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Sustainability
“Loftyinc capital on the Impact of Economic, Environmental, Social, and Governance (EESG) Factors on Investor Funding”
Sustainability Connect Talk Show: Kevin Simmons on Investing in a Greener Future
The Sustainability Connect talk show on Icon Radio featured Kevin Simmons, General Partner at LoftyInc Capital and Uwazi Advisors, who shared valuable insights on “Investing in a Greener Future.”
Some key Highlights of the talk were:
EESG Focus:
“Businesses exist to serve customers and generate profits, but they must also integrate environmental, social, and governance considerations,” said Simmons. He emphasized the growing importance of EESG (Economic, Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices in the business world. “In the last 3-4 years, there’s been a significant focus on climate action, partly accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Investment Strategy:
LoftyInc Capital focuses on investing in tech-enabled companies, particularly those led by African entrepreneurs who he refers to as Afropreneurs”We look for highly driven business owners solving significant problems,” Simmons explained. He cited Flutterwave as an example of a successful investment. “Technology is very impactful in business, especially in areas like healthcare,” he stated, giving an example of a South African healthcare that are dispensing medical services to villages through use of technology.
Sustainability and Regulatory Influence:
“With the Climate Act, businesses should invest in environmentally friendly practices,” Simmons urged. He stressed the importance of sustainable measures for business longevity and success, particularly in Africa. “You can put capital into a business, but if it doesn’t adopt sustainable practices, it may not survive.”
Startup Ecosystem:
Simmons highlighted the authenticity and problem-solving nature of successful startups. “Startups should build apps that genuinely benefit customers and take time to understand their needs,” he advised. He mentioned several successful startups in Kenya, including Ilara Health, Wazzi, Flexpay, and Farmz2u, as well as Rocket Health in Uganda.
Future Trends in Business:
“Personalization of energy and e-mobility, like electric vehicles, are rising trends,” Simmons noted. He also pointed out the importance of sustainable practices in food and agriculture and the shift from fossil fuels to battery-based solutions. “Driven by ESG values, companies are moving towards producing products in environmentally conscious spaces.”
Resilience and Growth:
“Business failures are part of the startup cycle,” Simmons remarked. “Out of the death of one business, another can be built. This cycle is natural and helps to create resilient and innovative new ventures.”
Conclusion:
Kevin Simmons’ insights on the Sustainability Connect talk show underscored the critical role of ESG in driving sustainable business practices. His emphasis on tech-enabled solutions and investment in African entrepreneurs highlighted the potential for significant positive impact in addressing major challenges across the continent.
Compiled by
ELIZABETH MAINA.
“Northern Rangelands Trust: Empowering Communities Through Conservation and Sustainable Development in Kenya”
The Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT) is a Kenyan organization established in 2004 that emphasizes community-led conservation and development. Supporting 45 community conservancies, NRT promotes sustainable management of natural resources and wildlife protection across 15 million acres. The organization utilizes a Community Conservancy Model, ensuring local ownership and governance to protect endangered species and drive economic development.
The Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT) supports ecotourism by establishing and managing community conservancies that operate eco-lodges and camps. These conservancies provide tourists with opportunities to experience wildlife and natural landscapes, generating income for local communities. This income funds community projects and conservation efforts, creating a sustainable economic model that benefits both people and wildlife. NRT also promotes the region through the “Big North” tourism brand, attracting more tourists and boosting local economies. Additionally, NRT offers training in hospitality, guiding, and business management to empower local communities to manage successful ecotourism enterprise.
NRT is also involved in women empowerment, where they undertake several initiatives to support and uplift women in the community conservancies. Programs like BeadWORKS provide women with opportunities to create and sell beadwork, generating income and promoting financial independence. NRT also involves women in conservancy leadership and decision-making processes, ensuring they have a voice in managing natural resources and community affairs. These initiatives not only improve the economic status of women but also enhance their social standing and influence within their communities.
One of NRT’s notable projects is the Northern Kenya Rangelands Carbon Project (NKRCP), which is the largest soil carbon removal project globally. Certified by Verra and awarded the CCB Triple Gold Distinction, NKRCP aims to sequester 50 million tons of CO2 over 30 years. This initiative generates income for local communities through carbon credits, supporting projects in water, infrastructure, and education.
NRT also addresses ethnic conflicts through peacebuilding programs and provides vocational training, such as the Ujuzi Manyattani program, to equip youth with marketable skills, fostering entrepreneurship and economic resilience.
Compiled by
ELIZABETH MAINA.
“Kenya Catch Me Adventures: Crafting Unforgettable Journeys in the Heart of Africa”
Kenya Catch Me Adventures is a premier tour operator based in Kenya, renowned for offering a variety of personalized travel experiences. Established by Bradley Morris in 2015, the company has built a reputation for crafting tailor-made itineraries that cater to the unique preferences of each client. This ensures that travelers have a unique and fulfilling experience, whether they are embarking on a safari, exploring cultural sites, or enjoying beach holidays.
The company provides a broad spectrum of tours that include safaris in Kenya’s renowned national parks such as Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Tsavo. In addition to wildlife safaris, they also offer bird-watching expeditions and cultural tours that allow travelers to engage with local communities and learn about their traditions.
One of the standout features of Kenya Catch Me Adventures is their team of experienced guides. These guides are not only knowledgeable about the destinations but also skilled at ensuring the safety and comfort of their guests. This expertise has contributed significantly to the company’s high customer satisfaction ratings.
The agency has garnered numerous positive reviews for their well-organized tours and exceptional service. Clients often praise the company for providing memorable and enriching travel experiences. The company has also received recognition and awards from various travel and tourism platforms, further establishing their credibility and reliability as a top tour operator in Kenya.
The company is deeply committed to eco-tourism and sustainable practices. Their mission emphasizes promoting responsible tourism, preserving the environment, and supporting local communities. They strive to create meaningful experiences that foster cultural exchange and appreciation, ensuring that their tours have a positive impact on both travelers and the destinations they visit
Compiled by
ELIZABETH MAINA.
“KCB Bank on Exploring the Climate Economy through Finance,Sustainability, and Creativity”
Exploring the Climate Economy: Insights from KCB Leadership Center
Icon Radio’s Wanjira Maganjo engages in an in-depth conversation with Rosalind Gichuru on the intersection of finance, sustainability, and the creative economy.
” As the Group Director for Marketing and Communications at KCB, I see myself as the chief custodian of our brand, which has been around for 127 years. KCB is all about people and ensuring we do better for all our stakeholders—internally, with customers, and within our community” Rosalind says.
She continued, “The creative economy is a significant driver of our national economy. Considering the median age of our population and the abundant talents among our youth, we realize the importance of focusing on this segment. KCB serves everyone, and it makes perfect sense for us to develop products and services tailored to the creative economy and the youth. Today, we are here with representatives from various sub-segments of the creative economy to understand their needs and figure out how to structure solutions—not just products—that matter to them.”
Addressing the broader theme of sustainability, Gichuru elaborated on KCB’s efforts over the past 17 years. “We have supported about 14 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our initiatives include water projects, gender equality, and climate change. For example, we aim to have 25% of our loan book green by 2026, supporting customers in integrating green solutions into their businesses. Through the FLME proposition, we also support women in business, ensuring gender equality not just in our workforce but at the leadership level as well.”
Gichuru emphasized the integration of sustainability in KCB’s operations. “Today is about mindset shifts, context, and perspective. We want to take what we learn here and co-create meaningful solutions to help build sustainable businesses for the future. Our core mission is to be here for people and for better, and we intend to continue this legacy for many more decades.”
Discussing financial literacy for the creative industry, Gichuru highlighted KCB’s existing initiatives. “Through our Tujiajiri platform, we support youth entrepreneurship with capacity building, business incubation, and market access. We collaborate with like-minded partners to provide opportunities for the practical application of learned skills.”
On the challenge of securing local funding, Gichuru responded, “While KCB doesn’t currently provide grants, partnerships and collaboration are at the heart of what we do. For example, we have funding available for women in business through our FLME proposition. We’re committed to listening, innovating, and applying our expertise to address the needs of young entrepreneurs.”
The event underscored the necessity of continuous dialogue around sustainability. “Thank you so much for your time and for inviting us to this important conversation,” concluded Gichuru. “Sustainability requires ongoing discussions, and we are eager to continue engaging with the community.”
The session at the KCB Leadership Center highlighted the importance of integrating financial solutions with sustainability efforts, particularly in supporting the creative economy and fostering future leaders equipped with the knowledge and resources to drive green innovation.
Compiled by
ELIZABETH MAINA.
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