NCBA's Sustainability Story in Charting a Greener Course

NCBA Group understands sustainability responsibility and has made significant environmental sustainability and stewardship strides. As we observe World Environment Day, let's see how NCBA is promoting a greener, healthier planet for all. NCBA has adopted a proactive approach to addressing the pressing environmental challenges of our time. From climate change to plastic pollution, their efforts showcase the necessity of safeguarding our planet.

Central to NCBA’s sustainability efforts is the "Change The Story" campaign, outlined in this integrated report, a movement aimed at various initiatives, such as increasing Kenya's forest cover by planting 10 million trees by 2030. This initiative reflects their dedication to environmental conservation and recognizes its vital role in supporting the economy and livelihoods of Kenyans. The campaign is built on 5 sustainability pillars and 15 commitments, highlighting NCBA's comprehensive approach to sustainability. These include eliminating single-use plastics, recycling 100% of waste, greening their supply chain, and promoting sustainable corporate gifting.

NCBA is driving the transition to a low-carbon economy through green financing and innovative financial solutions. They have mobilized KES 30 billion towards green and sustainable projects, established a KES 2 billion fund for electric vehicles, and installed EV charging stations in both Kenya & Rwanda. To mitigate climate-related risks, NCBA completed a group-wide carbon audit in 2023 and set a target to reduce direct emissions by over 50% by 2030. These efforts align with the 2015 Paris Agreement, aiming to reduce financed emissions and embed climate risk assessments in their operations.

Beyond environmental initiatives, NCBA is enhancing its community engagement model by training over 3,000 staff members through the "I Change the Story" program and investing KES 100 million annually to support local communities. Their governance strategies include steering 30% of procurement spend towards women and youth, promoting diversity and inclusion, and providing mentorship and skills building for these groups. These actions underscore NCBA's commitment to creating inclusive and sustainable communities.

NCBA's accomplishments in sustainability are noteworthy. They have planted over 7 million trees in collaboration with different stakeholders, recycled 34% of waste at their headquarters and pilot branches, and achieved a 76.3% reduction in plastic use in gifting. Their financial initiatives have supported green projects substantially, and their community efforts have offered scholarships and educational opportunities. 

On top of this, last year's World Environment Day activities in Bungoma County, including the planting of 20,000 trees with the participation of key figures exemplify their ongoing dedication. These efforts align with the broader goals of environmental conservation and plastic pollution reduction, illustrating the power of corporate responsibility in driving positive change.

Together with NCBA Group, we can nurture a future where every action, no matter how small, contributes to a more sustainable planet for generations to come. As the late Wangari Maathai, renowned Kenyan environmentalist and Nobel laureate once said, “We owe it to ourselves and to the next generation to conserve the environment so that we can bequeath our children a sustainable world that benefits all.”

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