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APA APOLLO
At the heart of APA Apollo Group lies a mission grounded in the desire to ensure happiness and wellbeing for its stakeholders, from its clients to the broader community. As a major player in the insurance industry, APA is dedicated to resilience and sustainability, with a unique focus on promoting both individual and community welfare. The company’s philosophy is not only about managing risks, but also oscillates around fostering an environment where people can thrive physically, mentally, socially, and economically. This holistic approach to happiness underscores its core value of responsibility, with Group CEO Ashok Shah articulating the company’s mission as, “ensuring that the wellbeing of people is at the center of everything we do.”
APA’s commitment to sustainability is deeply embedded in its business model, aligning with the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework. This journey is central to APA’s vision of building a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable society.
One of APA’s standout environmental initiatives is its investment in sand dams, a vital component of addressing water scarcity in arid and semi-arid regions. These sand dams provide a sustainable solution to water conservation, capturing rainwater that would otherwise be lost to evaporation or runoff. By storing water beneath sand, these dams help raise the water table, improve soil moisture, and contribute to groundwater recharge. In the words of Ashok Shah, “Sand dams are a sustainable response to climate challenges, providing communities with reliable water sources, particularly in drought-prone areas.” This initiative has also played a crucial role in conserving biodiversity by creating micro-ecosystems that support both plant and animal life.
Further, through the APA Apollo Foundation, the company has partnered with Sukuma Twende Trust to plant over 220,000 indigenous trees, further demonstrating its dedication to mitigating the effects of climate change and fostering environmental sustainability. These initiatives underscore APA’s role in enhancing the resilience of communities to climate-related shocks.
In the social realm, APA has made considerable efforts to support education, gender equality, and community health. A hallmark of its social responsibility is its long-standing commitment to education. Since 2006, the company has adopted Cheleta Primary School, providing students from neighboring slums with access to quality education. APA sponsors two top-performing students each year for their secondary education, often guiding them through to university, with some even securing employment at the company. These efforts, as Ashok Shah notes, reflect the company’s belief in, “investing in children’s education to build a prosperous future for society.”
APA has also been a pioneer in promoting gender equality within its workforce and beyond. Through partnerships with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the company launched a Women’s Insurance program that provides financial protection as well as offers value-added services such as mentorship and financial literacy programs. This initiative aims to empower women by giving them the tools to thrive both professionally and personally.
In the health sector, APA made a bold decision to cover COVID-19 claims, following its precedent of covering HIV-related claims when no other insurer in Kenya would. This decision highlighted the company’s commitment to its clients’ health and sustainability. APA also partnered with local organisations to distribute food and hygiene supplies to over 18,000 families during the height of the pandemic, ensuring that the most vulnerable were not left behind during this unprecedented crisis.
Under the transformational leadership of Ashok Shah, APA has embraced strong governance practices that prioritise ethical conduct, transparency, and inclusivity. One of the company’s most significant governance initiatives is its focus on inclusive insurance. Recognising the challenges faced by underserved populations, APA has partnered with various organisations to provide affordable insurance solutions to low-income individuals and smallholder farmers. These efforts have been crucial in protecting vulnerable communities from financial shocks caused by natural disasters and health emergencies.
APA’s ethical business practices are evident in its leadership approach, with a clear emphasis on corporate responsibility. Ashok Shah has championed responsible business as a core tenet of the company’s growth strategy, regularly participating in forums to discuss best practices and share insights on building sustainable and inclusive businesses.
As APA continues to evolve, its dedication to people, the planet, and prosperity remains steadfast, making it a beacon of responsible corporate citizenship in Kenya and beyond.
AUTHOR: KAREN NDUKU
EDITOR: HILDA NTHENYA
