#7
KWAL
“Sustainability and responsibility are at the core of how we operate as a business. We integrate them into our planning and performance management processes. As we scale these efforts, we are learning, identifying the enablers and challenges, and developing the capabilities needed to deliver. Our sustainability journey is one of both continuity and change – building on what has made us strong and embracing what’s next.” This sustainability ethos is what drives Kenya Wine Agencies (KWAL). Since its inception in 1969 as a government agency leading Kenya’s wine industry, KWAL has grown to become a significant player in Eastern Africa’s beverage market.
“Our purpose is to craft the joy of true togetherness, inspiring a better world. We create moments that unite us, forge unforgettable bonds, and contribute to making the world a little better – one day, one drink, one cheers at a time. We live this purpose in everything we do with consumers, customers, colleagues, and the community,” shares Lina Githuka, KWAL’s Managing Director (MD).
KWAL firmly believes that its success is intertwined with the well-being of people, the planet, and the communities it serves. The company actively addresses some of the world’s most pressing environmental and social challenges, guided by its commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles under the transformational leadership of Lina. This commitment gained considerable momentum in 2023, following KWAL’s seamless integration with HEINEKEN Beverages after HEINEKEN’s acquisition of Distell. Leveraging HEINEKEN’s global influence as one of the largest brewers, KWAL is poised to become a regional powerhouse across Kenya, East Africa, and Central Africa.
Beyond market expansion, KWAL’s integration with HEINEKEN has reinforced the company’s commitment to sustainability. This integration aligns KWAL with HEINEKEN’s ‘Brew a Better World’ strategy, which aims to drive progress toward a net-zero, more equitable, and sustainable future. HEINEKEN’s 2025 ambition is to achieve balanced growth, prioritising topline growth, profitability, capital efficiency, and sustainability equally. KWAL is dedicated to striking the optimal balance between immediate performance and long-term sustainability, ensuring enduring value creation for all stakeholders.
At the heart of KWAL’s environmental initiatives is its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Tatu City, Kiambu County – a KES 5 billion investment that underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable production. The plant was designed with conservation in mind, incorporating energy-efficient systems and waste reduction processes. KWAL aims to minimise carbon emissions and waste generation, actively reducing its overall environmental footprint. Water is another priority, as the company focuses on using as little water as possible, enhancing its recovery and reuse on-site to create healthier watersheds. Additionally, wastewater is treated before being released, ensuring alignment with global sustainability goals.
Beyond the facility, KWAL’s sponsorship of the Zambarau 50 Ladies Team in the 2024 Rhino Charge event highlights its dedication to environmental conservation efforts. By supporting the protection of ecosystems like the Aberdare Forest, KWAL contributes to the preservation of Kenya’s natural resources for future generations.
KWAL has adopted HEINEKEN’s Purpose, Values, and Behaviours framework. This initiative defines the company’s vision, strategy, and path to success, further embedding a winning culture within the organisation. “This is a crucial step toward building a shared understanding of our purpose, values, and how we bring them to life through our actions. It reflects who we are, what we stand for, and the values that unite us,” Lina Githuka emphasises.
The launch of this framework marks a significant milestone in aligning KWAL with the ‘We Are HEINEKEN’ manifesto, which connects the company across various geographies, cultures, and people. This alignment strengthens KWAL’s commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment. Programs like the Women Chat Lounge and Bro Code mentorship initiatives support the professional development of both male and female employees, ensuring equal opportunities for growth.
KWAL’s dedication to employee well-being and work-life balance is further demonstrated by the introduction of ‘The Good Vibes Bar’ in June 2024 – an area specifically designed for employee relaxation and socialisation.
In addition, KWAL’s fully stocked Resource Centre, complete with books and games, encourages continuous learning and fosters a positive workplace culture. Health and safety are deeply embedded in the company’s daily operations, ensuring that all employees and contractors return home safely at the end of each day.
KWAL’s business model serves as a force for positive change. The company makes its greatest contribution to social and economic well-being through its core activities, including job creation, supporting businesses, and paying taxes. KWAL plays a pivotal role in stimulating the local economy and supporting livelihoods. The INUA program, launched in January 2024, is an example of KWAL’s efforts to empower young adults in Nairobi’s Mukuru slums by equipping them with culinary skills to secure decent employment opportunities.
KWAL also believes that beverages, when consumed responsibly, can be part of a balanced lifestyle. To support responsible drinking, KWAL offers non-alcoholic alternatives like HEINEKEN 0.0 and promotes moderation through its brands. The company’s ‘Form ni Kumaintain’ campaign at Strathmore University in 2024 engaged young adults on the importance of responsible consumption. KWAL plans to expand this initiative to other universities and collaborate with stakeholders to address alcohol-related harms, such as drink-driving.
Integrity and fairness are fundamental to KWAL’s operations. The company’s principles align with the UN Global Compact and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, which guide its commitment to responsible business practices. KWAL has established an anti-bribery framework that prevents, detects, and addresses threats of corruption, supported by risk-based due diligence and employee training. The 24/7 Speak Up service provides a confidential platform for employees and external parties to report concerns, fostering transparency and trust within the organisation.
Respect for human rights is equally paramount at KWAL. Guided by the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the company’s policies ensure that human rights risks are understood, mitigated, and addressed across its operations and value chain. “Our promise is that if we encounter injustice or inequality, we will act swiftly and transparently to right any wrongs. We will acknowledge our mistakes, learn from them, and commit to resolving issues with integrity,” affirms Lina.
Under Lina’s visionary leadership, KWAL continues to thrive and evolve, driven by a deep ambition and commitment to sustainability. As the company moves forward, it remains focused on building on past achievements while addressing the challenges of the future.
“We are truly grateful to everyone – our colleagues, suppliers, customers, consumers, and partners – for your continued passion for doing what’s right for our business and society. Together, we will keep raising the bar to create a better world,” Lina Githuka concludes.
AUTHOR: JUDY MUNGE – SUSTAINABILITY MANAGER, KWAL.
EDITOR: KAREN NDUKU
