BAT Kenya is making big moves in sustainability, reporting strong progress in gender inclusion, environmental efforts, and farmer empowerment in its 2024 Combined Annual and Sustainability Report.

The latest report was released at the firm’s 73rd Annual General Meeting and showcases how the cigarette maker is balancing business with impact across its operations in Kenya.

Women Leadership

One of the biggest highlights of the report is the fact that women now make up 69 per cent of BAT Kenya’s senior leadership team, well ahead of the 45 per cent target it set for 2025.

Additionally, as part of its Rural Women’s Development Programme (RuWDeP), the company trained 208 women farmers in financial literacy.

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The multi-year programme is supported by a Sh10 million investment to empower women in BAT's contracted farming communities.

Greener Farms

BAT Kenya also revealed that more than 98 per cent of its contracted farmers grew additional crops like maize and avocados in 2024.

This is part of efforts to promote sustainable agriculture and improve farmer incomes beyond tobacco farming.

Slashed Emissions

On the environmental front, the report revealed that BAT Kenya managed to cut its direct carbon emissions by 54 per cent in 2024, beating its 2030 target of a 50 per cent reduction.

To power this change, BAT Kenya invested Sh145 million on solar energy between 2021 and 2022 and in the process ramping up its solar output to 1,400 kilowatt peak (KwP).

In that regard, BAT Kenya scooped multiple awards at the 2025 Energy Management Awards (EMAs), hosted by Kenya Association of Manufacturers, including recognition for performance in renewable energy and energy efficiency in transport and thermal systems.

Sustainable Future

Speaking on the report, BAT Kenya Managing Director Crispin Achola underscored the company’s commitment to pushing sustainability future for the planet and the people.

“We are proactively taking a leading role in tackling some of the most pressing sustainability issues globally and in our communities. This includes building a smokeless future, reducing resource use, and delivering on our climate goals.”

“We are proud to have halved our emissions ahead of schedule, promoted sustainable agriculture, and championed diversity and inclusion across our organisation,” stated Achola.

He added: “Our focus remains on creating value for our stakeholders, while driving real, lasting change in climate, circularity, communities, and harm reduction.”