Kenya Association of Manufacturers

Code of Ethics for Business in Kenya

In 2011-2012, the Business community in Kenya came together to develop a guiding framework for ethical business practice. This resulted in a successful launch in March,2012 of the Code of Ethics for Business in Kenya in which 44 leading companies from various sectors of the economy signed up to adopt the Code. By adopting this voluntary Code, a business commits itself to conduct clean business with all its stakeholders- shareholders, employees, government, consumers, environment, society, suppliers, contractors and agents.

Based on the UN Global Compact Principles, the commitments revolve around the keys areas of anti-corruption, environment, human rights and labour standards.

As a show of commitment, a company, through the CEO, signs a commitment letter which is renewed annually. A company will be required to compile a report on progress on implementation of the Code. The first report is expected after 2 years since the sign-up date.

A copy of the commitment letter and the report will be kept at the Kenya Association of Manufacturers which is coordinating this through the Global Compact network.

So why Sign up?

v  It’s the right thing to do! Responsible Business is an obligation for a sustainable society. This is an excellent platform for this undertaking.

v  Self-regulation is best for Business. It is noted that where there is an absence of self-regulation in the private sector, heavy government regulation reigns, which tends to create an unfavourable business environment.

v  There is strength in numbers. A huge network of ethical commercial enterprises lends credence and strength to the business advocacy agenda. A critical mass of business with the same interests has the potential to cause transformative change.

v  A company benefits from capacity building (trainings, seminars, awareness, peer exchange forums, mentoring etc) that have been planned under this initiative.

v  It’s an opportunity to speak to the public and stakeholders about your commitment to sustainability, hence create confidence to your clientele and help shape a favourable public image.

v  The current constitutional dispensation and legal framework presents new obligations and expectations from businesses even as it creates a more enlightened and demanding society. This speaks of risks and costs which have to be managed.

    To download the Commitment Letter and the Code of Ethics for Business click on the link below.

CEO Commitment Letter_final

Code of Ethics for business_final

For more information logon to www.globalcompact.or.ke