#8
BRITAM
When it comes to weaving the fabric of business success with the thread of sustainability, few do it as seamlessly as Britam. Established in Nairobi, Kenya, in 1965, Britam has grown from a local insurance provider into a regional powerhouse, expanding its services to Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Malawi, Rwanda and Mozambique. At the heart of this growth lies a steadfast commitment to sustainability, aligning business success with ethical, social and environmental responsibility.
Tom Gitogo, Britam’s Group Managing Director (GMD) and CEO, perfectly captures the company’s ethos, “Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at Britam. We are committed to conducting our business in a responsible, ethical, and sustainable manner, while making a positive impact on society and the environment.” With this unwavering commitment, Britam continues to lead by example, becoming one of the top organisations in East Africa that is truly walking the ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) talk.
Britam’s sustainability initiatives are anchored in global frameworks such as the UN Global Compact (UNGC), the Nairobi Declaration on Sustainable Insurance (NDSI), the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), and the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs). These commitments establish Britam as a forward-thinking institution that integrates global best practices into its operations:
- UNGC and NDSI: By aligning with these frameworks, Britam reaffirms a base of responsible operations that contribute toward sustainable development.
- TNFD: Through this framework, Britam identifies and assesses nature-related risks and opportunities.
- WEPs: In promoting gender equality, Britam creates an enabling workplace and improves the participation of women in the business and markets where it operates.
Britam is not merely responding to today’s environmental challenges but actively shaping solutions for a sustainable future. In 2023, the company launched East Africa’s first-ever flood insurance product – a groundbreaking innovation for a region often affected by climate-related disasters. This initiative provides critical protection to vulnerable communities, including farmers, informal workers, and SMEs, shielding them from the diverse risks posed by a changing climate.
The impact of Britam was demonstrated in 2024 after severe flooding hit Madogo Ward in Tana River County, compensating 300 households that were affected by the flood with a cumulative sum of KES 15 million. This intervention underlines the commitment of Britam to building climate resilience and supporting recovery in affected areas.
Equally, through its innovative microinsurance solutions, Britam has also provided a safety net for over 60,000 small-scale farmers and pastoralists. In this regard, it is insuring them against weather shocks emanating from drought, pests, and diseases; hence mitigating risks by enabling the community to thrive despite environmental uncertainties.
Britam’s societal influence extends beyond insurance, with initiatives that prioritise health, education and community empowerment:
- Affordable Health Insurance: Britam has designed health insurance plans that focus on preventative care and chronic disease management, providing underserved populations with access to essential healthcare services. Wellness programs designed in partnership with healthcare providers have promoted healthier lifestyles and offered critical mental health support to hundreds of thousands.
- Education and Financial Literacy: Recognizing the transformative power of education, Britam invests in skill development and financial literacy programs. These initiatives equip participants in underserved communities with tools to bridge skills gaps and achieve financial stability.
Britam actively encourages its employees to reduce plastic consumption, aligning with its goal of achieving a single-use plastic-free workplace by 2027. All offices across its footprint have commenced the adoption of reusable alternatives.
In a bold move to minimise its carbon footprint, the company unveiled a 183-panel solar carport at Britam Centre in Nairobi’s Upper Hill area. One of the largest in the region, this initiative not only cuts energy costs but also signals Britam’s commitment to renewable energy, with plans to expand coverage across its offices.
A cornerstone of Britam’s sustainability strategy is the Sustainability Champions Program, which unites 101 staff representatives from its African operations to drive impactful initiatives. This program exemplifies Britam’s belief that every employee can play a role in advancing sustainability.
Gender equality remains a key pillar of Britam’s social strategy. The company has achieved gender parity in leadership, with women comprising 50 percent of its executive management team. Across its workforce, 46 percent are female, reflecting a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Governance at Britam is based on the principles of transparency, accountability, and fairness to all stakeholders. The company goes beyond mere regulatory compliance by regularly evaluating its board and leadership for a proper segregation of duties and to ensure trust. These practices reflect the core values of integrity and responsibility at the heart of Britam.
Under the strategic leadership of Tom Gitogo, Britam is reshaping the financial services landscape in East Africa. By embedding ESG principles into its core operations, Britam is setting a standard for responsible growth. Gitogo keenly observes, “Business prosperity must go hand in hand with improvement of environmental and social well-being.” With its steadfast commitment to sustainability, Britam invites all its stakeholders to join in this journey toward a brighter, more sustainable future – one where success is measured not only in profits but also in the positive impact on people and the planet.
AUTHOR: BRITAM
EDITOR: HILDA NTHENYA
