Global Compact Network Kenya

19/12/2025

As we close out the year, we extend our warmest wishes to our participants, partners, and wider community.

Thank you for your engagement, commitment, and collaboration throughout 2025. We look forward to continuing our work together in the year ahead.

𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝟮𝟮 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱, 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝟱 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲.

Wishing you a restful festive season and a purposeful start to the new year.

19/12/2025

Yesterday in Kilifi, we convened an Ocean Centres Kenya workshop on Strengthening Ocean Safety and Governance in Kenya’s Marine Fisheries, bringing together government representatives, community leaders, practitioners and partners committed to safer and more resilient marine fisheries.

Ocean Centres Kenya workshop on Strengthening Ocean Safety and Governance in Kenya’s Marine Fisheries, bringing together government representatives, community leaders, practitioners and partners committed to safer and more resilient marine fisheries.

Opening the workshop, Judy Njino, Executive Director of Global Compact Network Kenya, reaffirmed that ocean safety is not abstract. It is lived daily by fishers, processors and coastal communities whose livelihoods depend on the sea. Strengthening safety and governance therefore requires coordinated action across government, business and communities, grounded in local realities and informed by global best practice.

The workshop, with Olive Mumbo as Country Lead, formed part of the Ocean Centres Kenya programme, a partnership initiative of the United Nations Global Compact’s Ocean Stewardship Coalition and Lloyd's Register Foundation.

Since the launch of Ocean Centres Kenya in August 2025, four workshops have brought diverse stakeholders together to surface risks, share practical insights and strengthen collaboration across Kenya’s marine fisheries sector. This final convening of the year closed 2025 with a strong foundation for continued engagement.

We thank our speakers and moderator for their contributions:

▪️ Alan McCulla OBE, International Fund for Fishing Safety

▪️ Duncan Spencer, Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH)

▪️ Elisha Shehan, Directorate of Blue Economy and Fisheries, Kilifi County

▪️ Jane Sidi, Deputy Speaker, Kenya Young Members of County Assemblies, Moderator

As Ocean Centres Kenya looks ahead to 2026, the focus remains on deepening collaboration, strengthening safety leadership and advancing practical, locally driven solutions that protect both people and the ocean.

To learn more about Ocean Centres Kenya or to explore opportunities to engage in 2026, visit www.oceancentres.com/kenya or contact info@globalcompactkenya.org

16/12/2025

The Business and Human Rights Accelerator is still open for applications, offering participating companies a structured pathway to strengthen human rights due diligence and move from commitment to action.

This six-month global programme supports companies to identify salient human rights risks, integrate findings into business processes and develop practical responses aligned with international standards.

The accelerator runs from February to July 2026.

Applications close on 19 December 2025.

Learn more and apply:
https://unglobalcompact.org/take-action/business-and-human-rights

15/12/2025

𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐮𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦

Last week, Global Compact Network Kenya joined partners at the Africa Business Ethics Conference for a technical working session focused on strengthening private sector collective action on integrity, in line with Principle 10 of the United Nations Global Compact which calls on businesses to work against corruption in all its forms.

The data shared was a strong reminder of the work ahead:
• The average bribe has dropped from KES 11,625 to 4,878, but the number of Kenyans paying bribes has risen from 17.7% to 25.4%.
• Companies report engaging in corruption to outpace competitors at 63%, avoid harassment at 47%, or due to coercion at 38%.

When corruption touches more people, even in smaller amounts, it becomes normal quickly and weakens the entire system.

Leaders from ABEC, the Federation of Kenya Employers, the Kenya Revenue Authority, the Institute of Economic Affairs, the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, Transparency International Kenya, Strathmore University, the Sanlam Alliance, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, youth networks and others reflected on what must shift. Integrity grows when the systems around it reward responsible behaviour rather than short term shortcuts.

Key actions that emerged included,
• Using data to show the real cost of corruption on business and society.
• Advancing reforms with clear value for business such as e procurement.
• Reducing the personal and professional risk of speaking up through predictable and transparent processes.
• Moving youth from symbolic involvement to meaningful leadership roles.

Kenya has many integrity champions. Our collective task now is to build the structures that make integrity the low cost, high reward choice for companies and citizens.

Global Compact Network Kenya remains committed to supporting the private sector to lead with transparency, responsibility and long term value.

10/12/2025

Human rights sit at the centre of inclusive societies and sustainable business. As we mark Human Rights Day, we encourage companies in Kenya to embed human rights due diligence across their operations and supply chains. This strengthens trust, supports competitiveness and ensures that business decisions respect the dignity and rights of all people.

To support companies on this journey, the United Nations Global Compact offers the 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫, a six-month programme that helps businesses identify their human rights impacts, establish an ongoing due diligence process, and develop concrete actions aligned with the UN Guiding Principles.

Participating companies learn how to integrate findings into operations, engage stakeholders, understand remedy mechanisms, and track and communicate progress with clarity.

Sign up for the Business and Human Rights Accelerator and advance your company’s human rights efforts: https://unglobalcompact.org/take-action/business-and-human-rights

10/12/2025

𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐚 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚 🎉 on ranking second worldwide in the United Nations Global Compact Business Integrity Action Challenge. With over 1,800 participants from 96 countries completing the Doing Business with Integrity course, Kenyan companies showed impressive engagement and a clear commitment to building a culture of transparency and accountability.

This achievement highlights the strength of Kenya’s private sector and its resolve to lead responsibly. Integrity is not an event; it is a long-term investment in better workplaces, stronger markets and a more resilient economy.

Later this month, we will celebrate the top Kenyan companies whose teams completed the course at outstanding levels, so keep an eye out for that.

Start your integrity journey or encourage your team to complete the course: https://academy.unglobalcompact.org/course/4230698 (Academy account required).

𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞’𝐬 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬

09/12/2025

We trust that you have found our call to action this International Anti-Corruption Day compelling. We conclude with Sheila Masinde, Executive Director of Transparency International Kenya and Board Member of the Global Compact Network Kenya, reminding us that integrity cannot thrive unless society is willing to confront the behaviours we often normalise.

She emphasizes that while Kenya has strong legal and institutional frameworks, lasting progress depends on shifting mindsets and building a culture where honesty is valued, accountability is expected, and unethical conduct is rejected at every level.

Sheila calls for collective responsibility, highlighting the role of citizens, businesses, and institutions in shaping a future where transparency is standard practice. Her reflections reinforce that anti-corruption efforts gain real momentum when people choose integrity in daily decisions and when leaders model the values they expect from others.

09/12/2025

Today, we were at the KICC with national leaders, partners and hundreds of young people marking International Anti-Corruption Day 2025 under the theme Youth Against Corruption, Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity. With more than 75% of Kenya’s population under 35, and Africa standing as the youngest continent globally, the role of youth in shaping our integrity agenda has never been more urgent or more powerful.

Speaking on behalf of the private sector, our Executive Director Judy Njino delivered a compelling message, reminding us that young people are not merely victims of corruption. They are one of the strongest forces we have in the fight against it.

She reaffirmed our commitment to advancing the Tenth Principle of the United Nations Global Compact and supporting businesses to build cultures anchored in transparency, accountability and fairness. She also highlighted the growing pathways for youth engagement in integrity centred leadership, including innovation and ethics roles emerging across the private sector.

The event convened influential leaders driving Kenya’s integrity agenda, including Hon. Salim Mvurya (Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs, the Creative Economy and Sports), Hon. Judith Pareno (Principal Secretary, State Department for Justice, Human Rights and Constitutional Affairs), Dr. David Oginde (PhD) FCS (Chairperson, Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission), and Mr. Mohamud Abdi (Chief Executive Officer, Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission).

We engaged with young people and partners throughout the day, and the energy in the room was remarkable. The reflections, lived experiences and bold ideas shared signal a youth movement that is ready to lead with integrity, challenge harmful systems and shape the future of this country.

As a member of the Kenya Leadership Integrity Forum, Global Compact Network Kenya remains steadfast in championing ethical business conduct, strengthening integrity ecosystems and empowering youth to drive a future defined by fairness, responsibility and opportunity.

09/12/2025

Abdi Mohamed, CEO of Absa Bank Kenya and Board Chair of the Global Compact Network Kenya, reflects on why ethical leadership must guide both strategy and day-to-day decisions.

He shares how Absa is integrating sustainability and integrity across its operations, from responsible lending and ESG-aligned investments to community empowerment through the Absa Foundation. For Abdi, leadership grounded in values is essential for building strong institutions and resilient markets.

He also highlights the importance of partnership, noting Absa’s collaboration with the Global Compact Network Kenya to advance responsible business conduct anchored in the Ten Principles. His message encourages business leaders to move beyond compliance and embed ethics into their organisational culture so that decisions consistently reflect transparency, accountability, and long-term thinking.

Watch the full message from Abdi Mohammed and join the call to grow Kenya’s private sector through principled and forward-looking leadership.

09/12/2025

Integrity is not an abstract value; it is a practical foundation for building competitive, resilient, and trusted businesses. This video compilation brings together voices from across Kenya’s private sector, partners and participants, each affirming that responsible leadership begins with setting the right tone at the top, strengthening governance systems, and creating cultures where ethical conduct is the norm.

From banking and manufacturing to academia and civil society, these leaders demonstrate how the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact guide companies to integrate ethics into decision making, value chains, and long-term strategy. Their collective message reinforces a simple truth: when businesses embrace transparency and accountability, they shape markets that are fair, stable, and capable of supporting sustainable development.

Hear directly from the CEOs championing integrity in Kenya’s business landscape: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXkgTvROsIE&t=4s

In Kenya’s dynamic private sector, integrity is more than a moral choice, it is a business imperative. In this collective message from participants of the UN...

09/12/2025

As we mark International Anti-Corruption Day, we are reminded that integrity shapes the strength of markets, the confidence of stakeholders, and the resilience of businesses. In this message, Judy Njino, Executive Director of the Global Compact Network Kenya, reflects on how the United Nations Global Compact helps companies align their strategies and operations with the Tenth Principle on anti-corruption. She emphasizes that business integrity becomes real when leaders commit to transparency, collaboration, and consistent action.

Judy also highlights Kenya’s progress, including international recognition of the Code of Ethics for Business in Kenya by the Basel Institute on Governance. The Code was developed through a private sector-led initiative spearheaded by the Global Compact Network Kenya, Kenya Association of Manufacturers and Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), and it continues to stand out as a practical and trusted framework that strengthens accountability and reinforces responsible business conduct across industries.

When the private sector upholds such standards, it becomes a powerful driver of trust, resilience, and sustainable growth.

Watch the full message and join us in championing ethical business in Kenya. Your leadership can drive the change our markets need.

09/12/2025

𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐆𝐁𝐕𝐇 𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚’𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐱𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐊𝐄𝐒 𝟗𝟓.𝟓 𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲, 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝟏% 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧’𝐬 𝐆𝐃𝐏? (𝐈𝐅𝐂, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓)

As the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence come to a close this week, we are sharing our joint op-ed, published with IDH and UN Women Kenya, that reinforces the urgent need to embed GBV prevention into Kenya’s agricultural value chains. Read it here: https://tinyurl.com/2u4bx3h4

Agriculture remains one of Kenya’s most important economic pillars, sustained by the labour of women across the country. Yet too many continue to work in insecure, low wage and informal roles that expose them to harassment, exploitation and violence, vulnerabilities further intensified by climate shocks and economic pressures.

At Global Compact Network Kenya, we continue to champion responsible business conduct through the Ten Principles, the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), and stronger disclosure through the Communication on Progress. Safeguarding is not separate from business performance, supply chain stability or global competitiveness, it is central to all three.

GBV prevention is not only the right thing to do, it is a business imperative for companies committed to building safe, productive and resilient workplaces.

Kenya can show that economic performance and human dignity go hand in hand.