Kakuzi Plc has become the first agricultural counter player at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) to release its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report.
Kakuzi, one of the seven agricultural counter players, released its 2020 ESG report as listed firms begin to adopt NSE guidelines requiring the annual publishing of such disclosures.
Speaking at the Kakuzi 2020 ESG Report's launch, Kakuzi Managing Director Mr Chris Flowers said the firm had invested more than Kshs 1.6 billion over the last four years to enhance its operations, mitigate governance risks and ensure global standards are maintained.
Late last month, the NSE launched its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Disclosures Guidance Manual to improve and standardise ESG information reported by listed companies in Kenya.
The latest Kakuzi ESG report aptly titled 'Future-proofing agriculture' confirms that, at its Murang'a county-based agricultural production fields, the firm is part and parcel of the surrounding community. On an average day, Kakuzi employs 3,000 people, with more than 5,000 school children attending public school learning facilities within its boundaries. Local suppliers, the report adds, have been servicing procurement opportunities valued at more than Kshs 484 million annually.
At the event graced by NSE CEO Geoffrey Odundo, Kakuzi, Mr Flowers assured that Kakuzi will continue to make critical investments to enhance shareholder value and secure an attractive return on investment as part of the firm's ESG excellence pursuit.