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STANDARD CHARTERED
Standard Chartered has a solid heritage, with a history of over 100 years in Kenya, continuing to solidify its role as a leader in business sustainability. The Bank has proactively integrated sustainable practices into its operations, backed by its commitment to sustainability which remains steadfast.
To align its operations with global sustainability goals, Standard Chartered Kenya has focused on three core pillars: Sustainable Finance, Being a Responsible Company, and Inclusive Communities. These pillars underscore the Bank’s holistic approach to sustainability, with each contributing meaningfully to the well-being of the environment, society, and the economy.
Standard Chartered actively promotes sustainable finance, positioning it as a key driver for economic growth and environmental stewardship. By leveraging its extensive footprint in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East – regions often severely impacted by environmental and social challenges – the Bank uses its expertise to direct capital to areas that need it most.
The Bank’s brand promise, ‘Here for Good,’ has contributed to Africa’s growth and unlocking potential, financing critical infrastructure projects across multiple sectors. The Bank led the market with the first Kenya Shilling denominated Sustainability Linked Loan and the largest ESG financing done in the market to date – KES 30 billion – to pave way for further sustainability financing in Africa as companies look to minimise their environmental impact.
One of the Bank’s flagship efforts is the financing of renewable energy projects and investing in sustainable infrastructure. With the world still grappling with meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in low and middle-income countries where financing gaps are substantial, Standard Chartered’s focus on green finance could not be more crucial. The Bank has developed frameworks in partnership with Sustainalytics, setting clear standards for what qualifies as sustainable or green products. This forward-thinking approach ensures that the financial products it offers not only promote growth but do so in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. For example, the Bank’s solar panel financing initiatives and other green products support sustainable development by encouraging businesses and individuals to transition to clean energy sources. By ensuring that its financing decisions do more good than harm, Standard Chartered plays a pivotal role in supporting sustainable economic growth across Kenya.
Standard Chartered’s commitment to being a responsible company extends beyond its financial services to encompass strong internal governance, environmental responsibility, and ethical business practices. The Bank embeds its values across its operations, ensuring it remains a trusted partner in the markets it serves.
One of the cornerstones of this responsibility is the fight against financial crime, a critical issue in emerging markets. Standard Chartered has implemented stringent Financial Crime Compliance standards, with robust internal controls and continuous training for its employees. The Bank also works closely with its clients and partners to promote best practices, setting clear expectations through its position statements, which align with global industry benchmarks like the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Equator Principles.
Environmental responsibility is another key focus. Standard Chartered has set ambitious targets to minimise its own environmental impact by reducing energy, water, and paper consumption across its offices. The Bank also partners with suppliers to ensure they uphold global environmental and social standards, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable business operations. The Bank’s Chiromo Head Office was awarded the True Zero Waste Certification, making Standard Chartered the first Bank and office in Africa to receive the award. Additionally, Standard Chartered has installed solar and rainwater harvesting systems at the branches and a solar carport at the Head Office. All the Bank sites are certified as single use plastic free and LED compliant.
The environmental focus extends to the promotion of green urban spaces, where the Bank has implemented a three-year partnership with the Nairobi Arboretum Park, with a total of 1 million tree seedlings planted in the nursery.
In terms of employee engagement, the Bank fosters an inclusive and diverse workplace. Through a range of learning and development programs, Standard Chartered encourages its workforce to grow and contribute meaningfully to the Bank’s sustainability goals.
The Bank has also sought to scale the impact of volunteering by strengthening skills-based volunteering. In 2024, 82 percent of Bank colleagues volunteered over 3,500 hours towards skills-based volunteering, which ranged from provision of financial education to local schools, to coaching and mentoring Futuremakers participants, coaching young Women in Tech (WIT) entrepreneurs and career talks for young people.
From 2019 to 2024, through the Futuremakers programme, the Bank has supported more than 54,000 young people to acquire skills to earn decent jobs and enabled creation of over 1,000 jobs through supported microbusinesses. Through this programme, the Bank continues to drive positive change by providing education, employability, and entrepreneurial training to the next generation.
The Bank launched the Women in Tech programme (WIT) through a strategic partnership designed to address gaps and upskill women-led technology ventures. The Women in Tech program is a shining example of how Standard Chartered fosters innovation and entrepreneurship among women.
The Standard Chartered Marathon stands out as one of the most significant events in Nairobi’s sporting calendar, attracting more than 25,000 participants from 94 nationalities in 2024. The event raised over KES 45 million with all proceeds from the registration of the marathon going towards supporting the Futuremakers programme.
As the Bank looks ahead, its focus on sustainable finance, responsible business operations, and community inclusion will ensure it remains a vital contributor to Kenya’s socio-economic development for years to come. Through the continued leadership of the CEO, Kariuki Ngari and his management team, the Bank has maintained its unwavering commitment to sustainability. Standard Chartered Bank Kenya is not just walking the ESG talk – it is setting the pace.
AUTHOR: STANDARD CHARTERED
EDITOR: HILDA NTHENYA
