EAST AFRICAN BREWERIES PLC COMMITS KShs 190 MILLION TO WATER CONSERVATION INITIATIVES ON WORLD WATER DAY.
BY NJOKI KARANJA
East African Breweries PLC (EABL) has announced a significant commitment of KShs 190 million towards the restoration of water towers in Kenya, coinciding with World Water Day this Friday. This initiative aims to combat the effects of climate change, reduce carbon emissions, and address water scarcity challenges in the country.
Eric Kiniti, Group Corporate Relations Director – EABL, presented a cheque worth Ksh 60 million shillings to Eddy Njoroge, President, Upper Tana Nairobi Water Fund Trust (UTNWFT). Looking on from the Left is Danny Rahdiansyah, Deputy Permanent Representative for UNEP and UN-Habitat, Laikipia Governor, Joshua Irungu, Nyeri Governor, Mutahi Kahiga and Mr. Julius Korir, CBS, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation during the pre-world water day stakeholders' breakfast event at Ole Sereni Hotel. This is in addition to the $1 million pledge taken at the State House.
Eric Kiniti, Group Corporate Relations Director – EABL signs a cheque worth Ksh 60 million during pre-world water day stakeholders breakfast event at Ole Sereni
The commitment comprises two tranches, with the first announced during a meeting between Ms. Debra Crew, CEO of Diageo (EABL’s parent company), and President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi. This initial investment underscores EABL's dedication to bolstering Kenya's environmental ecosystems, which are under constant threat from degradation.
Hotel. Looking (R to L on is Mr. Julius Korir, CBS, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, Eddy Njoroge, President, Upper Tana Nairobi Water Fund Trust (UTNWFT) and Laikipia Governor, Joshua Irungu. This is in addition to the $1 million pledge taken at the State House.
The second tranche of KShs 60 million was unveiled today, targeting water conservation and protection efforts in Nairobi's key water source, the Upper Tana, through collaboration with the Upper Tana Nairobi Water Fund Trust (UTNWFT). These funds will support initiatives focusing on water accessibility, availability, and quality, benefiting both communities and wildlife dependent on the Tana River.
Speaking at the event, EABL's Group Corporate Relations Director Eric Kiniti emphasized the company's commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability. He highlighted EABL's ongoing investments in water recovery projects within their production facilities and partnerships with UTNWFT and other stakeholders to ensure a more resilient future for the region.
Julius Korir, Principal Secretary for Water and Sanitation, praised these investments as crucial steps towards reducing water scarcity for millions of Kenyans and promoting responsible water management. He emphasized the need for sustainable solutions to mitigate water-related challenges and foster community co-existence.
Eddy Njoroge, President and Trustee of UTNWFT, lauded the partnership with EABL as a model for innovative water stewardship, showcasing the power of collaboration between the private sector, communities, and government.
The announcement coincides with preparations for World Water Day, highlighting the importance of dialogue, partnerships, and proactive measures to address water scarcity issues. The Upper Tana watershed serves as a prime example of successful public-private partnerships driving lasting impacts in water conservation and management.
This commitment by EABL reflects a growing trend of corporate responsibility and environmental stewardship, setting a positive example for sustainable development initiatives in Kenya and beyond.
