By Dr Hanningtone Gaya, CEO – The Knowledge Warehouse Kenya
Real Impact, Real Change: Beyond the Buzzwords
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) is not a new concept. In fact, it has been part of the business conversation for decades, albeit under different names. If we trace its roots, the idea of ‘doing good’ in business – focusing on sustainability and social responsibility – goes as far back as the early 20th century, when companies first recognised their responsibilities beyond profit margins. Over time, this has evolved into terms like Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Business Sustainability. The key thread across these terms has always been the idea that businesses should contribute positively to the world.
It was around the early 2000s that ESG, as a framework, started gaining global traction, particularly after the United Nations introduced the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). McKinsey defines ESG as an umbrella for business sustainability, but it is more than that – it encapsulates real environmental impact, meaningful social practices, and strong corporate governance. ESG asks businesses tough questions: Are your buildings energy-efficient? Is your carbon footprint shrinking? Are you treating your employees well? Do you support your suppliers fairly and promptly, especially smaller ones that rely on you? Simply put, ESG challenges companies to be good from the inside out – starting at home.
ESG is about much more than having the right policies on paper. It is about action. It is about businesses showing that they are not just ticking boxes but are committed to genuine impact. A company should ask itself, “Are we aware of our impact on the environment, and are we actively reducing it?” “Are we creating a workplace where employees feel valued and safe?” “Do our suppliers – big and small – trust us to do business ethically and be promptly paid for goods and/or services supplied?” And externally, it is not just about token gestures or photo opportunities, like planting a tree – it is about sustained, meaningful, and impactful contributions to the community and society at large.
This series, the second of six in Business Monthly EA’s 30th Anniversary edition, celebrates corporations that are not only talking the talk but also walking the current ESG discourse. These corporations go beyond performance reporting, metrics, and gestures; they deliver real, measurable impact.
For the first time ever, our panel found it too difficult to choose just one number one. This year, we are excited to feature two corporations as joint Number 1: Safaricom and M-Pesa. While they have grown into separate entities, their shared heritage and intertwined operations make it impossible to overlook their combined contribution to ESG. Safaricom’s commitment to green energy, diversity, and community development, paired with M-Pesa’s transformative role in financial inclusion and digital empowerment, made them stand out. Together, they exemplify the power of synergy in driving sustainability and societal impact. Their stories show that sometimes, doing good does not just start at home – it spreads across entire industries and economies.
Here are some attributes that set these corporations apart:
- They are reducing their carbon footprint in measurable ways, investing in green energy or more sustainable operational practices.
- They create thriving workplaces where employees feel heard, valued, and empowered, promoting diversity and inclusivity in every sense.
- They ensure that their entire supply chain is treated fairly and ethically, with timely payments and transparent dealings.
- They support their communities in ways that are meaningful and long-term, not just in fleeting PR-driven gestures.
- They lead by example, promoting good governance practices that start from the very top and permeate throughout their culture.
As we publish this special series, it felt important to pause and reflect on which corporations are truly making strides in this space.
I hope you find this series both inspiring and eye-opening. The corporations are not only paving the way for a more sustainable business landscape, but they are also proving that doing good is the secret sauce to long-term success – for businesses and individuals alike. So, take a moment to enjoy the read, and perhaps you will discover some pointers you can apply in your own life. Because at the end of the day, doing good is something we can all strive for, and it is the one ingredient that benefits everyone.
