East African Breweries PLC (EABL) spent KSh5.9 billion on businesses owned by youth, women, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) during the past financial year, according to the company’s latest Sustainability Report. This expenditure represents 7.9% of EABL’s total supplier base, surpassing the initial target of 6%. The initiative is part of EABL’s strategy to promote economic inclusivity by integrating underrepresented groups into the company’s supply chain.
The report underscores EABL’s commitment to fostering diversity while contributing to the economic empowerment of marginalised communities. It highlights how EABL’s value creation extends beyond shareholder returns and its core business of manufacturing and distributing alcoholic beverages. The company has made notable strides in renewable energy adoption, water conservation, and community empowerment, further solidifying its role as a leader in sustainability.
Hon. Dorcas Oduor SC, the Attorney General, lauded EABL’s efforts, stating: “As one of Kenya’s oldest and biggest companies, EABL has done pioneering work around ESG [Environmental, Social, and Governance] in the country and the region. I’m delighted to see the progress towards sustainability and the prioritisation of the rights and dignity of all people, regardless of their gender, age, physical ability, or location.”
EABL Group Managing Director and CEO, Jane Karuku, added, “In 2024, we made significant strides in our commitment to gender equality by increasing the number of women in leadership roles across the business. Women now comprise 45% of our leadership team, reflecting our dedication to fostering an inclusive environment.”
Community Empowerment and Skills Development
A key highlight of the report is EABL’s success in empowering underprivileged communities through skills development programs. In 2024, the company provided business and hospitality skills training to 9,951 individuals, surpassing its annual target by 68%. Through the Learning for Life Initiative, 4,570 women received training in areas such as budgeting, time management, negotiation, and mixology, helping them secure employment or start their own businesses.
Environmental Achievements
On the environmental front, EABL reduced water usage in its manufacturing processes to 2.93 litres per litre of packaged product, exceeding its target of 3.07 litres per litre. The company also replenished 403,908 cubic metres of water, up from 361,217 cubic metres last year.
EABL has significantly cut its carbon footprint by fully utilising biomass plants at its breweries in Kampala, Kisumu, and Nairobi. This reduced direct carbon emissions from 28.29 kilotons last year to 21.4 kilotons. With these biomass plants now fully operational, EABL has increased its reliance on renewable energy to 75.49% of its total power consumption.
Additionally, EABL has implemented a successful project to collect used spirit bottles for reuse, gathering more than 17 million bottles in 2024. Over 500 youth were employed to collect, wash, sort, and store these bottles for recycling.
Through its ongoing sustainability efforts, EABL continues to strengthen its commitment to economic inclusivity, environmental stewardship, and community development, further positioning itself as a key player in Kenya’s sustainable future.
