Corporate Social Responsibility in Kenya: Giving Back

Introduction

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to how companies contribute to society beyond their business operations. In Kenya, many companies invest millions of shillings annually in education, healthcare, environment, and community development. Understanding CSR can help you access resources for your projects, partner with companies, or simply know how businesses are contributing to Kenya’s development.

This guide explains CSR in Kenya, major company programs, how to benefit from them, and the impact of corporate giving on communities.

What is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)?

Definition

CSR is when companies voluntarily contribute to social, environmental, and economic development beyond their normal business activities. It means businesses take responsibility for their impact on society and actively work to create positive change.

Why Companies Do CSR in Kenya

Legal Requirements

• Companies Act requires certain businesses to report on social and environmental matters
• Tax incentives for charitable giving
• Government encouragement of private sector involvement

Business Benefits

• Improved company reputation
• Customer loyalty and brand image
• Employee satisfaction and retention
• Community goodwill
• Government relations
• Risk management

Ethical Reasons

• Giving back to communities where they operate
• Supporting national development
• Addressing inequality
• Environmental stewardship
• Corporate values and mission

Common CSR Focus Areas in Kenya

Education

• Scholarships and bursaries
• Building or renovating schools
• Providing learning materials
• Teacher training
• Computer labs and technology

Health

• Medical camps and free clinics
• Hospital equipment donations
• Health insurance support
• HIV/AIDS programs
• Maternal and child health

Environment

• Tree planting initiatives
• Waste management programs
• Clean energy projects
• Water conservation
• Climate change mitigation

Community Development

• Infrastructure (roads, water, electricity)
• Youth empowerment
• Women’s economic programs
• Sports facilities and programs
• Arts and culture support

Disaster Relief

• Emergency response
• Drought and flood assistance
• Food distribution
• Rebuilding after disasters

Major CSR Programs in Kenya

Banking Sector

Safaricom Foundation

Probably Kenya’s largest CSR program.

Major Programs

• M-PESA Foundation Academy (full scholarship secondary school)
• Ndoto Zetu Initiative (youth empowerment)
• Safaricom Appwiz Challenge (technology innovation)
• Health programs across counties

How They Support

• Education scholarships
• Healthcare infrastructure
• Technology for schools
• Entrepreneurship programs

How to Benefit

• Apply for M-PESA Foundation Academy (KCPE top performers from poor backgrounds)
• Submit proposals for community projects
• Check website: safaricom.co.ke/foundation

Equity Bank - Equity Group Foundation

Programs

• Wings to Fly (university scholarships)
• Education support
• Financial literacy training
• Agricultural programs

How to Benefit

• Wings to Fly for KCSE graduates (apply through schools)
• Financial literacy workshops (check county offices)
• Agricultural extension services

KCB Foundation

Focus Areas

• Education (2jiajiri program for youth entrepreneurship)
• Health
• Environment
• Economic empowerment

How to Benefit

• Apply for 2jiajiri entrepreneurship training
• Business development support
• Check website for opportunities

Cooperative Bank

Programs

• Education support
• Environmental conservation
• Health initiatives
• Community development

NCBA Bank

Focus

• Education
• Health
• Environment
• Partnerships with community organizations

Telecommunications

Safaricom (Covered above under Safaricom Foundation)

Airtel Kenya

Programs

• Touching Lives (health and education)
• Support for vulnerable communities
• Emergency response

Telkom Kenya

CSR Activities

• Education support
• Healthcare
• Community infrastructure

Energy Sector

Kenya Power (KPLC)

Programs

• Stima Scholarship Program (for bright students from KPLC staff and communities)
• Electrification of schools and health centers
• Community infrastructure
• Environmental conservation

How to Benefit

• Apply for Stima Scholarships (through schools)
• Schools can apply for free connections
• Community projects near power installations

Kenya Pipeline Company

Programs

• Education bursaries
• Sports programs
• Healthcare support
• Community infrastructure

Total Kenya / Vivo Energy

Programs

• Road safety education
• Community health
• Education support

Manufacturing

East African Breweries Limited (EABL)

Programs

• Water and sanitation (Water Futures program)
• Economic empowerment (beer value chain support)
• Alcohol harm reduction
• Community support

Coca-Cola Kenya

Programs

• Water conservation and replenishment
• Women’s economic empowerment (5by20 program)
• Youth development
• Environmental sustainability

Unilever Kenya

Programs

• Health and hygiene education
• Sustainable sourcing
• Women’s empowerment
• Youth employment

Agriculture and Food

Brookside Dairy

Programs

• Farmer support and training
• Dairy value chain development
• Community health
• Education support

Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA)

Programs

• Education bursaries for tea farmers’ children
• Healthcare facilities in tea-growing areas
• Infrastructure development
• Environmental conservation

Retail

Naivas Supermarkets

Programs

• Community support
• Education
• Health initiatives
• Disaster relief

Carrefour Kenya

CSR Activities

• Food donations
• Community programs
• Sustainability initiatives

Insurance

Britam

Programs

• Education (scholarship programs)
• Health
• Sports development
• Environmental conservation

CIC Insurance

Programs

• Education support
• Healthcare
• Community development

Other Sectors

Standard Chartered Bank Kenya

Programs

• Seeing is Believing (eye care)
• Goal (girls education)
• Economic empowerment

Google Kenya

Programs

• Digital skills training
• Technology for schools
• Startup support
• Internet connectivity

Microsoft Kenya

Programs

• Digital transformation
• Skills development
• Education technology

How CSR Helps Communities

Education Impact

Direct Benefits

• Thousands of children get scholarships
• Schools renovated and equipped
• Computer labs in rural schools
• Teachers receive training
• Learning materials provided

Example: M-PESA Foundation Academy has educated hundreds of bright students from poor backgrounds, with many joining top universities.

Healthcare Impact

Direct Benefits

• Free medical camps reach remote areas
• Hospitals get modern equipment
• Communities get health education
• Maternal and child health improves
• Disease prevention programs

Example: Safaricom health programs have built dispensaries and supported healthcare in many counties.

Environmental Impact

Direct Benefits

• Millions of trees planted
• Water sources protected
• Clean energy access increased
• Waste management improved
• Communities educated on conservation

Example: KCB Foundation’s environmental programs have planted millions of trees across Kenya.

Economic Impact

Direct Benefits

• Youth gain entrepreneurship skills
• Women access business training
• Small businesses supported
• Employment opportunities created
• Value chains strengthened

Example: Equity Bank’s 2jiajiri program has helped thousands of youth start businesses.

Community Infrastructure

Direct Benefits

• Roads constructed or repaired
• Water systems installed
• Electrification of areas
• Sports facilities built
• Community centers established

How to Benefit from CSR Programs

For Individuals

Education Scholarships

Where to Apply

• Safaricom Foundation: Through your school
• Equity Wings to Fly: KCSE graduates
• KCB Foundation: Check website for opportunities
• Kenya Power Stima Scholarship: Through schools
• Various bank bursaries: Apply through schools or directly

General Tips

• Most require academic excellence and financial need
• Application usually annual (check deadlines)
• Need recommendation from school
• Keep documents ready (ID, birth certificate, school reports, fee statements)

Business and Entrepreneurship Support

• Equity 2jiajiri: Apply online for youth entrepreneurship training
• KCB 2jiajiri: Business development support
• Coca-Cola 5by20: Women entrepreneurs
• Google Digital Skills: Free online training

How to Access

• Check company websites regularly
• Follow their social media
• Register when applications open
• Complete training programs

For Schools

Infrastructure Support

What You Can Request

• Classrooms and toilets
• Computer labs
• Libraries
• Science labs
• Sports facilities

How to Apply

• Write formal proposal to company’s CSR department
• Include:
  • School background and need
  • What you’re requesting and why
  • Cost estimates
  • How it will benefit students
  • School’s contribution (if any)
  • Contact information

Example Letter Format:

[Your School Letterhead]
[Date]

The CSR Manager
[Company Name]
[Address]

Dear Sir/Madam,

RE: REQUEST FOR SUPPORT TO BUILD [PROJECT]

[School Name] is a public/private school in [Location], serving [number] students from [background description]. 

We are requesting support for [specific project]. Currently, [explain the problem]. This project will [explain benefits].

The total estimated cost is KES [amount]. [Explain what you can contribute if anything]. 

We believe your organization's support will transform learning for our students and benefit the entire community.

We welcome the opportunity to discuss this further. Please find attached our proposal with full details.

Thank you for considering our request.

Yours faithfully,

[Principal's Name]
[Signature]
[Contacts]

Attachments: Detailed proposal, school documents

Best Time to Apply

• Early in company’s financial year (many operate July-June)
• Check application windows on websites
• Some companies have specific months for applications

For Community Groups and CBOs

Project Funding

What Companies Fund

• Water projects
• Health facilities
• Community centers
• Environmental projects
• Youth programs
• Women’s groups

How to Apply

• Develop clear project proposal
• Show community need
• Demonstrate your organization’s capacity
• Provide budget
• Explain sustainability

Proposal Must Include

• Organization background and registration
• Problem statement
• Project objectives
• Activities and timeline
• Budget breakdown
• Expected outcomes
• How you’ll sustain project
• Organization documents

Where to Submit

• Company CSR departments
• Check websites for application process
• Some have online portals
• Others require physical submission

For NGOs

Partnership Opportunities

What Companies Look For

• Registered and compliant NGOs
• Track record of impact
• Aligned with company CSR focus
• Professional operations
• Good financial management

Partnership Types

• Project co-funding
• Program support
• Employee volunteering
• In-kind donations
• Technical support

How to Approach

• Research company’s CSR priorities
• Prepare professional pitch
• Show your impact and credibility
• Propose mutually beneficial partnership
• Be specific about what you need

Working with Companies: Best Practices

Do Your Research

Before Approaching Company

• What are their CSR focus areas?
• What projects have they funded?
• What’s their application process?
• When do they accept proposals?
• Do you fit their criteria?

Make Professional Request

Essential Elements

• Formal letter or email
• Clear, specific request
• Evidence of need
• Realistic budget
• Professional presentation
• Complete required documents

Show Impact

Companies Want to See

• How their support will make difference
• Measurable outcomes
• Number of people benefiting
• Sustainability of project
• Community involvement

Be Transparent

• Provide accurate information
• Share challenges honestly
• Report on use of funds
• Welcome monitoring and evaluation
• Maintain communication

Build Relationships

Long-Term Engagement

• Keep companies updated on progress
• Invite them to see projects
• Acknowledge support publicly
• Submit reports on time
• Maintain professional relationship

Corporate Volunteering

Employee Volunteering Programs

Many companies encourage staff to volunteer:

Safaricom

• Volunteers participate in community projects
• Company supports with resources

Banks

• Financial literacy training in communities
• Mentorship programs

Other Companies

• Team-building through community service
• Skills-based volunteering
• Environmental activities

How Communities Can Host Corporate Volunteers

If You Have Project

• Contact company CSR departments
• Propose volunteer activity
• Provide clear plan and safety measures
• Welcome and organize volunteers well
• Provide feedback after

CSR Reporting and Transparency

What Good CSR Looks Like

Transparency

• Public reporting of CSR activities
• Financial accountability
• Impact measurement
• Stakeholder engagement

Alignment

• CSR activities match company business
• Address real community needs
• Sustainable programs
• Long-term commitment

Red Flags

• CSR used only for marketing
• No real community benefit
• Lack of transparency
• One-off activities with no follow-up
• Company takes credit without delivering

Future of CSR in Kenya

Growing Trends

Strategic CSR

• More integrated with business
• Focus on measurable impact
• Long-term partnerships
• Innovation in approach

Sustainability Focus

• Environmental and social governance (ESG)
• Climate change action
• Sustainable business practices
• Circular economy

Technology for Good

• Digital solutions for social problems
• Fintech for inclusion
• E-learning platforms
• Health tech

Partnerships

• Government-private sector collaboration
• NGO partnerships
• Multi-company initiatives
• Community-led development

Conclusion

Corporate Social Responsibility plays a significant role in Kenya’s development. Billions of shillings flow from companies into education, healthcare, environment, and community projects annually. Understanding how CSR works helps you access these resources for legitimate community needs.

Whether you’re a student seeking scholarship, school needing infrastructure, community group planning projects, or NGO looking for partnerships, CSR programs offer opportunities. The key is to research companies’ priorities, make professional requests, demonstrate impact, and build sustainable relationships.

As Kenya develops, CSR will continue evolving. Companies increasingly see it not as optional charity but as essential to sustainable business and national progress. By engaging effectively with corporate CSR programs, communities can leverage private sector resources to address local challenges while companies fulfill their commitment to social responsibility.

Remember: successful CSR engagement requires professionalism, transparency, and focus on real impact. Approach companies with well-thought proposals, deliver on commitments, and maintain good relationships. Together, corporate Kenya and communities can create lasting positive change.