The Kenya Network was first launched in the country in 2005 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with five local businesses. It was re-launched in 2007 to allow for greater private sector ownership, this time in partnership with a trinity of leading private business organizations in Kenya namely Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) & Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE). The secretariat is currently hosted at the Kenya Association of Manufacturers.
Global Compact Network Kenya is independent, self-governed and self-managed working closely with the UN Global Compact in New York.
Strategic Objective
The strategic objective of Global Compact Network Kenya (GCNK) is to spearhead and catalyze actions aimed at promoting good business practices by building capacity and awareness of ethics, integrity and Corporate Social Responsibility in furtherance of the UN Global Compact’s 10 principles. The Kenya network has gradually evolved to be a platform where businesses come together to:
- Share best and emerging practices to get solutions to common challenges faced
- Access UN Global Compact management tools and resources on relevant business issues
- Explore and form partnerships with a range of stakeholders to scale up initiatives in support of sustainable development
- Access advice, guidance and trainings on corporate social and environmental sustainability and integration
- Work collaboratively to lobby government on key thematic issues affecting business such as Corruption, Climate change among others