Global Compact Network Kenya highlighted Kenya's commitment to Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) during the Dutch-Kenyan Business Forum, hosted in Nairobi as part of the State Visit to Kenya by Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands.
This State Visit marked a pivotal moment in Kenya-Netherlands relations, with a strong emphasis on strengthening trade and investment ties. The trade mission focused on sustainable agriculture and water, two priority areas for Kenya-Dutch governments.
The Dutch-Kenyan Business Forum brought together Dutch businesses, Kenyan private sector players, government agencies, and other stakeholders for an engaging discussion on innovation, sustainable agriculture, social impact, and the vital role of responsible business conduct in Kenya’s economic growth.
Global Compact Network Kenya led a session themed “Strengthening Responsible Business Conduct in Kenya’s Economy,” with Executive Director Judy Njino reaffirming GCNK’s commitment to advancing responsible business conduct in alignment with global goals. She highlighted the importance of private sector leadership in driving ethical, transparent, and inclusive growth.
She noted that GCNK is working with companies to embed responsible business practices into their operations, guided by the UN Global Compact's Ten Principles. Through peer learning, capacity-building, and targeted engagement, she emphasized that the organization supports businesses in going beyond compliance and integrating sustainability and human rights into their core strategies.
During a fireside chat moderated by Stephen Kimenye, Program Manager at Global Compact Network Kenya, Kakuzi Plc’s Head of Legal, Gender, and Human Rights, Janet Kabaya, shared insights into Kakuzi’s transformative journey toward Responsible Business Conduct, providing practical lessons for companies operating in high-risk sectors.
Ms. Kabaya emphasized that embedding RBC principles through Kakuzi’s operational grievance mechanism Program, Sikika, has been instrumental in restoring trust among stakeholders—including local communities, workers, investors, and regulators—thereby strengthening its social license to operate.
She further underscored the critical role of business leaders in championing responsible business practices, stressing that the private sector can and should lead the way in advancing ethical standards and inclusive development.