Safaricom Director Wins Global Social Innovator Award

Ms Karen Basiye, Safaricom Director of Sustainable Business, Social Impact, and Foundations, has been named a Schwab Foundation Corporate Social Innovator of the Year 2026.

This recognition by the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, in partnership with the World Economic Forum, isn’t just an award, Safaricom said, noting that it is testament to the “Spirit of Safaricom” – a belief that business thrives when society thrives.

The Schwab Foundation Awards 2026 are celebrating 21 social entrepreneurs and innovators who are “driving systemic change around the world.” The Schwab Foundation said these leaders are values-driven innovators pioneering transformative business, social development and environmental models that are helping build a more equitable and sustainable world.

“From strengthening emergency medical services in Ethiopia, to establishing circular textile economies in Lebanon and tackling the shortage of STEM teachers in North America, this year’s awardees were selected for their transformative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing social challenges,” Hilde Schwab, Co-Founder and Chairperson of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship.

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At Safaricom, Karen Basiye has been at the forefront of integrating Social and Environmental Impact into Safaricom’s DNA. From championing Climate Action to driving Digital Inclusion, her work ensures that technology doesn’t just connect people but transforms lives.

“She embodies what it means to use ESG and the SDGs not as a checklist, but as an enabler for a net-positive future,” Safaricom said in a statement.

“As we accelerate our mission to deliver scalable tech solutions, leaders like Karen remind us that our “Social Licence to Operate” is earned every day by doing the right thing.

Schwab Foundation 2026 awardees and impact report explores how social innovators are responding to global uncertainty with resilience, collaboration and new models for impact. It features the 2026 Awardees — 21 social entrepreneurs and innovators from 17 organisations, working across 190 countries on challenges including healthcare, education, climate action and democratic participation. They are part of a global community of 510 social innovators whose work has improved over 950 million lives worldwide, mobilising close to $1 billion in the past year.

“This year’s awardees highlight the extraordinary resilience and ingenuity at the heart of our social innovator and entrepreneur community,” Hilde Schwab said. “In the face of unprecedented disruption and uncertainty, these leaders have not only adapted their models but have deepened their commitment to lasting impact. Their achievements, alongside those of the wider community, demonstrate that purpose-driven innovation can truly transform societies and build a more inclusive, sustainable future for all.”

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