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KAKUZI
Kakuzi PLC is a leading Kenyan agricultural enterprise that is dual listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE). The company specialises in cultivating, packaging, and marketing superfoods such as avocados, blueberries, and macadamia nuts. The firm also engages in tea, livestock, and commercial forestry production and the company operates with a steadfast focus on sustainable practices and responsible business conduct.
This commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles seamlessly integrates into every aspect of Kakuzi’s operations. Over the last 95 years, Kakuzi has grown from a sisal, citrus, passion and pineapple fruits grower to a superfoods producer and exporter of repute. Led by Managing Director (MD) Chris Flowers, the company excels in agriculture and actively contributes to Kenya’s food security and economic development.
Kakuzi has embraced climate-smart agricultural practices. For instance, the company closely monitors weather patterns and employs techniques like micro sprinklers, optimising irrigation and ensuring water is used efficiently. In addition to conserving water, this also enhances the resilience of crops in the face of unpredictable weather conditions.
Kakuzi has proactively tackled the issue of water scarcity by constructing over 19 earth dams for rainwater harvesting, ensuring a sustainable water supply for its agricultural activities while reducing the strain on local water sources. Moreover, Kakuzi’s Global Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Sustainable Program for Irrigation and Groundwater Use (SPRING) certification underscores its commitment to responsible water management, aligning its practices with international standards.
Kakuzi follows a circular economy model for waste management, emphasising materials reuse, recycling, and composting. For example, macadamia husks are composted, enriching the soil and reducing the need for chemical fertilisers. Liquid waste from processing facilities is treated in biodigesters, harnessing natural processes to break down pollutants. Additionally, hazardous waste such as fertiliser bags and chemical containers are carefully documented and disposed of through approved channels, ensuring responsible handling of potentially harmful materials.
The ‘Jiko Kisasa’ initiative by Kakuzi introduces energy-efficient stoves to local households, replacing traditional cooking methods. These stoves significantly reduce carbon emissions, improve indoor air quality, and conserve natural resources. In addition to aligning with environmental conservation goals, the initiative also enhances the overall livelihoods of the community by offering economic relief through reduced fuel costs.
Kakuzi’s commitment to food safety and quality is evident through its rigorous Food Safety Management System (FSMS) that permeates every stage of its value chain. The company ensures that its products consistently meet consumer food safety requirements by adhering to Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles and Prerequisite Programmes (PRPs). Recognised by the International Standards Organisation (ISO) under ISO 22000:2018 (E) and the ISO/TS 22002-1:2009, Kakuzi’s FSMS is fortified by establishing and continuously reviewing its Food Safety Policy. This policy integrates additional requirements of relevant standards and aligns with the company’s business objectives, emphasising the identification, evaluation, and elimination of potential food safety hazards. Through robust communication and collaboration with suppliers, internal controls, and regulatory adherence, Kakuzi maintains certifications such as Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Halaal, Rainforest Alliance (RA), and GLOBAL Risk Assessment on Social Practices (GRASP).
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Kakuzi’s dedication to community investment and engagement initiatives underscores its unwavering commitment to the social aspect of ESG. The company embraces a holistic approach to community development. For example, in education, Kakuzi has donated classroom desks to various institutions, facilitating effective education programs, supporting social distancing efforts since the global pandemic, and renovating Kakuzi Primary School, providing a conducive learning environment for pupils. To address Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI), Kakuzi’s ‘Tabasamu’ program has empowered women and girls by distributing sanitary towels, demystifying menstruation myths, and promoting menstrual hygiene. Additionally, the company has initiated safety measures for school-going children, employing female safety marshals and enhancing road infrastructure for easier access to amenities, ultimately improving the lives of the local community members.
Kakuzi demonstrates exemplary ethical practices and good governance in its supply chain management, fostering commendable social practices. By way of illustration, through the Avocado Smallholder programme, the company empowers local farmers by sharing expertise on avocado cultivation and agricultural best practices. Introducing farmers to the lucrative Hass variety and providing free extension services ensures the farmers’ economic prosperity. Further, Kakuzi guarantees compliance with global quality standards by offering free maturity testing services, enhancing the value of Kenyan produce worldwide. This approach uplifts local communities and promotes sustainable agriculture and ethical engagement within the supply chain, aligning with good governance and socially responsible practices. Kakuzi’s transparent communication, regulation adherence, and collaborative efforts with regulators and authorities further underscore this commitment.
SIKIKA Operational Grievance Mechanism to employees where participants were sensitized on ways to promote a conducive work environment.
Kakuzi stands as a paragon of good corporate governance practices, steadfastly committed to responsibility, sustainability, and ethics. At the helm, the Kakuzi Board is pivotal in steering the organisation toward these objectives. Composed of Chairman Nick Ng’ang’a, five non-executive directors, and two executive directors, the Board convenes quarterly to establish robust corporate governance foundations, delineate strategic directions, assess business performance, and provide essential guidance to the management team. This governing body operates in harmony with Kakuzi’s vision to be a global leader, ensuring the alignment of individual responsibilities through various committees. Kakuzi exemplifies a harmonious blend of sustainable agriculture, ethical practices, and robust corporate governance, setting a remarkable standard for responsible superfood production.
