Safaricom has been awarded for its climate action
initiatives in the inaugural Environment Sustainability Awards by Kenya Private
Sector Alliance (KEPSA) in collaboration with the United Nations Environment
Program (ENEP)
Safaricom was recognised for its innovative approaches in
integrating and implementing climate change interventions in its business
strategies, and its investments in digital and green solutions that contribute
positively to planetary, people and profits.
“We are grateful that our efforts towards
environmental sustainability are being recognised. 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.
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,” said
Peter Ndegwa, Chief Executive Officer of Safaricom.

Safaricom signed a deal with the Kenya Forest Services to
plant five million trees by 2025 in a move that will create 2,000 direct jobs
and 5,000 jobs indirectly. Other climate action initiatives included the
recycling of 913 tonnes of e-waste as well as the successful recycling of 88.1%
of the company’s solid waste in FY 2022. The telco also reduced carbon dioxide
emissions by solarizing up to 1,400 of its network sites as it looks to become
a net-zero emitting organisation by 2050.
Also recognized is the telco’s Sustainable Energy
Programme (Biogas Project) which has so far seen 57 biogas units installed by
farmers in the Eburu community conservation. This initiative has so far reached
farmers in Naivasha and Nyandarua areas.

Additionally, dam rehabilitation and solarization in
Nyalani, Kinango Sub County in Kwale County was also recognize.
The telco was awarded at a Kenya Private Sector Alliance
(KEPSA) roundtable edging out 69 other companies. The event brought together
Corporate Chief Executive Officers and Business leaders to share priorities on
the upcoming Africa Climate Summit and recognise business climate action champions.