Kenya: BAT exceeds set target on gender inclusivity

BAT Kenya has made notable strides in its sustainability goals, exceeding targets in gender mainstreaming among other priorities.

The 2023 Sustainability Report from British American Tobacco Kenya reveals that women now represent 47% of senior leadership, surpassing the 45% target set for 2025.

There has also been an increase in base salaries for women across various job grades within the company.

In its efforts to address climate change and enhance environmental management, BAT Kenya achieved a 54% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions in 2023, seven years ahead of its 2030 goal of a 50% reduction compared to 2020 levels.

This progress is driven by an accelerated decarbonization strategy, including a Sh145 million investment in solar energy between 2021 and 2022, which has boosted onsite electricity generation to 1,400-KwP.

The company also achieved a 62.5% reduction in water withdrawal, far exceeding its 2025 target of a 35% reduction compared to 2017 levels.

BAT Kenya’s sustainability efforts extend throughout its value chain, focusing on improving the livelihoods of contracted tobacco farmers and promoting sustainable agriculture.

The report highlights the implementation of a Sh10 million Rural Women Development Programme (RuwDep) in 2023, following a successful 2022 pilot, aimed at empowering over 1,600 women farmers and the spouses of contracted male farmers.

To boost the incomes of its contracted farmers, BAT Kenya increased the use of drought-resistant hybrid tobacco seeds in 2023, resulting in higher yields.

Additionally, the company introduced initiatives to enhance food security by encouraging the cultivation of alternative subsistence crops.

Speaking, BAT Kenya Managing Director Crispin Achola emphasized the importance of their stakeholders having a view of the Company’s contribution to sustainability.

“We remain focused on the transformation of our business, underpinned by our purpose to create A Better Tomorrow by Building a Smokeless World,” he said.

Achola said the achievement of multiple sustainability targets ahead of set timelines is a testament to their commitment to creating shared value for their stakeholders.

“I am especially proud of our performance in the areas of diversity, inclusion and equity, socio-economic development and climate change,” he said.

“Looking ahead, we will continue to accelerate BAT Kenya’s sustainability performance, in collaboration with all stakeholders.”