Sorghum farmers to reap big in new KBL initiative

Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) has unveiled a new strategic campaign, dubbed Growing Value Together, to highlight its sustainability efforts in building thriving communities, promoting environmental conservation and boosting responsible drinking.

The campaign will spotlight KBL’s business model centered on sustainable practices that contribute to the overall well-being of the society while simultaneously giving value to shareholders.

“We have made huge strides in aligning our business operations with the aspirations of the communities in areas where we operate, driven by the realisation that we cannot build a business in isolation,” said Jane Karuku, KBL Managing Director.

One of the key achievements highlighted in the campaign is the economic impact brought about by KBL to rural farming communities across the country.

Last year alone, KBL paid Ksh2.2 billion to 30,000 sorghum and barley farmers, an amount that is expected to increase in the coming years once the company, which is sourcing 80% of its raw materials locally, scales this up to 100% by 2020.

The Growing Value Together campaign highlights the company’s efforts and accomplishments in attaining the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and aligning the business to Kenya Vision 2030.

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“Our sustainability strategy features a raft of measures that we are undertaking in our efforts to invest in the community, promote responsible drinking and reduce operational and industrial impact to the environment,” she added.

KBL believes in building thriving communities and to this effect have employed over 1000 Kenyans, at the same time supporting over 80,000 business enterprises across the value chain, which include retailers, farmers, distributors and agents. This accounts for 2% of the total employment in the country.

KBL has also managed to reduce energy consumption, currently using 18% of power to produce one hectoliter of beer against the global benchmark of 10% per hectoliter. They aim to reduce energy consumption by five percent each successive year. Additionally, KBL has reduced water usage in their plants by 40%.

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In their aim to reduce alcohol abuse, KBL has launched initiatives such as Under 18 Asipewe, which has engaged more than 26,000 alcohol retailers, empowering them to understand why it is wrong to sell alcohol to anyone under the age of 18 years.

Their water sustainability efforts have touched over two million people across the country with the water of life project that advocates for access to clean water and sanitation. KBL collaborates with communities and development partners to support communities with greatest need.