by the Director of Public Prosecution with guidelines that DCI boss George Kinoti will not instutute criminal proceedings unless after consultations with the DPP. The DCI has made attempts but they’ve been spurned.

on Tuesday, the Director of Public Prosecution Noordin Haji stated that according to the Constitution, the decision to charge rests entirely within his jurisdiction.

“The decision to charge or not to charge requires an objective and independent analysis of the case. Whilst the roles of the investigator and the prosecutor are complimentary, ultimately the decision to charge rests with the prosecutor”.the ODPP said.

Despite being one of the keynote speakers listed in the programme, Directorate of Criminal Investigations boss George Kinoti yesterday missed to attend a government meeting that ratified new policy guidelines that will affect the operations of his office significantly.

The meeting, attended by his seniors, Inspector General of Police Hilary Mutyambai and Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji launched the new parameters that will determine how prosecutions are conducted in Kenya and also launched new case management system.

“There is nothing strange about the DCI not attending. He was attending to other State functions,” Mutyambai said.

Yesterday’s event came hot on the heels of a court ruling last week that frustrates DCI. In the matter, High Court Judge George Odunga ruled that the DCI had no powers to institute criminal proceedings unless the DPP gives consent.

“The DCI has no power and authority to institute criminal proceedings before a court of law without the prior consent of the DPP and any proceedings so commenced are unconstitutional, illegal, unlawful, null and void,” the judge ruled.

But at the meeting, the guidelines were being praised for keeping up with demands of the times — the 2010 Constitution and the emerging international law standards and practices — and for burying a shameful past.

They provide a two-stage test — evidential and public interest test — which must ensure credibility, availability of evidence, reliability of witnesses, the culpability of a suspect, impact of crime on community and status of the victim, among others.

They impose the burden on prosecutors to satisfy themselves that there is sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction before making a move.

Section 4.2 of the new guidelines gives the DPP powers to determine criminal charges.

“It is the duty of the prosecutor to determine the charges for which the accused takes plea, taking into consideration the proposed charges by the investigator,” reads the guidelines.

This section, the DCI claims, amounts to interference in the work of the investigators by the DPP.

“You will get opposition in some of your new initiatives. We faced the same at the Judiciary,” Maraga said as he urged Haji to brace for a tough time as the new guidelines are likely to face opposition.

Matiang’i called for support to the Office of the DPP while raising the need to strengthen independent institutions as a way of entrenching democracy.

He said the new guidelines would enhance a seamless working relationship between the investigators and the prosecution.

Section 2.1 of the guidelines provide a framework for resolving disputes arising between prosecutors and investigators.

“The NPS (National Police Service) needs to offer all support to the DPP,” Matiang’i said.

Mutyambai praised Haji for the new guidelines and pledged the support of the police in their implementation.

”We have a good working relationship (with DPP) and we are devoted to serving Kenyans,” the IG said.

Twalib said the new guidelines will enhance synergy between investigators and prosecutors.

“We often get blamed for not working. Now we have the tools that are required,” he said.

Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi described the guidelines as a “great milestone”, which will enhance transparency in the criminal justice system.

The guidelines

“It is a great milestone that also places enormous responsibility on the DPP,” Havi said

.But DCI insiders claimed that the guidelines were contravening sections of the Constitution touching on the operations of the DCI.

They cited Section 245(4) of the Constitution, which says no person may give a direction to the Inspector-General with respect to the investigation of any particular offence and the enforcement of the law against any particular person or persons.

“It is my unwavering conviction that these guidelines will positively impact the decisions made in the institution of criminal proceedings and the quality of prosecution.

“It will also enhance prosecutorial accountability and enhance the transparency of a process that is perceived to be shrouded in mystery,” Haji wrote on the foreword of the guidelines.

Jumia partners with eBee Africa for e-Bicycles to reduce CO2 emissions

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 Jumia has partnered with eBee Africa to
launch a fleet of electric bicycles, to amplify Jumia’s logistics
capacity for delivery. Through the partnership, both companies will save
costs for riders and consumers, while also reducing CO2 emissions in
Nairobi.

Currently, our fleet comprises fuel-based motorbikes. 100s of them are
on the road every day to deliver products to our customers. The decision
to switch them with E-bicycles is consistent with our effort to be an
environmentally conscious organization.  It will not only reduce
emissions but also save costs for our riders and customers.

“The most exciting thing about e-bicycles & EVs more generally, is that
they make business sense! It’s a win-win for society and the bottom
line. This pilot with eBee is the beginning of a conscious push across
Africa into EVs. We hope we can play a part, as early adopters, in
speeding up the penetration of the industry in Africa” said Jumia
Services Country Manager, Ankur Agarwal

The move will yield cost reductions, which will eventually flow through
into lower delivery fees for consumers, as well as higher incomes for
riders. E-bicycles do not consume fuel and have lower maintenance costs
compared to ordinary motorcycles.

The E-bicycles are equipped with a powerful electric motor and battery
that can last an entire day of deliveries after a 4-hour charge. eBee
Africa will also offer special rates for Jumia’s logistics partners as
the two companies encourage the uptake of eco-friendly modes of
transport.

COCA-COLA FLAGSOFF CHRISTMAS CARAVAN IN MOMBASA

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The Coca-Cola system in Kenya in partnership with Coastal Bottlers Ltd have today flagged off the Coca-Cola Christmas caravan, officially kicking off the festive season and celebrations in the coastal town of Mombasa and the region.

The Real Magic Christmas campaign seeks to celebrate the real magic of humanity that comes when people and communities come together, reminding consumers that real magic happens in the moments of connection shared with family and friends during the festive season.

“We are bringing the Coca-Cola Christmas caravan for the first time to Mombasa as we set the mood for the Christmas celebrations and share the real magic connections with our customers. The Coast region is an important market for us, and it is also one of the regions where people from various parts of the country and the world come to visit during Christmas to have a good and enjoyable time with their families and friends. We are happy to be part of these year’s festivities and to spread the cheer and joy of Christmas,” said Debra Mallowah, Vice President, Coca-Cola East and Central Africa Franchise.

The Coca-Cola Christmas caravan will kick off exciting experiential activities as it travels from the coastal city of Mombasa to the various counties in the region spreading the Christmas cheer, happiness, and optimism. As the colourfully lit Coca-Cola caravan makes its way to various parts of the county, consumers will enjoy discounts and offers on products in various outlets. The caravan will make stops at several retailers and town centres across the country giving products and other gifts in the spirit of gifting, sharing, and rewarding consumers.

This is the first Christmas campaign under the new Real Magic brand philosophy for Coca-Cola that was launched last month in Nairobi. The Real magic of Christmas will have various activities geared towards engaging consumers during the festive season.

“As we welcome the festive season, we are excited to share great moments of happiness with our consumers. Christmas is a time for giving and sharing and as we flag off the caravan today, we urge our consumers to share the little they have with those around them and celebrate the real magic of the festive season with Coca-Cola,” said Seth Adu-Baah, Managing Director, Coastal Bottlers Limited.

M-PESA Foundation partners with AMREF Health Africa to promote maternal health in Homabay County

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Close to 90, 000 women of reproductive age and children under 5 years are set to benefit from a KES 150 million project that seeks to improve access to quality maternal health services in Homabay County.

Uzazi Salama project, a partnership between M-PESA Foundation, PharmAccess Africa, AMREF Health Africa, Action Aid, Pathfinder international and Homabay County Government, will strengthen the county’s health systems to support the delivery of quality reproductive, maternal, new-born, child and adolescent healthcare.

Homabay is one of 15 counties in Kenya with poor reproductive, maternal, new-born, child and adolescent health indicators. These are attributed to poor access and/or low-quality health services, social-economic and cultural behaviours and unavailability of medical equipment to support optimal maternal health. Maternal deaths in the county stand at 583 per 100,000 live births and 119 deaths per 1,000 live births.

Uzazi Salama, launched at the Ndhiwa Sub-County Hospital today, has also been tried and tested in Samburu County since 2015.

“Every mother and newborn child deserve an equal chance of survival during the childbirth process. We believe that through Uzazi Salama, we will increase demand for hospital-based deliveries and greatly improve the quality of life for mothers and their babies as we have witnessed in Samburu County,” said Les Baille, Executive Director, M-PESA Foundation.

Speaking during the launch, Homabay Governor H.E. Hon Cyprian Awiti acknowledged the challenges facing the County and efforts in place to mitigate them.

“As a County, it is unfortunate that we are still battling teenage pregnancies, an issue that has been flagged as a risk especially during childbirth because biologically, their bodies are not ready to welcome a child. It is through such partnerships with Safaricom and AMREF Health Africa that we aim to not only educate on safe sex and childbirth but also to reduce maternal and child deaths. I look forward to Homabay being a success story, like Samburu County,” he said.

According to Dr George Kimathi, Director, Institute of Capacity Development, Amref Health Africa, some of the notable success of Uzazi Salama in Samburu County has been a 22 per cent increase in health facility deliveries; 9 per cent increase in immunization and 6 per cent increase in the first Antenatal clinic visit.

“These can be attributed to increased community education, capacity strengthening of health workers, as well as upgrading of health facilities to provide quality Maternal and Neonatal Health services. Additionally, over 500 community health workers have been trained on safe delivery methods and over 200,000 residents benefitting from the project,” said Dr Kimathi.

Uzazi Salama is the second maternal health initiative the M-PESA Foundation is launching in Homabay County today. The foundation in partnership with Gertrude’s Children Hospital will later launch the regional Daktari Smart telemedicine program, at the Suba Sub-County Hospital, that is part of a larger telemedicine initiative that targets over 32,000 children in Homabay, Samburu, Baringo and Lamu Counties.

Driving Kenya’s development through startup ecosystems

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Kenya’s startup ecosystem remains a competitive destination for VC investment in Africa with a growth projected to grow of  USD 3 billion this year to USD 10 billion in 2022.

To take stock of the growth of the startup ecosystem, the  Association of StartUp and SME Enablers of Kenya ( ASSEK) held its second annual conference at the Crowne Plaza Upperhill Nairobi on the 26th of November 2021.

The event attended by the PS Ministry of East African Community (EAC) Dr Kevit Desai, Nairobi Senator, Johnson Sakaja, ASSEK board and various stakeholders in the entrepreneurship ecosystem.

This year’s conference theme  “Driving Kenya’s development through startup ecosystems” meant to spur and drive collaborative frameworks among different ecosystem players. With the growth of Kenya’s entrepreneurship innovation, there has been a need to combine efforts between players in the sector to create an enabling environment for growth. This year’s conference will allow participants a chance to understand the role of the Start-Up Bill in establishing a legal policy.

Speaking during the Conference, Senator Sakaja recognised the role of the Start-Up Bill in mainstreaming Kenya’s entrepreneurship innovation sector stating that it would provide a legal framework and assist startups in attracting capital. He also reiterated the need for collaboration among stakeholders, “ My vision is that as a country we need to work together to embrace our people who create opportunities via start-ups,” said Sakaja. 

“ Prioritizing the tech sector in matters economic savvy, the government should intervene to support start-ups. ASSEK can help by playing a facilitating role by measuring data which can help the government know potential areas of investment.”

Also present at the event, was the ASSEK Chairperson Dr Robert Karanja who stated that with the growth in the entrepreneurship ecosystem, there was a need to utilise the startup ecosystem as a vehicle to steer development that would integrate with the Big 4 Agenda. 

Since the inception of the first innovation hub in Kenya, the startup ecosystem has experienced rapid growth since 2007 when there were a few hubs that have since grown into hundreds with ASSEK having 70 plus members within its past two years of existence

ASSEK  being an association of  hubs and Entrepreneurship Support organisations strive to create enabling environments and represent all the actors of the Kenyan startup and SMEs enablers ecosystem and actively promote the networking among its members and become the driving force for an entrepreneurial economic breakthrough of Kenya

Conserving River tributaries along Mara River Basin

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Photo:LolweTv//Eng. Terence Ngoda of NELSAP speaking during a community consultation forum in Bomet/Narok county border.

Efforts have been put in place to conserve river tributaries that form Mara River as it drains into Lake Victoria through Tanzania.

Kenya Nile Discourse Forum (KNDF), the Kenyan chapter of Nile Discourse Forum (NDF) has been engaging locals living along the tributaries of Mara River with an aim to conserve the rivers.

Paul Rono, Secretary Mara River Water Users Association says the tributaries are key to the survival of Mara River thus the need to conserve them.

Rono says there are two major rivers, Nyongores and Amala that drains to Mara River which must be conserved at all cost.

“We have five river tributaries that converge at a point to form Mara River and we must ensure they are conserved,” he said.

Most rivers, he says, originate from Mau Forest in Narok and conservation efforts are geared towards keeping the rivers flowing.

Rono says families living downstream of Mara River Basin must be engaged more consistently in a bid to sensitize them on proper utilization of their land next to the rivers.

“We have the Maa community and the Kalenjin community, and each and every community have their own culture of their living,” he said.

For the Maa community, he says, they are pastoralists and keep a lot of animals which whenever they walk around in terms of grazing and foot paths to the water source, they degrade the environment.

Rono noted that the upstream of the Basin is littered with small scale farmers who farm up to the riparian land thus degrading the environment.  

Speaking at Tenwek water fall in Bomet, Rono says through the Mara River Basin project, the conservation has been scaled up and there is need to do more.

“I must commend the good effort put in place by non state actors to engage the locals to ensure they engage in other income activities and shun cutting trees for charcoal making,” he said.

Joseph Ngome, chairman, KNDF who spoke during a community consultation on the Mara River Basin Project in Kenya in Bomet and Narok counties on Wednesday called for more resources to be channeled towards the conservation of the water sources that emanate from Mau Forest.

“There is need to map out community groups along the Mara Basin so that they walk together in conservation of the environment around them,” he said.

Ngome says communities living along the tributaries must be sensitized that human activities lead to degradation of the environment.

He commended the National Government for protecting Mau Forest, the main source of rivers that feed Lake Victoria and the Nile.

On Monday, Deputy President William Ruto who toured Narok County reiterated that nobody should be allowed to live in Mau Forest as he lashed out at politicians he accuses of using the Forest as a political tool.

Ruto assured locals that no illegal settlers will return to the forest since the government has put in place plans to conserve it.

Eng Terence Ngoda, the Mara River Basin Manager based in Tanzania decried lack of water to the newly established towns along the Mara Basin.

Ngoda says the challenge now is to provide enough water to the population in these towns and for food production. 

He announced that The Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Program (NELSAP) has done feasibility studies for dams along the basin.

“We want to build water resoviours that can be used for hydro electric purposes, provide water for fishing and other domestic use,” he said.

Ngoda says  32 areas were identified for putting up the dams with 20 sites being in Kenya while 12 sites Tanzania.

He says NELSAP has secured some funds but will continue sourcing for other funds  to implement trans-boundary projects within its jurisdiction.

Locals who attended the community consultations hailed the Mara River Basin Project in relation to the conservation of water catchment areas.

“There will be no Nile, Lake Victoria and Mara River if the communities living upstream degrade the environment,” said Flavian Kenduiywo, a member of Nyongores water users association.

Cynthia Chepkemoi, a local, says through the Project, women have benefited from beehives, fruit seedlings, improved cassava and banana tissues.

“The economic value of this project is huge and we look ahead to more projects to sustain the gains already made,” she said.

By Joseph Ojwang

We expect level playing field to unseat Junet, Bruno Liende

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Photo:LolweTv//Businessman Bruno Liende

Suna East MP aspirant who want to unseat Junet Mohamed, a formidable ally of Raila Odinga, say they expect ODM nominations to be free and fair.

Businessman Bruno Liende and others plan to challenge Junet for the party ticket.In addition to his close ties to Raila, Junet is the National Assembly minority leader.

Liende said he already has assurance from the top party leadership that the party primaries will be free and fair and that is why he wants to run on an ODM ticket.

Liende was speaking in several stop overs in God Jope and Suna Central wards where he met women and youths groups to popularise his bid.

He insisted that Suna East needed a leader listening to the plights of residents not a visiting MP to his constituents once a year.

By Basil Okoth

COCA-COLA UNVEILS REAL MAGIC CHRISTMAS CAMPAIGN

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The Coca-Cola system in Kenya has unveiled this year’s Christmas campaign under their newly launched Real Magic philosophy and platform which calls on everyone to celebrate the real magic of humanity with the flag off of the Coca- Cola Christmas Caravan and lighting up of the KICC tower.

The Real Magic Christmas campaign seeks to celebrate the real magic of humanity that comes when people and communities come together, reminding consumers that real magic happens in the moments of connection shared with family and friends during the festive season.

“Coca-Cola has a memorable and illustrious history with Christmas. We have always believed in the magic of Christmas, and this year our campaign celebrates the real magic moments and connections. With uplifting messages of unity, inclusion, and positivity we want to remind our customers that all we need for a magical Christmas is shared moments with the family and friends we love and the community,” said Nelly Wainaina, Frontline Marketing Senior Director, Coca-Cola Africa.

The Coca-Cola Christmas caravan will kick off exciting experiential activities as it travels from Nairobi through various counties, spreading the Christmas cheer, happiness, and optimism. As the colourfully lit Coca-Cola caravan makes its way to various parts of the country, consumers will enjoy discounts and offers on products in various outlets. The caravan will make stops at several retailers and town centres across the country giving products and other gifts in the spirit of gifting, sharing, and rewarding consumers.

This is the first Christmas campaign under the new Real Magic brand philosophy for Coca-Cola that was launched two weeks ago. The Real magic of Christmas will have various activities geared towards engaging consumers during the festive season.

“Christmas is a time to connect with family and friends. It is a time to celebrate the wins – big or small that we have achieved throughout the year. We know the year has been tough, but nonetheless, we have pulled through. As we unveil the caravan, we want to remind our consumers that their happiness matters to us, let us celebrate together, appreciate every moment, and share the little we have with those around us,” said Miriam Limo, Marketing Manager, Coca-Cola Kenya.

Gambia boosts stake in Shelter Afrique

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The Government of Gambia has increased its stake in Shelter Afrique after paying US$19,218.96 in additional capital, the pan-African housing development financier has disclosed.

The Additional stake now takes the country’s shareholding to 0.27%.

Gambia now joins several other countries that have recently increased their stake in Shelter Afrique contribution which include Kenya, Tanzania, Cameroon, Mali, Rwanda, Uganda, Togo, Swaziland, Ivory Coast, and Democratic Republic of Congo.  

“We thank the government of Gambia for choosing to increase her stake in Shelter Afrique despite the prevailing condition, and in particular the Minister of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs Hon. Musa Drammeh and the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Hon. Mambury Njie for making the payment. We also wish to show our gratitude to other shareholders who have heeded to our call for recapitalisation,” said Shelter Afrique Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Andrew Chimphondah.

Commitment to Gambia

Shelter Afrique has remained committed to financing real estate projects in Gambia, working closely with Taf Africa Global, a pan African real estate development company with presence in 8 African countries and dominance in Gambia and Nigeria.

Some of the notable projects the Company has funded in the country include Kanifing East Housing Project, Brusubi Housing Project, Brufut Housing Project phase 1&2, Bin Luxury Shopping & Apartments Complex; Social Security & Housing Finance Corporation; Jarama Residence Project; and the development of the first Eco-Smart City in The Gambia, dubbed TAF CITY in Gunjur Town.

“Taf Africa Global represents Shelter Afrique’s vision for Gambia and the relationship between the two institutions dates back to the year 2000. In Taf Africa Global, we have a developer that has the capacity to develop large scale housing units, credible, disciplined, credit worthy, and passionate not only about Gambia but also the continent of Africa, and we believe that together we’ll be able to address Gambia’s annual housing shortage estimated at over 50,000 affordable housing units,” Mr. Chimphondah said.

Currently, Taf Africa Global is developing the first Eco-Smart City in The Gambia, dubbed TAF CITY in Gunjur Town, which shelter Afrique is partly financing. When completed, the green city will comprise over 5000 units of affordable homes – housing 25 000 beneficiaries and creating over 80,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Shelter Afrique is the only pan-African finance institution that exclusively supports the development of the housing and real estate sector in Africa. The company is owned by 44 African Governments, the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Africa Reinsurance Company, and Fonds de Solidarité Africain (FSA).

Monster Energy announces its first ever National Consumer Promotion

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Monster Energy supported by The Coca-Cola Beverages Africa – Kenya has launched its first ever National Consumer Promotion in Kenya to reward their loyal consumers.

Dubbed ‘Monster win a trip to Dubai’, the campaign will see consumers stand a chance to win daily and weekly prizes worth Million of Shillings during the 12-week promotion period.

Ten lucky consumers accompanied by a plus one of their choice will win the grand prize of 3 (Three) days fully paid trip to Dubai to party on a private yacht with celebrated Kenyan artists Khaligraph Jones and Femi one.

Speaking at the launch, Monster Energy, Regional Director (Maina Muriuki), said, “We are happy to be marking another milestone in growing Monster’s presence in the country through partnership with Coca-Cola Beverages Africa- Kenya(CCBA).

Coca-Cola and Monster entered into definitive agreement for a long-term strategic partnership in 2015 to accelerate growth for both companies in the fast-growing, global energy drink category.

The partnership strategically aligns both companies for the long-term by combining the strength of The Coca-Cola Company’s worldwide Distribution system with Monster’s dedicated focus and expertise as a leading energy player globally.

“Being the top energy drink brand in the world, we are popularly known for sponsorships in music, extreme sports and gaming. This campaign is geared to not only reward our customers to recruit new fans for their continued loyalty to our portfolio.

To participate consumers will be required to purchase any of the 6 Monster 500ml Flavours Monster Original, Ultra White, Rossi, assault, Mule  and Mucho Loco at any retail shop nationally, then SMS the unique codes under the pull tab to 40098.

The launch event which took place at Quickmart Supermarket, Embakasi was graced by Kenyan Khaligraph Jones female rapper Femi One who interacted and entertained the shoppers.

Betty Wamaitha Head of Marketing from Quickmart Supermarket, was also in attendance to grace the occasion.

Femi One was appointed in March this year as the first female brand ambassador for Kenya to celebrate the release of Monster Energy Ultra in Kenya while Khaligraph Jones was appointed brand ambassador in 2018.

Standard Chartered to support restoration and conservation of the Nairobi Arboretum Park

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Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Limited has undertaken is a 3-year partnership with Kenya Forest Services and Nairobi Arboretum Conservancy Community Forest Association (NACCFA) to support the restoration and conservation of one of the oldest parks in the city; the Nairobi Arboretum Park.

Through this partnership the Bank has committed to the following:

  • Promote urban green awareness and urban greenification by supporting a 1 million seedlings in the Arboretum Nursery. The seedlings will be available to staff, clients, and the community at large.
  • Restoration of not less than 9km of paths for running or walking and overall experience of enjoying the park
  • Develop a digital app in partnership with Strathmore University which will be used as an education tool to create awareness on conservancy, climate change and for promoting the park and to support park initiatives.
  • Upgrade a minimum of 50 signages and KM markers. We will label 100 trees as part of the education journey for the park visitors.
  • Encourage more visitors to the park, and lead by example by hosting community, staff and client events in the park.

The partnership is part of the Bank’s overall Sustainability agenda integrated across the business, operations and communities focusing on three priorities i.e Sustainable Finance, Responsible Company and Inclusive Communities.

Speaking during the announcement, Standard Chartered CEO, Kariuki Ngari Said: “To sufficiently address the issues of climate change, it is critical for us to take urgent steps and promote good sustainable behaviours with our clients, community, and staff, to help reduce carbon emissions. Standard Chartered is committed to accelerating to net zero through partnerships, creating awareness for staff, communities and engaging like-minded stakeholders in the fight to mitigate the impact of climate change, thereby putting the world on a sustainable path to net zero by 2050”.

“Through this partnership, we target to upgrade 50 signages, label 100 trees and support a 1 million seedlings nursery by 2023. We are also developing a digital app in partnership with Strathmore University which will be used as an education tool to create awareness on conservation, climate change and at the same time promote the park. We believe the park will be transformed and plan to host our community, staff and client events in the park,” added Mr. Ngari.

Speaking at the same event, Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Limited Board Chair, Kellen Kariuki Said: “As Standard Chartered Bank, we have taken steps towards the fight against climate change by committing to accelerate to net zero by 2030 in our operations and in our financing by 2050. Working together with like-minded organisations like Kenya Forest Services and the Nairobi Arboretum Conservancy Community Forest Association (NACCFA) we will lead efforts to conserve and restore the environment by mobilising financing towards climate change initiatives. As a bank, we are committed to help our communities adapt to the climate change and support conservation of our environment.”

“The starting point is raising awareness and engaging especially with our most vulnerable especially women, youth and people living with disabilities. Our commitment to support a 1 million seedlings nursery means that 1 million trees will be planted in three years and that is carbon emission reduced; that also has livelihood impact. And that is the Bank affirming our brand promise – to be Here for good”, added Ms Kariuki.

Commenting on the partnership, Chairperson Nairobi Arboretum Conservancy Community Forest Association Ms. Carlotta Dal Lago said: “Our goal is to ensure that we restore and preserve Urban green spaces for the future generation and in the process help reverse the effects of climate change.  We are cognizant that we cannot achieve these commitments on our own. We need partners who are united in purpose.  Both the private and public sector especially Financial institutions like Standard Chartered can play a big part in unleashing the funds needed to secure global net zero”.

During the 18th edition of Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, the Bank hosted virtual races in the green spaces such as Karura Forest, The Nairobi Arboretum and The Ngong Road Sanctuary. All the participants who completed both formats of the marathon received a tree seedling to plant at their place of choice. 

In the month of October alone, the bank planted over 6,000 trees through the staff and marathon finishers. The target is to is to plant a tree for every staff member and every client of the bank.

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