#23
BATA
From its humble beginnings in 1894, Bata has grown into a global footwear giant. In Kenya, Bata Shoe Kenya holds a unique position as the largest shoe producer and retailer in Eastern and Central Africa, its name synonymous with iconic products like Toughees, Safari Boots, and Pata Pata, worn by generations.
Bata’s story is about more than just shoes; it is a story woven with a deep commitment to balancing profit, people, and the planet – a philosophy echoing the words of founder Tomas Bata, “Our business is not just about making shoes, it is about serving people.” This resonates deeply with Bata’s vision of, “A world where every product we create leaves a positive and lasting impact,” a commitment that, “…goes beyond the products themselves – it is ingrained in our ethos.” This ethos is built on three pillars: Social Responsibility for People, Environmental Stewardship for the Planet, and Economic Prosperity.
Bata Kenya champions environmental stewardship for the planet through a robust and proactive approach to sustainability. This includes prioritising sustainable sourcing, utilising eco-friendly materials like water-based adhesives and organic leather chemicals, and actively incorporating recycled content to minimise their environmental footprint, in line with their mission. Energy efficiency is paramount, with the adoption of servo motors in shoe moulding (achieving up to 50 percent energy savings) and a transition to biomass boilers for steam generation, drastically reducing reliance on furnace oil and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In addition, Bata has a steam recovery process in place, where condensate is recovered and reused in the boiler system for steam generation.
Water management remains a significant focus area for Bata. The 2017 study report from the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) explored the feasibility of recycling treated tannery effluent water. This report outlined additional treatment steps required to meet reuse standards. Currently, 100 percent of Bata’s treated water is discharged to a municipal wetland after meeting all required standards. However, given the age of this report, Bata is reviewing options to either update the study or conduct a new assessment to better reflect current practices and enhance potential water reuse.
Additionally, Bata drives significant afforestation efforts, planting over 300,000 trees in Agongo Hills, Migori, as part of a broader strategy to plant 1.5 million trees annually. While afforestation contributes to environmental sustainability, the claim of offsetting 1,000 tonnes of carbon emissions requires further validation. The company is exploring methods to quantify the carbon sequestration benefits of its afforestation programs to ensure accurate reporting and external assurance. Until concrete data is available, Bata will refrain from making specific offset claims.
Bata’s social responsibility for people initiatives focus on accessibility and customer experience, with store refurbishments incorporating modern retail technology and a franchise model expanding reach across Kenya. Crucially, it is expanding into underserved areas, for example the planned Kapenguria branch, “… positively impacting the communities we serve,” as the company’s mission states. This commitment to people extends throughout its supply chain, guided by the Bata Supplier Code of Conduct, which sets clear expectations for suppliers, encompassing essential areas like fair wages and working hours, safe and healthy working conditions, respect for human rights, and environmental responsibility. This underscores Bata’s dedication to ethical sourcing and ensuring that the well-being of workers throughout their supply chain is prioritised.
The Bata Children’s Program (BCP) has positively impacted over 300,000 children since 2011. Recent highlights include donations of shoes and sanitary pads to Mathare North Primary School, coinciding with Bata’s 130th global anniversary and 85th in Kenya. Beyond donations, Bata is launching mentorship programs at the school, investing in the future of these students. The company’s social impact extends to health initiatives, including free medical check-ups and support during crises. Internally, Bata champions equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) training, fostering an inclusive culture and promoting open communication through regular town halls.
Strong governance forms the foundation of Bata’s operations, with a comprehensive ethical guideline and a whistleblower policy. Employee involvement in decision-making processes further strengthens this foundation, contributing to Economic Prosperity by fostering a productive and engaged workforce. Managing Director (MD) Benson Okumu embodies Bata Kenya’s commitment, actively participating in CSR initiatives and championing sustainability as a core business principle.
In an era of increasing scrutiny on corporate social and environmental performance, Bata Kenya demonstrates that responsible business practices, driven by innovation and collaboration, not only make a difference but are essential for long-term success, “… creating a legacy of enduring value for generations to come,” as envisioned by Bata.
AUTHOR: BATA KENYA
EDITOR: MARTIN O’NEIL
