At a time when the heartbeat of our planet echoes a fervent cry for change, corporations are being called to step forward and embody the role of stewards for a sustainable future. Leading the charge is Jane Karuku, the pioneering force behind East African Breweries Limited (EABL), a company that has etched its commitment to sustainable development deep into its operational blueprint.
A Pioneer in “Grain to Glass Sustainability”
Under Jane’s visionary leadership, EABL has embarked on a groundbreaking journey to redefine corporate responsibility. With an ambitious goal to reduce its carbon emissions by 95% annually, the company has invested Ksh. 5.1 billion in renewable energy plants in Kenya and Uganda. These plants, a testament to innovation and environmental stewardship, are powered by a diverse range of sustainable raw materials such as macadamia shells, coffee husks, rice husks, and sugarcane bagasse.
The transition to biomass plants not only marks the phasing out of heavy fuel oils previously utilized at the EABL’s facilities but also showcases the company’s dedication to their “Grain to Glass Sustainability” ethos. A cornerstone of EABL’s Sustainability Strategy, this approach fosters sustainable solutions within local supply chains, effectively intertwining community growth with corporate responsibility.
A Catalyst for Green Employment
In a gesture that signifies the cyclical nature of sustainability, the initiative is set to create over 900 direct and indirect green jobs throughout their supply chain. Jane, who encapsulates both grace and grit in her role as MD and CEO, remarks, “It will foster partnerships with local farmers who we have contracted to provide the raw materials, knitting a stronger community fabric where corporate and community growth flourish hand in hand.”
Water Stewardship and a Zero-Waste Vision
A true golden woman at the helm, Jane Karuku has exhibited an unwavering commitment to water conservation. Guided by what some might liken to a maternal instinct, she has spearheaded the successful completion of 100% of EABL’s water collective action projects. This accomplishment has seen over 99,000 individuals benefit from improved water, sanitation, and hygiene programs, a stride that significantly surpassed its annual target.
As EABL forges ahead, it remains resolute in its mission to achieve Net Zero status in its direct operations by 2030. Already, a whopping 96.9% of the company’s electricity needs are met through renewable sources, a figure that eclipses its initial target. Further embellishing its impressive sustainability resume, the company has achieved a zero waste-to-landfill status, with all plastic use at the sites being either recyclable, reusable, or compostable.
A Beacon of Inspirational Leadership
Jane Karuku’s journey is a powerful narrative of resilience and leadership. As the first female Group Managing Director and CEO at EABL, her trajectory has been nothing short of inspirational. From her initial role as a Non-Executive Director in 2014 to her current position as the CEO, Jane has been an embodiment of transformative leadership. Her role has been pivotal in driving substantial investments, including the Ksh. 15 billion Kisumu brewery, which has been a boon to the local economy, creating over 100,000 jobs in the Lakeside region of Kenya.
With over 25 years of extensive experience in the fast-moving consumer goods sector and non-governmental organizations, Jane is a beacon of strength and leadership. Her accolades, including the Presidential Order of Service, Uzalendo Award, and the Order of the Moran of the Golden Heart, bear testimony to her significant contributions to Kenya’s socio-economic landscape.
Moreover, her recent appointment to the National Drought Response Steering Committee underscores her commitment to national service, as she takes an active role in mitigating the severe drought affecting parts of Kenya.
A Source of Light and Inspiration
Outside her corporate responsibilities, Jane is a mentor and an inspiration, resonating a passionate desire to foster growth and potential in others. “My purpose in life is to grow people with energy and to inspire them to unleash their potential,” she shares, embodying a spirit that seeks to uplift others. A woman of many facets, Jane enjoys nurturing connections through golf and networking, amidst her demanding work schedule.
As EABL unveils its roadmap for the next century, under Jane’s formidable leadership, it stands as a beacon of hope, innovation, and sustainability. The efforts towards fostering an environment of inclusivity, diversity, and positive drinking culture, mapped out in their 10-year Sustainability Strategy: Society 2030, are set to continue in earnest.
In the dynamic landscape of East Africa, Jane Karuku emerges as a golden woman – a beacon of resilient leadership and a herald of a sustainable, prosperous future. Through her stewardship, EABL is not just brewing beverages, but a brighter, greener future for all.